FLORIDA – Today is the first day of hurricane season, and experts say now is the time for Floridians to prepare for flooding, a risk that isn’t limited to the coast or to hurricanes.
Flooding this spring in Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood underscored how quickly heavy rain can overwhelm streets and homes. City crews continue working on a long term plan to reduce flooding there, and one resident said the start of hurricane season makes the threat feel more urgent.
Recommended Videos
Insurance experts point to three major flood-related issues Florida homeowners should understand:
1. Florida expanded flood-risk disclosures for home sales
Florida now requires more detailed flood-risk information to be provided when residential property is sold. Before a contract is signed, sellers must give buyers written disclosures about a property’s flood history, including whether the home has flooded, whether flood insurance claims were filed and whether the property received federal disaster assistance.
Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute said the new requirements go beyond a simple checkbox and can help buyers avoid surprises after purchasing a home. He said it also highlights why homeowners should consider flood insurance, even if they are not required to carry it.
2. Flood insurance requirements are expanding for Citizens customers
Florida’s phased-in flood insurance requirement for Citizens Property Insurance Corp. policyholders is continuing to broaden. Industry experts say most current Citizens customers are now required to carry flood insurance, and all new Citizens policies must include flood coverage.
Friedlander said the requirement is meant to reduce the number of homeowners who suffer flood damage without coverage, a problem exposed after Hurricane Ian.
3. Proposed changes to FEMA’s flood program are drawing debate
The flood insurance landscape is also being shaped by a political debate in Washington over the future of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. Proposals to privatize the federal program have generated debate, with supporters arguing it could reduce federal debt. Critics warn that higher premiums could discourage homeowners from buying coverage.
With forecasters predicting another active hurricane season, experts say flood insurance is worth considering regardless of where you live. Friedlander said no part of Florida is immune to flooding, noting major flood events have happened in inland and central Florida communities as well as along the coast.
What to know: A new flood insurance policy typically does not take effect until 30 days after it is signed. If you don’t have flood insurance, experts recommend securing a policy now.