Florida Flood Insurance: How Can I Find Out If I’m in a High-Risk Flood Zone?

Florida is particularly susceptible to floods due to its flat terrain and the influence of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Knowing your flood zone, preparing your home, and taking out the correct amount of flood insurance helps you to protect your belongings and prevent a life-altering disaster. 

The easiest way to find out your area’s flood risk is to use the online tool provided by the Flood Emergency Management Agency. The website allows you to type in your address, a place near your home, or your longitude and latitude coordinates. Then, you are given information about the flood risk in your area. Based on your level of risk, you can decide whether you need to take action. 

Elevating electrical systems, such as outlets and circuit breakers, above the base flood elevation, can prevent water damage. Installing flood vents in the foundation equalizes water pressure and minimizes structural damage during floods. Additionally, landscaping choices, like creating swales and grading the yard away from the house, help to direct water away from the property.

Flood policies cover damage caused by rising water. They provide financial protection for a home’s structure and its contents. In a state prone to severe weather, this coverage is crucial, as regular home insurance typically doesn’t include flood-related damage. An insurance agent can help you find high-quality providers and choose the appropriate level of insurance based on your area’s flood risk zone. 

When you hire an insurance agent, they will assess your needs, considering factors such as your location, the local flood risk, and your home’s value, and work to secure policies that provide comprehensive protection. Get in touch with us at DTRT Insurance and ask us for quotes. We’ll help you access and evaluate the best flood policies available in your area.