Flood Insurance
Flooding is one of the most common and most damaging types of natural disasters.
Storm surges, high average rainfall, and low, flat terrain make Florida vulnerable to flooding. Flooding can happen to anyone, anywhere–it doesn’t just affect those who live near a body of water. There are many hidden risks that can put your house in danger of flooding.
Approximately 25% of flood claims happen in low risk areas.
Flood insurance financially protects your home from rising water that damages your home and personal property. Flood insurance may help pay to repair or rebuild your home and replace damaged personal property.
Florida law does not require homeowners to have flood insurance. However, for most consumers, your home is one of your largest assets and insurance will help to offset the cost to repair or replace your home. Additionally, if you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to have flood insurance, because it has a financial interest in the property and wants to ensure it is protected.
A flood policy is usually a separate policy from your homeowner’s coverage, but some private homeowner’s insurance companies may offer it as an endorsement (an option) on your policy.
Explore the resources below to learn more about flood insurance and how it may be beneficial for you:
Flood Insurance Consumer Education Materials
Flood Insurance: Anywhere It Rains, It Can Flood
Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate Consumer Guide
Learn the importance of having flood insurance coverage in Florida, even if your home is not located in a flood zone. This guide describes the differences between homeowners insurance and flood insurance and includes situational examples that explain which type of insurance may cover the damage.
Flood Insurance: Myths & Facts
Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate Consumer Guide
Flood Insurance myths and the facts that disprove them to ensure you have properly protected one of your greatest assets.
Flood Insurance: Know What To Do After A Flood
Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate Consumer Guide
Guidance and direction regarding flooding and the flood insurance claims process, including contacting your insurance company, documenting damage and working with your insurance adjuster. This guide also includes resources to obtain additional flood information.
The Flood Claims Process
Department of Financial Services' Division of Consumer Services' Guide
This guide walks you through the flood claims process to ensure you know what to expect after reporting a flood claim to your insurance company or agent: preparing for your inspection, working with your company adjuster, documenting your loss, receiving payment and your responsibilities in the process.
Flood Insurance For Renters
National Flood Insurance Program Guide
This guide is an overview of the contents-only flood insurance policy, sometimes referred to as a renters flood insurance policy, available through the National Flood Insurance Program. This type of coverage protects personal items in your rental unit in the event of damage by a flood.
Map Changes and Flood Insurance: What Property Owners Need to Know
National Flood Insurance Program Guide
The National Flood Insurance Program explains how flood maps are used and how they change over time due to new land use, community development and natural forces, which all affect how water flows and drains. Review this guide to find out how flood map changes may affect your flood insurance and property flood risks.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal flood insurance program for homeowners, renters and businesses and is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). NFIP was created to reduce the impact of flooding by providing flood insurance in an effort to assist with the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property caused by floods. Property owners have the option to apply for flood coverage through the NFIP or through a private flood insurance carrier.
Important National Flood Insurance Program Contacts
| NFIP Website | www.FloodSmart.gov |
| NFIP Email Address | FloodSmart@FEMA.DHS.gov |
| NFIP Help Center | 1.877.336.2627 Chat with FEMA Specialist: www.FloodMaps.FEMA.gov |
| Find an NFIP Agent | 1.800.427.4661 |
| File an NFIP Claim | Contact your insurance agent or company |
| Office of the Flood Insurance Consumer Advocate | www.FEMA.gov/Flood-Insurance/Advocate |
Flood Insurance Writers in Florida
A list of insurance companies in Florida that are eligible to write flood insurance outside of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for personal lines. This list is compiled based on information filed with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR).
Full Coverage: Your Directory of Insurance Resources
Contact Your ICA
Florida's Insurance Consumer Advocate
Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate
200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 413-5923
Email: YourFLVoice@MyFloridaCFO.com
