Florida’s homeowner insurers brace for an outbreak of home arsons set by cash-strapped homeowners looking for insurance money to escape from foreclosure. Homeowners are convicted of setting fire to their property face felony charges including arson, conspiracy and fraud. The charges could be much greater if someone is harmed. If the charges stick, homeowners who set their homes ablaze likely will be jailed.

The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud fears current market conditions could trigger an arson outbreak beyond normal levels. Falling home values and tighter lending rules are making it difficult for many people to refinance their way out of trouble, get loan work outs or otherwise escape foreclosure.

Central Florida law enforcement officials have tied an unusual crime spree of auto arsons to the housing market as homeowners try to “burn off” excess debt in order to make the mortgage payment. The right way to approach an impending default on a mortgage payment or foreclosure isn’t with a box of matches. At the first sign of trouble, work closely with the lender for a workout or refinance or seek other assistance, consumer experts advise.

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