Do I Need Flood Insurance in Florida?

Your homeowners policy doesn't cover floods

Standard homeowners, condo and renters policies exclude flood damage: rising water from heavy rain, overflowing rivers or canals, and storm surge from a hurricane. Wind-driven rain coming through a damaged roof is generally a homeowners claim; water rising from the ground is a flood claim. Flood coverage is a separate policy.

When flood insurance is required

If your home is in a high-risk flood zone (FEMA zones that start with A or V) and you have a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, your lender will require flood insurance.

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida's state-backed insurer, also requires flood coverage for its policyholders in high-risk flood zones, and it has been phasing in the requirement for its other policyholders by home value, reaching all Citizens policyholders in 2027. If you're with Citizens, ask us where your home falls.

Low-risk zone doesn't mean no risk

According to FEMA, a meaningful share of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones. Recent storms have flooded neighborhoods far from the coast, especially where heavy rain overwhelms drainage. Flood insurance in moderate- and low-risk zones is often much less expensive, which makes it worth pricing even when it isn't required.

NFIP vs. private flood insurance

There are two main ways to buy flood insurance in Florida:

• The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), backed by FEMA, covers homes up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. Premiums are based on your individual property's flood risk.
• Private flood insurance can offer higher limits, coverage for temporary living expenses and sometimes shorter waiting periods. Mortgage lenders accept private policies that meet federal standards.

Condo owners and renters

A condo association's flood policy, if it has one, covers the building. Your unit's interior items and your belongings need your own coverage. Renters can buy contents-only flood coverage for their belongings, which is often very affordable.

Don't wait for a storm

NFIP policies generally have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts. The main exceptions are when flood insurance is required as part of buying or refinancing a home, or after a flood map change. Insurers also stop writing new policies when a storm is approaching, so the best time to buy is well before hurricane season.

Frequently asked questions