The 30-Second Verdict
Both are national home warranty companies with large Florida presences — First American is known for better HVAC coverage, Choice for lower upfront pricing. Florida's demanding climate makes HVAC coverage quality the critical differentiator.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
First American Home Warranty
Pros
- Strong HVAC coverage — critical for Florida where AC runs 10–11 months/year
- Premier Plan covers additional items: roof leak repair, code violations
- Established since 1984 — one of the oldest home warranty companies
- Available in all 67 Florida counties
- Refrigerant (Freon/Puron) covered on some plans — expensive in Florida
- Generally higher satisfaction ratings for HVAC claims in Florida
Cons
- More expensive than Choice ($55–$75/month vs. Choice's $40–$55/month)
- Service call fee ($75–$125) on top of monthly premium
- Some exclusions for pre-existing conditions can be contested
- Customer service response times vary by region
Choice Home Warranty
Pros
- More affordable monthly premium — typically $40–$55/month
- Basic Plan and Total Plan are clearly structured and easy to compare
- No home inspection required to enroll
- Available for Florida homes regardless of age
- Marketing partnerships often include discounts for real estate transactions
Cons
- HVAC coverage caps and exclusions more limiting than First American
- Florida BBB complaints higher than industry average for some claim types
- Contractors in network vary in quality by Florida market
- Pre-existing condition language applied broadly in some denied claims
Side-by-Side Comparison
| First American Home Warranty | Choice Home Warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (Basic) | $50–$65/month | $40–$55/month |
| Service call fee | $75–$125 | $85–$100 |
| HVAC coverage | Strong — refrigerant often included | Moderate — caps apply |
| Roof leak coverage | Available on Premier Plan | Not standard |
| Florida BBB rating | A+ | B (varies by state) |
| Waiting period | 30 days | 30 days |
| Contract term | Annual | Annual |
| Best for Florida | Older homes with AC as top priority | Newer homes, budget-focused |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a home warranty worth it in Florida?
Yes — more so than in most states. Florida's climate means AC runs 10–11 months/year, dramatically increasing failure rates. A full AC system replacement costs $5,000–$12,000 in Florida. A $600/year home warranty that covers AC is cost-effective after just one repair. The key is reading HVAC coverage details carefully — caps, refrigerant coverage, and matched system requirements vary significantly between companies.
What does a home warranty NOT cover in Florida?
Common exclusions in Florida home warranties include: pre-existing conditions (a common denial basis), cosmetic components, pools and spas (unless specifically added), secondary refrigerant systems, code upgrades required during repair, and damage from Florida-specific causes like termites or flood. Read the fine print carefully — Florida's unique hazards (humidity, mold, hurricane damage) are often excluded.
Which home warranty companies have the best coverage for Florida pools and spas?
Standard home warranty plans from First American and Choice do not include pool and spa equipment. Both offer pool/spa add-ons for $100–$150/year extra. The add-on typically covers the pool pump, motor, and filter but not the pool structure, screen enclosure, or deck. American Home Shield (not compared here) is often cited by Florida pool owners as having the most comprehensive pool equipment coverage among the major warranty companies.