GWR Insurance Group, a Gainesville, Florida insurance agency (License L136942), wrote this plain-English guide to flood coverage for Florida homeowners and renters.
Short answer: home, condo and renters policies do not cover flood. Flood coverage is a separate policy, available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and through private flood insurers.
NFIP policies have two parts: building coverage, up to $250,000 for a residential building, and contents coverage, up to $100,000 for personal belongings. Renters can buy contents coverage alone. Details are on FEMA's FloodSmart site.
NFIP policies generally take effect 30 days after purchase. Exceptions include coverage required in connection with making, increasing, extending or renewing a loan.
Look up your address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. Lenders require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages in high-risk zones, but many flood claims come from outside them.
We quote flood options and explain what each one covers, so you can see coverage and cost before you decide.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding? No. Flood needs a separate policy.
How much flood coverage can I get from the NFIP? Up to $250,000 for a residential building and up to $100,000 for contents, per FEMA.
Sources: FEMA FloodSmart: What does flood insurance cover? · FEMA: NFIP waiting period · FEMA Flood Map Service Center · FEMA FloodSmart
GWR Insurance Group LLC is a Florida insurance agency (License L136942) at 2950 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608. Tyler, our owner, lives in Nocatee and serves St. Johns County personally. Call (352) 378-3395 or email tyler@gwrinsurancegroup.com. Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM ET; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Related: Flood insurance in Gainesville · Florida home insurance · Guide: Hurricane season insurance prep · Our Gainesville office
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