Navigating Flood Risk in Florida with Flood Insurance
Flood zones in Florida span a spectrum, ranging from preferred zones to Special Flood Hazard Areas. While some areas may pose a higher risk than others, all of Florida is susceptible to flooding. The FEMA Map Service Center website can help identify a property’s flood zone.
All National Flood Insurance Program insurance rates are the same.
The National Flood Insurance Program is mandated by Congress to set rates that are actuarially sound to reflect each covered property’s true flood risk and are fairly distributed based upon individual risk levels.
While the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) sets uniform rates, private market options may offer more comprehensive coverage at competitive rates. Get a quotation for private flood insurance coverage by entering an address in the field below. Flood insurance coverage can conveniently be purchased directly through this link, but we are available at 954-251-3312 to check for additional offers of coverage, including an offer through the NFIP, which may be cheaper than the private market depending on the location of the property.
Homeowners and property insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage.
FEMA defines a flood as overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, mudflow, or collapse or subsidence of land due to erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as previously defined.
Understanding the recurrence intervals of floods provides insight into their frequency and severity, highlighting the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks. One measure of Florida’s susceptibility to flooding is its history of inundation events. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) charts past flooding events to provide insight for the probability and severity of future floods.
The USGS defines a recurrence interval as the average time between floods of a certain magnitude. For example, a 100-year flood has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year, while a 500-year flood has a 0.2% chance. A historic flood occurred on April 13, 2023 in Florida, mainly in the city of Fort Lauderdale. This was a 1-in-1,000 year event that produced more than 2 feet of rainfall.
In Florida, the recurrence intervals of floods vary depending on the region and environmental factors. Coastal areas are especially prone to flooding due to storm surges, high tides, and sea-level rise. Inland areas are not immune either, with heavy rainfall, tropical storms, and hurricanes causing rivers and lakes to overflow.
By 2027 all properties insured by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation with wind coverage must maintain a flood insurance policy.
Due to the recovering state of the Florida homeowners insurance marketplace, property owners often find that the most feasible option for homeowners insurance comes from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens), the state run insurance company of last resort. Not including condominium unit-owner policies, all properties insured by Citizens with wind coverage will be required to maintain a flood insurance policy to remain eligible for coverage with Citizens.