If you’re buying or reviewing homeowners insurance in Florida, you might be wondering:
Do I really need flood coverage?
And more specifically—can you get home insurance without it?
The short answer is yes—but in many cases, it’s not a risk worth taking.
Home Insurance vs. Flood Insurance: What’s the Difference?
A standard homeowners insurance policy covers things like fire, theft, wind damage, and personal liability. But it does not cover flood damage—even if the flood is caused by a hurricane or heavy rainfall. That’s where flood insurance comes in.
Flood insurance is a separate policy (often from the National Flood Insurance Program [NFIP] or a private carrier) that covers water damage caused by rising water, storm surge, or heavy rain runoff—not by internal plumbing or roof leaks.
Is Flood Insurance Required in Florida?
It depends on where you live and how your home is financed:
- If your home is in a high-risk flood zone (like many areas near the coast or bays in Panama City or Santa Rosa Beach) and you have a federally backed mortgage, then yes—flood insurance is required by law.
- If you’re in a moderate- or low-risk zone, flood coverage may be optional—but that doesn’t mean it’s unnecessary.
In fact, FEMA reports that more than 20% of flood claims come from outside high-risk zones. Translation? Flooding can happen anywhere in Florida.
Why You Might Still Want Flood Insurance
Even if you’re not required to carry it, flood insurance is one of the most important coverages a Florida homeowner can have. Here’s why:
- Florida is one of the most flood-prone states in the U.S.
Between hurricanes, tropical storms, and heavy seasonal rains, the risk is built into the geography. - Home repairs from flood damage can be costly
Just one inch of floodwater can cause over $25,000 in damage—and without flood insurance, you’ll pay those costs out of pocket. - Your mortgage company or windstorm carrier may start requiring it anyway
Florida’s insurance regulations are evolving. Some carriers (like Citizens Insurance) require homeowners to carry flood coverage to remain eligible for wind or hurricane protection.
The Bottom Line: It’s Not Required, But It’s Smart
So yes—you can get homeowners insurance in Florida without flood coverage. But doing so leaves a critical gap in your protection, especially if you live anywhere near water (and let’s face it, in Florida, that’s just about everywhere).
At St. Andrews Insurance, we’ll help you:
- Understand your flood zone
- Explore NFIP and private flood insurance options
- Choose the right policy based on your home, your location, and your budget
Ready to Close the Gap?
Whether you’re buying a new home, reviewing an existing policy, or just want honest guidance, we’re here to help.
Let’s protect your home from more than just the basics.