Flood Insurance

No. Standard homeowners and high-value home policies exclude flood, including storm surge, overflowing canals and rivers, and heavy rain that accumulates on the ground and enters the home. Wind-driven rain through a damaged roof may be covered by the home policy, but rising water requires a separate flood insurance policy.

The National Flood Insurance Program covers up to $250,000 for a residential building and $100,000 for contents. It does not pay additional living expenses while you are displaced, and contents are generally settled at actual cash value. For homes worth more, private or excess flood insurance can provide higher limits.

Read: Why NFIP limits are not enough for high-value homes

Most new NFIP policies take effect after a 30-day waiting period, with limited exceptions such as policies required at a home purchase or closing. Many private flood policies have shorter waiting periods. Because a waiting period applies, flood coverage should be in place long before a storm is in the forecast.

We strongly recommend it. FEMA reports that more than 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones. In Florida, intense rainfall, overwhelmed drainage, and storm surge can reach homes far from mapped zones, and coverage outside high-risk zones is often very affordable.

Read our Florida flood preparedness guide

Yes, on a phased schedule. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation began requiring flood coverage for homes with dwelling coverage of $600,000 or more in 2024, then $500,000 or more in 2025 and $400,000 or more in 2026. By January 1, 2027, nearly all Citizens personal residential policies that include wind coverage must carry flood insurance. Condominium unit-owner policies and policies that exclude wind are not required.