How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Florida?
The average cost of a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is $1,067.12 per year. Depending on where you live, this average could vary substantially! If you're interested in a quote for a private flood insurance policy to compare costs to the NFIP, we offer both! Quote online to compare costs and coverages side-by-side with our quick online quote tool.
Average NFIP Flood Insurance Costs
City | Average Cost per Policy |
|---|---|
Jacksonville | $913.94 |
Miami | $426.93 |
Tampa | $1,666.72 |
Orlando | $637.37 |
St. Petersburg | $1,726.16 |
Hialeah | $585.00 |
Port St. Lucie | $645.13 |
Tallahassee | $1,151.97 |
Cape Coral | $1,858.65 |
Fort Lauderdale | $826.37 |
*NFIP Average Prices as of April 30th, 2025.
Our Private Flood Insurance Prices Are Often Lower!
Our private flood insurance averages are often much lower than those shown above! Get a quote online and find out how much we can save you.
Easily compare rates from top-rated private flood insurance carriers with an NFIP quote. We offer both! Quote online to compare prices and save money on flood insurance.
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Private or NFIP? We Help You Compare.
FloodPrice offers policies from both the NFIP and the private flood insurance marketplace. Our flood experts are standing by to help you compare costs and coverage options.
Let's Compare: | Private Residential Policy | NFIP Residential Policy |
|---|---|---|
Compliant with State Insurance Laws | Yes | No |
Maximum Building Coverage Amount | $5,000,000 | $250,000 |
Maximum Contents Coverage Amount | $500,000 | $100,000 |
Additional Coverage Options Available** | Additional Living Expenses & Carports | None |
Basement Contents Coverage Available* | Yes | No |
Waiting Period for Policy Inception (Waiting period waived for loan closing) | 7-15 Days | 30 Days |
*See policy for details.
**Limited coverage may be available for detached garage.
Learn More about Additional Living Expense and Loss of Use Coverage
NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance
How Can I Save on Flood Insurance in Florida?
To find cheap flood insurance that fits your needs, we suggest you compare both NFIP and top-rated private flood insurance options. We offer both! Use our online quote tool to quickly compare your price and options.
Unsure of which to pick? We’re here to help! Just give us a call at 866-503-5663, and we’ll help you compare prices to find an affordable policy that fits your coverage needs.
Do You Need Flood Insurance in Florida?
Due to the state’s unique geography, Florida is particularly prone to flooding, making flood insurance an essential safeguard for your home and finances. Even if your mortgage lender doesn’t require it, having flood insurance can be crucial to protect your home and finances. Floods can happen anywhere, and without insurance, you will likely be responsible for significant out-of-pocket costs to repair flood damage. Protecting your home now can save you from unexpected financial strain in the future.
Is Flood Insurance Mandatory in Florida?
Lenders regularly require flood insurance for properties in designated high-risk flood areas (known as Special Flood Hazard Areas, or SFHAs). They can face significant penalties from regulatory agencies if they don’t require borrowers to purchase flood insurance in zones starting with 'A' or 'V'.
If a property is damaged or destroyed by flooding, flood insurance ensures that the bank’s collateral (the property securing the loan) is covered, which reduces the risk of significant loss for both the bank and the borrower.
Furthermore, certain homeowners insurance companies such as Citizens require flood insurance in the state of Florida.
How Much Flood Insurance Coverage is Required?
The required flood insurance coverage amount is determined by the lesser of these three factors:
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The maximum flood insurance coverage available from the NFIP for the property type
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The outstanding principal balance of the mortgage, or
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The insurable value of the structure
Is Flood Insurance Required if I don't have a Mortgage?
Some homeowner insurers, like Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, now mandate that most policyholders have flood insurance. Even if your insurance company doesn’t require it, flood insurance can provide invaluable protection. Up to 25% of flood claims come from outside high-risk flood zones, and Florida’s unique geography as a peninsula makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding. Flood insurance can help protect your property and finances, offering peace of mind regardless of your location.
Does my Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Flooding?
Homeowners insurance generally does not include flood coverage. It’s up to the homeowner to obtain a separate flood insurance policy from either the private or an NFIP flood insurance. You can get started with our easy online quote tool.
Can I Get Flood Insurance if My Property has Previously Flooded?
Yes, you can still get flood insurance even if your property has a history of being flooded. However, previous flood damage may impact your premium and coverage options. Providing accurate information on your flood insurance application is essential to ensure any future claims are processed smoothly.
When is the Best Time to Buy Flood Insurance?
As soon as possible! Both private and NFIP flood insurance policies often come with a waiting period, meaning coverage doesn’t start immediately. If a hurricane or major storm is on the way, it may already be too late, as many insurance companies restrict approvals before significant weather events to prevent last-minute purchases based on forecasts. Since storms can strike unexpectedly, it’s wise to have your flood insurance policy in place well before disaster hits.
Flood Insurance Pricing Changes in Florida
The NFIP recently adjusted its pricing system called Risk Rating 2.0. Their view of risk assessment now aligns more closely with practices that private carriers implemented years earlier.
As a result, most policyholders in Florida have seen changes to their premiums. According to FEMA, approximately 66% of policyholders nationwide were projected to see price increases with the updated pricing methodology.
Why Did the NFIP Implement Risk Rating 2.0?
FEMA moved away from antiquated pricing based on flood zones and elevation certificates, and toward assessing each individual property. These adjustments are intended to more accurately reflect each property's unique flood risk. The following are considered by the NFIP when calculating your premium:
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Distance to water (river, coast, etc.)
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Cost to rebuild
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Flood frequency and types (coastal, riverine, and heavy rain)
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Ground elevation and foundation type
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Historical claims and mitigation efforts
Compare NFIP with Private Flood Insurance Premiums Online
At FloodPrice, you can compare NFIP and Private Flood Insurance quotes side-by-side with our quick online quote tool. This makes it easier to find a policy that fits your budget and your needs. While private policies often offer more flexibility and may be less expensive for some, the NFIP still offers robust coverage, especially in high-risk or FEMA-regulated zones.
Need help from a Flood Expert? Call us at 866-503-5663 for personalized assistance.
