I tried to get Allstate homeowners in Florida, too. Couldn’t do it, although they are more than happy to insure my car. Ended up with St John’s. I suppose it’s because Florida is so hurricane-happy, they can’t afford to insure us.
Part of the problem is the way insurance companies are set up in FL and all the other states as well.
In each state the insurance company’s liability is for that state alone, regardless of how big the parent company is.