Florida's public insurance company reversed course this week and said it will cover a couple's Gulf Coast retirement home, after previously telling the homeowners their policy wouldn't be renewed because of the home's tainted Chinese drywall.

``Without walking into a courtroom, this is one of my most proudest victories,'' said David Durkee, the couple's attorney.

Citizens had said it considered the drywall a pre-existing condition, leading to pollution that could cause future damage, something not covered under most policies nationwide. That's why the insurer said it had earlier issued a notice of non-renewal to James and Maria Ivory.

A Miami Herald report published Oct. 8 detailed the issue.

Following additional media reports, Citizens asked to perform a second home inspection last week. It told the couple on Thursday it reversed its decision and would continue the policy at least into 2011.

``We're just elated,'' said James Ivory, who has sued his builder to replace the wallboard in his Punta Gorda home. ``I mean, you never hear of an insurance company changing their mind.''

Citizens spokesman John Kuczwanski said ``this is all just so new'' that insurers are only now beginning to determine how to address it. He added, however, ``If someone has Chinese drywall, they can still get a policy with us.''

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida had sent letters to 11 insurance companies requesting policy guidelines on Chinese drywall and expressing outrage at cancellations.

Thousands of homeowners nationwide who bought houses built with the defective materials are finding their lives in limbo as hundreds of lawsuits like the Ivorys' work through the courts.

Experts warn that cases such as the Ivorys', in which insurers drop policies or send notices of non-renewal based on defective drywall, will become rampant as companies process hundreds of claims.

At least two private insurers have already canceled or refused to renew policies after homeowners sought their help replacing defective drywall.

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