Bridges Insurance
Flood Insurance
Safeguard Your Property Against Flood Risks
Florida’s unique geography and climate make flooding one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the state. Whether caused by heavy rains, hurricanes, storm surges, or overflowing waterways, flood damage can devastate homes and businesses. At Bridges Insurance Agency, we help Florida residents and business owners find the right flood insurance coverage to protect their property and assets.
What Is a Flood?
According to FEMA, a flood is defined as:
“A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of 2 or more acres of normally dry land area or of 2 or more properties (at least 1 of which is the policyholder’s property) from:
- Overflow of inland or tidal waters; or
- Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or
- Mudslides (i.e., mudflows) which are proximately caused by flooding and are akin to a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, as when earth is carried by a current of water and deposited along the path of the current.; or
- Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.”
Why Flood Insurance Is Essential in Florida
Even properties outside FEMA-designated flood zones can experience flooding. Standard homeowners or commercial property insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage, making flood insurance a critical safeguard.
“I Only Need Flood Insurance in High-Risk Areas”
Many property owners assume that if they live outside a high-risk flood zone, they don’t need flood insurance. However, flooding can occur anywhere, even in areas considered “moderate-to-low risk.” Key points include:
Over 40% of flood insurance claims under FEMA’s program come from properties outside high-risk zones.
Floods caused by heavy rainfall, poor drainage, or tropical storms can impact properties in any area, not just coastal or riverfront locations.
Even a few inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, affecting flooring, furniture, personal property, and electrical systems.
Florida Flood Risk Factors
Flood risk in Florida is influenced by a combination of natural and man-made factors. Understanding these can help homeowners and business owners better assess their exposure and make informed insurance decisions.
1. Coastal Proximity and Storm Surge
Florida has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, making many properties vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, and storm surges. Even inland areas can experience water intrusion from elevated tides and heavy rainfall during storm events. Coastal surge flooding can reach several miles inland, especially in low-lying regions.
2. Heavy Rainfall and Tropical Storms
Florida experiences frequent and intense rainfall, particularly during the June–November hurricane season. Sudden tropical storms or slow-moving hurricanes can drop 6–20 inches of rain or more in a short period, overwhelming drainage systems and causing flash floods. Importantly, flooding from rainfall can affect areas far from rivers or the coast, including urban and suburban neighborhoods.
3. Low-Lying and Flood-Prone Areas
Much of Florida is naturally low-lying, with flat topography and high water tables. Cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Orlando contain significant areas of low elevation, which can be particularly susceptible to standing water, ponding, and street flooding. Even minor rainfall events can create temporary flooding in these regions.
4. River and Inland Flooding
While coastal flooding is often top of mind, rivers and inland waterways can also flood, especially after heavy rain or hurricanes. Florida’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands can overflow, impacting homes and businesses in inland communities.
5. Urban Development and Drainage Limitations
Urbanization increases flood risk in several ways:
- More impermeable surfaces (roads, parking lots, rooftops) reduce natural water absorption.
- Aging or inadequate stormwater drainage systems can be overwhelmed during heavy rain events.
- Development in natural floodplains can redirect water flow, creating unexpected localized flooding.
6. Sea Level Rise and Climate Change
Rising sea levels have increased baseline flood risk along Florida’s coastlines, even during non-storm periods. High tides, king tides, and minor storms can now trigger flooding that would have been unlikely decades ago. Long-term projections show this risk is expected to increase in coming years.
7. Localized Factors
Other factors may influence flood risk for a specific property, including:
- Soil type and drainage characteristics
- Proximity to canals, retention ponds, or wetlands
- Elevation relative to nearby water bodies
- Historic flooding patterns in the neighborhood
Understanding all these risk factors is critical because flooding in Florida is not limited to high-risk FEMA flood zones. Even properties considered “moderate-to-low risk” can experience costly flood damage. You can check your property’s flood risk using FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center
Flood Insurance Options: NFIP vs. Private Coverage
Once you understand your flood risk, it’s important to know how coverage options differ to protect both your property and belongings. In Florida, flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program administered by FEMA, or through private insurers.
What Flood Insurance Covers
Flood insurance policies generally cover two main areas:
Structure: The physical building, including the foundation, walls, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC, and built-in appliances.
Contents: Personal property such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and business equipment (depending on the policy).
NFIP Coverage
NFIP policies are government-backed and widely available, with standard residential coverage limits up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. While reliable, NFIP coverage has some limitations, such as lower coverage caps, limited optional protections, and restrictions for basements, detached structures, and certain valuable items.
Private Flood Insurance
Private flood insurance offers more flexibility and customizable coverage options. In addition to standard structure and contents coverage, private policies may include:
- Replacement cost coverage for personal property and building components
- Basement and foundation coverage beyond NFIP limits
- Detached structures and garages
- Additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to flooding
- Valuable items or equipment not fully covered under NFIP
Rates are typically based on property-specific factors such as elevation, construction type, and flood mitigation measures. Private policies are not federally backed, and availability can vary by location.
Waiting Period
Flood insurance policies often have a waiting period before coverage takes effect. That means you can’t purchase a policy at the last minute in response to a storm warning. Securing coverage well in advance ensures you’re protected before heavy rain, tropical storms, or hurricanes strike.
Elevation Certificates
Flood premiums can be influenced by your property’s elevation relative to floodwaters. An Elevation Certificate measures your home or building height and helps insurers determine risk. Properties built above base flood elevations may qualify for lower premiums, while those below may face higher rates. You can check if an Elevation Certificate exists for your property via the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Get a Flood Insurance Quote in Florida
At Bridges Insurance Agency, we help Florida homeowners protect what matters most. Our experienced, Tallahassee-based team will walk you through your options, explain what’s covered, and shop multiple top-rated carriers on your behalf to find the right fit for your needs and budget.
Give us a call at (850) 354-8900 or contact us online to get started today. We’re here to simplify the process and make sure you’re prepared—no matter what Florida weather brings.