What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Florida?

If you live in Florida, you know floods are not only a possibility but likely. Whether it’s a slow-moving tropical storm, a king tide, or storm surge, water finds a way onto land. And when it does, the damage can be significant. Flood insurance is helpful to protect you. But what does Flood Insurance cover? What does it not cover? When is it required?

In this article, we explore, at a high level, what flood insurance covers and what it does not.

As a company, we know hurricane preparation is critical. Installing impact windows and hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida is a big part of that. But flood protection and flood insurance is also important in Florida. In turn, educating yourself and preparing for wind and flooding is a good idea.

We want to make it clear that we are not insurance experts. So this may be helpful as an intro, but we recommend you do your own research and talk to an insurance professional. Our goal is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and how insurance may help. Our goal is not to tell you whether you need flood insurance.

Florida’s Flood Risk

Before we dive into what flood insurance covers in Florida, let’s talk flood risk in general in the state. Florida is, for the most part, low-lying and flat, which means its not elevated much from sea level. Also, it is in the direct path of Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes. These storms bring flooding with them via heavy rain and storm surge.

Even heavy rain storms in Florida have the potential to create significant flooding.

For instance, according to the National Weather Service:

• 20 inches of rain fell across Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, and North Miami between Tuesday, June 11, 2024, and Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
• The same storm system delivered 13 inches to Miami Beach during that time.
• Also in June of 2024 Southwest Florida experienced “excessive flooding” from heavy rain
• In 2023 the Fort Lauderdale area got almost 26 inches of rain in 12 hours, causing major flooding.

According to a study, four of the 10 most flood-prone counties in the country are in Florida. These include:

• Volusia County
• Miami-Dade County
• St. Johns County
• Brevard County

But, you don’t need to live in those counties to be at risk of severe flooding. Most counties in Florida have flood zones. Looking at a FEMA flood map for the state paints a clear picture.

Flood Insurance: Coverage Basics

Flood insurance, is usually underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This program is part of FEMA. The policies may be written and serviced by NFIP or private carriers. Regardless, the NFIP pays the claims.

These policies help homeowners recover after floodwaters invade their property. You should know it is not part of your standard homeowner’s insurance policy. You’ll need to get it as a separate, standalone policy.

If you have a standard NFIP policy you can review the coverage brochure online.

It is important to note that the coverage for building and contents are separate. You must apply for both separate.

Here’s what a policy covers in most cases (but your coverage will depend on your policy). Check your declaration page for details on your policy.

1. Structural Damage

Your policy covers structural damage to your home and its foundation. This usually includes your home’s foundation, walls, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC systems. It also usually includes built-in appliances (like water heaters). Say for instance, floodwaters weaken your foundation or short out your wiring. Your policy will usually help with repairs.

2. Essential Appliances

Flood insurance usually covers refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and even built-in microwaves. Your washer and dryer may have coverage too if you have contents coverage.

3. Flooring and Carpeting

If your permanent carpet is beyond repair, flood insurance helps replace it. But it only covers permanent flooring, not upgrades like high-end tile or custom work. It is helpful to know where your flooring falls on the insurability scale. This helps so you’re not shocked if your insurer only pays a certain amount toward replacement. 

4. Detached Garages (Limited)

One detached garage may fall under the NFIP policy, but only up to 10% of your total dwelling coverage. If you’ve got a workshop or guesthouse out back, you’ll need extra coverage. In most cases, you can add these to your flood insurance policy. But work with your agent to get the right coverage and understand what your coverage is.

5. Contents / Personal Belongings (Requires Content Coverage With Limits)

Clothing, furniture, electronics, and other personal items fall under contents coverage. They may have coverage, but only to a certain limit. NFIP policies cap personal property coverage. If you’ve got expensive jewelry, artwork, or collectibles, you’ll want a separate rider. Again, working with your agent can help make sure you get the right amount of coverage for your unique needs.

What Flood Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Here’s where people get caught off guard. Flood insurance doesn’t cover everything in your home. Knowing the gaps in coverage can save you the shock after a flood.

1. Temporary Houses & Living Expenses

If your home is unlivable after a flood, you’re on your own for hotel stays or rental costs. Unlike homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance doesn’t cover temporary housing. Serious flood damage will mean that you may need to spend time away from your home. There are other aid programs that may be able to help, such as FEMA.

2. Landscaping and Outdoor Property

Your policy will not cover your fences, decks, patios, and landscaping. It also does not coverage your well, septic, swimming pool, and other outdoor property.

3. Cars and Other Vehicles

Flood insurance doesn’t cover your car, truck, or motorcycle. You’ll need to get comprehensive auto insurance for that. Check with your auto insurance company to make sure you have coverage for flooding. Remember that flood-damaged vehicles are usually totaled.  

4. Business Losses

Flood insurance won’t cover financial loss from business interruption. It also won’t cover financial loss from loss of use of a business property. You’ll need a separate business insurance policy with flood coverage. You also may want to invest in business interruption insurance. This help cover some of your lost income if you’re unable to do business.

Helpful Flood Insurance Resources

• https://www.floodsmart.gov/
• https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/risk-rating
• NFIP Summary Coverage Brochure

Is Flood Insurance a Good Idea?

If you live in Florida, the answer is almost always yes. Standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. And given that just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage, having coverage is a no-brainer.

With that said, not everyone may need this coverage. Start by determining if you’re located in a flood zone. FEMA has accurate flood maps for the state (and the rest of the country) so you can tell your risk. 

The bottom line? Flood insurance is essential, but it’s not all-encompassing. Understanding what’s covered—and what’s not—helps you plan for the worst, so you can recover faster when the waters recede.