Florida homeowners should be aware of their hurricane insurance policies and what they cover. If your property was flooded during a recent hurricane, you may be wondering if your hurricane insurance policy covers the flood damage. In this blog post, we will discuss hurricane insurance policies in Florida and why most do not cover flood damage.

Has your hurricane damage claim been denied or underpaid? Our law firm has highly experienced hurricane insurance claim attorneys that can help you. Contact Herman & Wells to speak to an experienced insurance dispute attorney if you have any questions about your specific policy or if you believe your insurance provider has made the wrong decision, call (727) 821-3195.

In addition to residential property damage claims, our attorneys are able to help recover damages to commercial properties in Florida as well.

A flooded street in Florida due to a hurricane.

The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post

  • 1
    Hurricane insurance is not required in Florida, but it is sold as part of the standard homeowner’s insurance policy.
  • 2
    Most policies do not cover hurricane damage, so homeowners should purchase a policy that does.
  • 3
    Flood insurance may be required depending on location, and it should be purchased separately from a standard policy.
  • 4
    Hurricane insurance covers damages caused by high winds and storm surges, and can pay to repair or rebuild homes if they are damaged by a hurricane.
  • 5
    According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US, with 62 major hurricanes since 1851.
  • 6
    Homeowners should be aware that their hurricane insurance typically only covers wind damage and debris damage – flooding is usually excluded unless specifically purchased as an optional rider or through a separate policy.
  • 7
    There are two types of hurricane insurance coverage: wind coverage and storm surge.
  • 8
    When a hurricane is approaching, homeowners should clear gutters/downspouts, trim trees/shrubs around property and secure outdoor furniture & items that could be blown away.
  • 9
    If you’ve suffered flood damage from a hurricane and have no flood insurance coverage, contact your insurer for any available options or inquire with FEMA.

Is Hurricane Insurance Required In Florida?

No, hurricane insurance is not required in Florida. However, since Florida is located in a hurricane-prone area, hurricane insurance is sold as a part of the standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Hurricane insurance typically only covers wind damage and damages caused by flying debris. However, it does not typically cover flooding. So, if you’re concerned about flooding due, you will want to purchase separate flood insurance.

How About Flood Insurance?

There is no definitive answer, as the requirements often vary depending on your specific location within the state. However, it is generally recommended that you have flood insurance if you live in a hurricane-prone area. As stated above, many homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding. If you live in a high-risk area, your mortgage lender will require you to buy a separate policy to protect your home from flood damage.

Why Hurricane Insurance Is Worth The Investment For Florida Homeowners

Hurricane insurance covers damages caused by high winds and storm surges. It will pay to repair or rebuild your home if it is damaged by a hurricane, and it will also cover the cost of temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable. The cost of hurricane insurance varies depending on the value of your home and the amount of coverage you need. But even if it seems like a lot, remember that the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home after a hurricane can be much higher. If you’re a Florida homeowner, hurricane insurance is definitely worth the investment.

Client review from past insurance dispute case in Florida.

Florida Hurricane Statistics

As a Florida homeowner, it’s important to be aware of the hurricane statistics for the state. According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the U.S. In fact, since 1851 there have been 114 hurricanes that have affected the state of Florida – that’s more than any other state in the country.

Of those 114 hurricanes, 62 have been classified as major hurricanes (category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale). Major hurricanes are the most damaging and dangerous, so it’s