Florida is home to stunning coastlines and beautiful weather. But Floridians know that along with the beautiful bodies of water comes the possibility for flooding, especially during hurricane season.

Flood insurance is crucial for Florida homeowners, because damages caused by floods are usually excluded from homeowner’s insurance policies. Let’s break down everything you need to know about flood insurance in Florida.

How Much Damage Can a Flood Do?

Here’s a not-so-fun fact: one small inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage in your home, according to FEMA. That’s why flood insurance is so important.

An inch of water can happen even without a hurricane or major storm, depending on where you live and your risk of flooding. And since flood damage isn’t covered by most homeowner’s policies, that single inch of water can be a major hit to your finances.

Do I Need Flood Insurance in Florida?

There are certain scenarios where flood insurance might be required in Florida. Some communities in the highest risk flood zones may participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. If you live in one of these communities and have a federally-backed mortgage, flood insurance could be a requirement.

Since Florida is a flat state with so many bodies of water, flooding is a common occurrence. Flood insurance covers a number of different rising water scenarios, making it a helpful protection option for Floridians, even when it’s not required.

When shopping for a home in Florida, looking at a flood map can help you determine the flood risk for a property. Keep in mind, a property’s flood risk can change over time, so make sure you always know where your property stands.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance policies have two types of coverage; building coverage and contents coverage. Each option covers different areas of the home.

Building coverage may include items like:

• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Built-in appliances like dishwashers
• Refrigerators and stoves
• Foundation walls, staircases, and anchorage systems
• Furnaces and water heaters
• Permanently installed home items such as carpeting and cabinets
• Window blinds
• Detached garages
• Fuel and water well tanks
• Solar energy equipment

Contents coverage may include items like:

• Washers and dryers
• Window and portable air conditionals
• Personal belongings like clothes, furniture, and electronics
• Carpets excluded from building coverage (such as carpet installed over wood floors)
• Microwaves
• Curtains
• Valuable items up to $2,500, like original artwork and furs

Keep in mind that policies can vary, so always review the particulars of what is included in your flood insurance policy.

Another important point to consider is that coverage is determined by the cause of flooding. This means that the losses must be caused by flooding. So if a sewer backup caused flooding, that would not be covered unless the actual backup was caused by flooding.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

The price of flood insurance is based on a number of factors. To start, your home’s flood zone will impact your risk of flooding. The construction, foundation, occupancy and distance to flood source are additional factors that impact the premium.

The type of coverage you purchase, and the deductible and amount will also impact the cost. To get an accurate estimate of flood insurance costs, reach out to an insurance provider for an estimate.