Florida flood insurance: NFIP, private flood and who sells it
Florida flood insurance is its own policy. You buy it from the federal flood program, the NFIP, or from a private flood company.
Most Citizens home policies need flood insurance by the first renewal on or after Jan 1, 2027. See the Citizens rule.
Facts checked Oct 20, 2026 against FEMA's FloodSmart site and Florida law.
Need flood insurance before your Citizens renewal?
Call a licensed, independent Florida insurance agent.
Citizens customers need flood insurance by Jan 1, 2027
Citizens requires its home policyholders to also carry flood insurance. The rule comes in steps by home value:
- $600,000 or more: from Jan 1, 2024
- $500,000 or more: from Jan 1, 2025
- $400,000 or more: from Jan 1, 2026
- Every other Citizens home policy: from Jan 1, 2027
Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.351(6)(aa) (2026), read Oct 20, 2026.
Homes in a FEMA high risk flood zone needed it at the first renewal on or after July 1, 2023. New policies needed it from April 1, 2023.
Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.351(6)(aa) (2026), read Oct 20, 2026.
Two kinds of Citizens policies do not need it. One is a policy with no wind coverage. The other is a condo unit owner policy.
Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.351(6)(aa) (2026), read Oct 20, 2026.
The flood policy must at least match what NFIP would cover on the home. A Florida standard or preferred private flood policy also counts.
Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.351(6)(aa) (2026), read Oct 20, 2026.
By law, Citizens cannot sell flood insurance. You have to buy it from another company.
Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.715(6) (2026), read Oct 20, 2026.
Two ways to buy flood insurance
NFIP is the National Flood Insurance Program, run by FEMA. To buy, change or renew an NFIP policy, contact your flood agent or flood company.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Contact Us, read Oct 20, 2026.
Florida lets licensed insurers sell private flood policies for homes. Some can cover more than NFIP, like living costs while you are out of your home, or replacement cost for your things.
Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.715(1) (2026), read Oct 20, 2026.
An agent can also place flood insurance with a surplus lines insurer.
Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.715(4) (2026), read Oct 20, 2026.
Before you leave the NFIP for a private flood policy, your agent must give you a notice to sign. It says that if your NFIP price was discounted and you later come back, you may pay the full risk price.
Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.715(8) (2026), read Oct 20, 2026.
What an NFIP policy covers
An NFIP home policy covers the building up to $250,000 and your things up to $100,000. Renters can cover their things up to $100,000.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Buy a Policy, read Oct 20, 2026.
NFIP policies cover water that comes in from the ground up: storm surge, flash floods, heavy rain runoff, an overflowing river or lake, and mudflow. They do not cover mold, or rain that blows in or comes through a damaged roof.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Start a Claim, read Oct 20, 2026.
In a high risk flood zone, a part of the policy called Increased Cost of Compliance pays up to $30,000. It helps bring a home up to local building rules after a flood.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Start a Claim, read Oct 20, 2026.
The 30 day wait
Coverage starts 30 days after you buy it, with four exceptions:
- No wait if you buy it while you make, raise, extend or renew a mortgage.
- No wait when you change your coverage at renewal.
- A one day wait within 12 months after a new high risk flood map.
- A one day wait within 60 days after a wildfire on federal land is put out, when that fire made the flood worse.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Buy a Policy, read Oct 20, 2026.
Coverage stays good for 30 days after it expires. Claims in that time are paid if you renew and pay in full by the end of the 30 days.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Buy a Policy, read Oct 20, 2026.
What sets the price
Three things set the NFIP price:
- Where the home is: how far it is from water, how high the ground is, and community discounts.
- How it is built: the foundation, how high the first floor is, and how many floors. Also the type of walls, flood openings and raised equipment.
- How much coverage you buy and the deductible you pick.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Premium Costs, read Oct 20, 2026.
For most people with an NFIP policy, the price can rise no more than 18% to 25% a year. New policies usually do not get this cap.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Premium Costs, read Oct 20, 2026.
Companies that sell NFIP flood policies in Florida
This is FEMA's list of the 31 companies that sell NFIP flood policies in Florida. It has the Write Your Own companies plus NFIP Direct.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Find a Flood Insurance Provider (Florida), read Oct 20, 2026.
These are NFIP policies. For flood policies outside the NFIP, see private flood insurance in Florida. Each number is the flood number FEMA lists for that company. Wright National Flood and Selective show their own labeled lines instead. Where we have a page on a company, its name links to it.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Find a Flood Insurance Provider (Florida), read Oct 20, 2026. Selective Ins. Co. Of America lines: Selective flood insurance page, read Oct 20, 2026. Wright National Flood Ins. Co. lines: Wright Flood, Claims, read Oct 20, 2026; Wright Flood, Contact, read Oct 20, 2026.
Private flood insurance in Florida
Private flood policies are sold outside the NFIP. Ask your agent to compare one with an NFIP policy. Where we have a page on a company, its name links to it.
