Flood is rising water. Storm surge, a creek that leaves its banks, and a river that covers a street are flood. A Florida homeowners policy does not cover them. The National Flood Insurance Program and some private companies sell flood policies. They are not the same form.
What it covers
An NFIP building policy can pay to repair or replace the insured structure, up to the limit, for direct physical loss by flood. A contents policy covers belongings. The regular-program maximum for a one-to-four family home is 250,000 dollars for the building and 100,000 dollars for contents. Private flood policies can follow a different contract. Compare what is covered, the deductible, and whether a lender will accept the form.
What it doesn't cover
A homeowners or renters policy. Moisture, seepage, and a drain backup are not automatically flood. Read the flood form for what it leaves out, including some property in a basement or an enclosure below the lowest floor. A flood policy also does not cover a wind loss to the roof. That stays on the homeowners policy, subject to the hurricane deductible.
Florida specifics
Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and the St. Johns River corridor are the local reasons this comes up in our offices. The zone for one house is on the FEMA map, not in a neighborhood nickname. Citizens publishes a flood requirement for many of its personal policies that include wind. The schedule starts with special flood hazard areas and steps down by replacement cost until January 1, 2027, when Citizens says most remaining wind policies are included. Condo unit-owner policies are not on that list. A private company is not required to copy the Citizens rule.
There is usually a 30-day wait before a new NFIP policy responds. Some mortgage closings are exceptions. Buying after a storm is in the Gulf is often too late for that storm.
How we help
Bring the address and, if you have it, the elevation certificate or the current flood declarations. We can shop NFIP and the private flood companies that appoint the agency. We will also tell you if a Citizens renewal is asking for proof of flood. Call either office or start a quote and check Flood.