Florida Flood Insurance Guide for Homeowners

Florida homeowners have two main flood insurance options: **National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):** The NFIP is a federal program that provides flood insurance for properties in communities that participate in the program. NFIP policies have maximum coverage limits of $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. NFIP premiums are based on the property's flood zone, BFE, and the elevation of the building. **Private flood insurance:** Private flood insurance is available from several insurers in Florida and may offer higher coverage limits, broader coverage, and lower premiums than the NFIP for some properties. Private flood insurance has grown significantly in Florida in recent years. For coastal properties in high-risk flood zones, Pineland Engineering recommends consulting with a Florida-licensed insurance agent who specializes in flood insurance.

Florida homeowners can reduce their flood insurance premiums by: - **Elevating the building:** The higher the building is above the BFE, the lower the flood insurance premium. Each foot of additional elevation above the BFE can reduce the NFIP premium by 10–30%. - **FEMA Community Rating System (CRS):** Many Florida communities participate in the CRS, which provides discounts on NFIP premiums for properties in communities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. - **Accurate elevation certificate:** An accurate elevation certificate showing the building's elevation above the BFE is required for proper NFIP rating. Use our ElevationCalc FL calculator to find the BFE and required elevation for your Florida property.