Why Flood Insurance Is a Must-Have During Hurricane Season  

Florida’s hurricane season stretches from June through November, a time when residents watch the skies and the weather apps closely. Each year, meteorologists project the number of expected storms and emphasize the risks, yet many homeowners are still caught off guard, not just by the wind but by the water.  

Flooding is often the most damaging and financially devastating result of a hurricane, and many homeowners don’t realize that their standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover it. The scale of destruction can be overwhelming: washed-out roads, inundated basements, and weeks of remediation work. As more powerful and wetter storms continue to batter coastal and inland communities, flood protection becomes a key consideration for Florida residents.  

Why Standard Home Insurance Isn’t Enough in Florida  

Many Florida homeowners assume that if a hurricane damages their home, their insurance will handle the rest. That belief can lead to unfortunate surprises. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind-related damage, up to a point. Are the roof shingles ripped off? Possibly covered. A tree crashing through the garage? Maybe covered. But floodwaters seeping into your living room and ruining your floors, walls, and furniture? Not likely.  

That kind of damage is classified as flooding and is not included in typical homeowners’ policies. Without flood insurance, you’re responsible for all repairs, replacements, and cleanups—costs that often stretch well into the tens of thousands of dollars. What’s more, the remediation process for water-damaged materials can be complex, involving mold treatment, electrical safety inspections, and structural assessments.  

The Rising Cost of Flood Damage in Florida  

Flooding has become more severe in recent years due to rising sea levels, heavier rainfall patterns, and coastal development. A storm no longer has to be a Category 4 hurricane to cause widespread flooding. Even tropical storms or slow-moving systems can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems and flood neighborhoods.  

In Florida, new development often means paving over natural drainage areas, which increases runoff and the potential for flooding. Flood damage is not confined to coastal areas. Rivers, lakes, and retention ponds in inland Florida communities can overflow just as easily as oceanfront neighborhoods flood from storm surge. The risk is spread across the state, meaning more homeowners are at financial risk than ever before.  

The average flood claim in the U.S. hovers around $30,000; however, Florida, due to its high exposure, often sees claims that far exceed this amount. Imagine having to pay that out-of-pocket while also managing temporary displacement and reconstruction delays.  

What Flood Insurance Covers  

Flood insurance typically comes in two components: building coverage and contents coverage. Building coverage pays for the repair or replacement of your home’s structure, including electrical systems, plumbing, flooring, and appliances. This can also include built-in items, such as cabinetry and water heaters. Contents coverage, on the other hand, helps protect your personal belongings, including clothing, furniture, electronics, and small appliances.  

Policies under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can offer up to $250,000 in building coverage and $100,000 in contents coverage. These limits are often sufficient for modest homes, but private insurers may offer higher limits or additional coverage features for larger or luxury properties. Either way, having flood insurance means you’re not relying solely on federal disaster relief, which often comes in the form of low-interest loans that must be repaid, adding more financial stress during recovery.  

Misconceptions About Flood Risk Zones in Florida  

One common myth is that if you live outside of a designated high-risk flood zone, you don’t need flood insurance. However, over 20% of flood claims originate from properties outside these zones. Flood zones are determined using historical data, but they don’t always reflect newer development patterns, changing climate behaviors, or updated storm runoff models.  

Just because your mortgage company doesn’t require flood insurance doesn’t mean your home is safe. Florida’s flat terrain, sudden downpours, and aging infrastructure create ideal conditions for localized flooding. Streets and yards that appear dry most of the year can become temporary ponds in a matter of minutes. Communities in Orlando, Gainesville, and even parts of the Panhandle are known to flood despite not being located along the coast. If water finds a path—and it often does—your home is at risk.  

Timing Is Everything: The 30-Day Waiting Period  

Flood insurance isn’t like calling your agent and getting instant coverage. Most policies, especially those under the NFIP, come with a 30-day waiting period before they take effect. That means if you wait until a storm is brewing in the Atlantic, it’s already too late to get covered in time.  

This delay is intended to prevent homeowners from purchasing flood insurance only when they see imminent danger. The best time to review or buy flood insurance is well before hurricane season starts or between storms when there’s no immediate weather threat. This timing gives you peace of mind and ensures you won’t be scrambling when the forecast turns threatening. It also helps ensure you’re not rushing through policy details under stress, potentially overlooking important provisions or exclusions.  

The Role of Private Flood Insurance in Florida  

While the NFIP has been the traditional go-to for flood insurance, Florida homeowners are increasingly turning to private insurers. These policies can provide more tailored coverage based on your property’s location and risk profile. Homeowners may find:  

• Higher coverage limits for buildings and contents  

• Shorter or no waiting periods  

• More flexible coverage for basements, garages, or external structures  

• Additional living expense provisions that NFIP typically doesn’t include  

Private flood insurance is particularly attractive for homeowners with high-value homes or unique risks that the NFIP doesn’t fully address. Working with a knowledgeable insurance agent helps determine which path—public, private, or a combination—fits your property’s needs.  

How Flood Insurance Fits into a Holistic Hurricane Plan  

Flood insurance is just one layer of a broader storm preparedness strategy. To fully protect your home and finances during hurricane season, you should:  

• Review your homeowner’s policy for windstorm and hurricane deductible details  

• Confirm your flood policy limits and what’s covered  

• Keep an up-to-date home inventory with photos and receipts  

• Elevate valuable belongings in flood-prone zones of your home  

• Prepare your landscaping and drainage systems to handle heavy rains  

Having flood insurance isn’t just about protecting walls and floors—it’s about protecting your long-term stability. When storms pass, flood coverage helps you recover faster, with fewer financial burdens.  

How Shapiro Insurance Group Helps Florida Homeowners  

At Shapiro Insurance Group, we understand Florida’s storms and how quickly conditions can change. We help homeowners find the right flood insurance options based on their location, budget, and property type.  

Our team reviews your existing coverage, identifies any gaps, and helps you apply for NFIP or private flood policies depending on your needs. We also keep an eye on changing flood maps and regulations so you don’t have to.  

From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Naples, we support homeowners across Florida who want to protect more than just the basics. Call us today at 1-800-563-5467 to get started.  

The Time to Act Is Now  

Once a storm is named, most insurers will not issue new policies or adjust existing coverage. That’s why you should secure flood insurance before the first raindrop falls.  

Florida’s weather is unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. Secure flood coverage while the skies are still clear, and take one more worry off your list this hurricane season.  

Reach out to Shapiro Insurance Group at 1-800-563-5467. We’ll help you review your options and prepare your home for whatever the season brings.