Nationwide gets state OK to raise homeowner rates 21.3 percent.

Byline: David Sedore

Jul. 9--Nationwide Insurance Co. has received state approval to raise homeowner rates by a statewide average of 21.3 percent and mobile-home rates by an average of 25 percent.

The state Office of Insurance Regulation notified the company by e-mail Tuesday that it approved the rate hikes. According to the note, Nationwide customers will begin to feel the higher rates on Sept. 8.

State officials were not available for comment late Friday.

The higher rates will mean the average Nationwide customer in Florida now paying $1,000 for coverage will see his or her bill rise to $1,213. A customer paying $2,000 will see see a bill …