Are Florida Homeowners Really Covered for Unusual Liability Risks?

That’s where “unusual and excessive liability exposure” comes in. It’s a lesser-known but important part of homeowner insurance, especially in Florida where lawsuits can get wild.

What Counts as “Unusual” Liability?

This isn’t your standard “someone slipped on the driveway” type of risk. We're talking about stuff that bumps up the danger—and the odds of someone filing a lawsuit against you.

Here’s what often gets flagged:

• Trampolines – Frequent source of sprains, fractures, and ER visits.
• Skateboard or bike ramps – High impact falls, especially without helmets.
• Slides and diving boards – One bad landing can cause serious injuries.
• Pools or spas without barriers – Easy access equals major liability, especially with kids.
• Motorized gadgets – E-bikes, scooters, hoverboards… fun, but risky when accidents happen.

What catches many people off guard? You might still be liable even if the injury happens somewhere else. If it’s your equipment—or you gave permission—it could legally trace back to you.

Why This Matters in Florida

Liability risks hit differently in Florida. The state’s laws often favor the injured party—sometimes even when they weren’t invited onto your property.

One key rule to know is the attractive nuisance doctrine. It holds homeowners responsible if something on their property (like an unfenced pool or a trampoline) is likely to attract children and poses a danger. Even if a child trespasses, you could still be liable for their injuries.

Here’s what that might look like in real life:

• A neighborhood kid sneaks into your yard, jumps on your trampoline, and breaks an arm.
• A guest crashes off your DIY skateboard ramp and racks up medical bills.
• You’re riding your e-scooter, accidentally hit a pedestrian, and now face a negligence claim.

Florida also has a high rate of personal injury lawsuits, and legal costs add up fast—even when you think you've taken all the right precautions. That’s why having the right liability protection isn’t optional here—it’s essential.

Do All Insurance Policies Cover This?

Not always—and that’s where many Florida homeowners get caught off guard.

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include personal liability coverage. But when it comes to high-risk features like trampolines, ramps, or motorized scooters, the rules change. Insurers often view these as “attractive nuisances” or “excluded hazards,” and coverage varies widely.

Here’s what you might find:

• Complete exclusions – Some insurers flat-out refuse to cover injuries linked to trampolines, diving boards, or skateboard ramps.
• Conditional coverage – Others might only extend liability protection if you meet specific safety requirements, like installing a trampoline net or fencing around your pool.
• Endorsements required – Motorized devices (like e-bikes or hoverboards) are usually not included in base policies. To get coverage, you’ll need to add a rider or endorsement—and that means paying extra.

Why does this matter? Because if someone gets injured and your policy excludes the risk, you’re paying out of pocket for legal fees, medical bills, and damages.

So don’t just assume you're protected. Read your policy or, better yet, ask your agent specific questions:

• Does my policy cover trampoline-related injuries?
• What about e-bike accidents?
• Is liability coverage reduced or excluded for ramps or pools without fences?

Understanding the fine print now can save you thousands later.

What Makes Edison Insurance Different?

Edison stands out because they include $25,000 of coverage for these high-risk situations in every home and condo policy—no extra charge. That’s a built-in buffer most insurers don’t offer.

Here’s what that covers:

• Medical bills or lawsuits if someone gets hurt
• Property damage tied to one of these risks
• Legal costs if you’re sued

It’s not a replacement for umbrella insurance (which kicks in when bigger lawsuits go beyond your regular limits), but it does give you a head start on coverage for risky stuff.

Protecting Yourself

Even with solid insurance coverage, prevention is your first line of defense. Lawsuits can still happen, but taking basic safety steps can limit both the chances of injury and the likelihood you'll be held responsible.

Here’s what Florida homeowners should focus on:

• Secure your pool or spa - Install a fence with a self-latching gate, use a pool cover, and follow Florida’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act. This isn’t just smart—it’s required by law in many cases.
• Supervise risky activities - Don’t leave kids unsupervised on trampolines, ramps, or near water. Accidents happen fast, and adult supervision makes a big difference in preventing injuries.
• Use the right safety gear - Helmets, pads, and proper footwear reduce the severity of injuries on trampolines, scooters, and ramps. Encourage rules and make sure they’re followed.
• Know your insurance inside and out - Don’t wait until after an accident to check if you’re covered. Review your policy, understand any exclusions, and talk to your agent if something’s unclear.

Taking these precautions won’t eliminate all risk—but they do show responsibility, which can help if a claim ever turns into a legal case. And more importantly, they help keep people safe.

What You Can Do Next

Liability risks from trampolines, scooters, and pools aren’t just hypotheticals—they’re common, and they can lead to serious financial trouble if you’re not covered.

Here’s how to stay ahead of it:

• Review your current homeowners policy for exclusions
• Check if high-risk items around your home are protected
• Ask your agent about liability limits and potential gaps
• Consider policies that include extra coverage by default—like Edison

If you’re unsure where you stand, Worth Insurance can help break it down and compare your options. A quick review could save you from a costly surprise later.