The state says some of these companies sell only a few flood policies, or only some kinds, such as for high value homes, so ask the company or an agent.
| Company | About | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| AIG OIR lists: AIG Property Casualty Company; American Home Assurance Company; Granite State Insurance Company; Illinois National Insurance Company; National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, PA; New Hampshire Insurance Company | On OIR's lists for private flood and flood above NFIP limits. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. OIR lists six AIG companies for private flood. American Home Assurance also sells flood above NFIP limits. | Claims (888) 760-9195 From our AIG page, checked Oct 20, 2026. |
| Allianz OIR lists: Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company; Fireman's Fund Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. It mainly sells to businesses. | |
| American Integrity OIR lists: American Integrity Insurance Company of Florida | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (866) 277-9871 From our American Integrity page, checked Oct 7, 2026. |
| American National OIR lists: American National Property and Casualty Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (800) 333-2860 From our American National page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| American Traditions OIR lists: American Traditions Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (866) 561-3433 From our American Traditions page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| Arch OIR lists: Arch Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. Arch sells to businesses. | |
| Assurant OIR lists: American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida; American Security Insurance Company; Voyager Indemnity Insurance Company (surplus lines) | On OIR's lists for private flood and surplus lines flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. Voyager is Assurant's surplus lines firm. FIGA does not back its flood policies. | Claims (800) 358-0600 From our Assurant page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| Bankers Insurance OIR lists: Bankers Insurance Company | On OIR's list for flood above NFIP limits. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. A St. Petersburg firm. OIR lists it for flood cover above NFIP limits. Its sister firm sells NFIP flood. | Claims (727) 308-0496 From our Bankers Insurance page, checked Oct 20, 2026. |
| Berkley OIR lists: Berkley Insurance Company; Starnet Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | |
| Chubb OIR lists: Federal Insurance Company | On OIR's lists for private flood and flood above NFIP limits. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (800) 252-4670 From our Chubb page, checked Oct 9, 2026. |
| CNA OIR lists: American Casualty Company of Reading, Pennsylvania; Continental Casualty Company; Continental Insurance Company; National Fire Insurance Company of Hartford; Transportation Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. CNA sells to businesses. | |
| Direct General OIR lists: Direct General Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (800) 403-1077 From our Direct Auto Insurance page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| Edison OIR lists: Edison Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (888) 683-7971 From our Edison Insurance page, checked Oct 9, 2026. |
| Florida Peninsula OIR lists: Florida Peninsula Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (866) 549-9672 From our Florida Peninsula page, checked Oct 9, 2026. |
| Hanover OIR lists: Hanover American Insurance Company; Massachusetts Bay Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. OIR home data for July 31, 2026 shows Hanover with business property only in Florida. | |
| Hartford OIR lists: Hartford Fire Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (877) 805-9918 From our The Hartford page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| Homesite OIR lists: Homesite Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (866) 621-4823 From our Homesite page, checked Oct 16, 2026. |
| Incline OIR lists: Incline Casualty Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. Incline is a program insurer. Other companies sell its policies under their own names. | |
| Kin OIR lists: Kin Interinsurance Network | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (866) 204-2219 From our Kin page, checked Oct 9, 2026. |
| Liberty Mutual OIR lists: Liberty Mutual Insurance Company; Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company; LM Insurance Corporation; First Liberty Insurance Corporation; Employers Insurance Company of Wausau | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (800) 225-2467 From our Liberty Mutual page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| Mitsui Sumitomo OIR lists: Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company of America | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. It mainly sells to businesses. | |
| National General OIR lists: Integon National Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (888) 325-1190 From our National General page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| Nationwide OIR lists: Nationwide General Insurance Company; Nationwide Insurance Company of America | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (800) 421-3535 From our Nationwide page, checked Oct 9, 2026. |
| Ovation OIR lists: Ovation Home Insurance Exchange | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (888) 247-0486 From our Ovation Home Insurance Exchange page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| PMA Companies OIR lists: Manufacturers Alliance Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. PMA sells to businesses. | |
| Private Market Flood OIR lists: Underwriters at Lloyd's, London (surplus lines) | On OIR's list for surplus lines flood. A flood program of The Flood Insurance Agency in Gainesville. Surplus lines, so not backed by FIGA. Claims go to the adjusting firm named on its claims page. Insurer behind it: OIR names Lloyd's of London. The program's site names Lexington, an AIG firm. Source: Private Market Flood website, read Oct 20, 2026. | Customer service (877) 356-6348 |
| Progressive Home OIR lists: American Strategic Insurance Corporation | On OIR's lists for private flood and flood above NFIP limits. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (866) 274-5677 From our Progressive Home (ASI) page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| PURE OIR lists: Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange | On OIR's lists for private flood and flood above NFIP limits. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (888) 813-7873 From our PURE Insurance page, checked Oct 9, 2026. |
| Safe Harbor OIR lists: Safe Harbor Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (866) 482-5246 From our Safe Harbor page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| SafePoint OIR lists: SafePoint Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (855) 252-4615 From our SafePoint page, checked Oct 7, 2026. |
| Southern Oak OIR lists: Southern Oak Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (877) 900-2280 From our Southern Oak Insurance page, checked Oct 9, 2026. |
| Swiss Re Corporate Solutions OIR lists: Swiss Re Corporate Solutions America Insurance Corporation; Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Elite Insurance Corporation | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. It mainly sells to businesses. | |
| Tower Hill OIR lists: Tower Hill Insurance Exchange | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (800) 342-3407 From our Tower Hill page, checked Oct 7, 2026. |
| TypTap OIR lists: TypTap Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (844) 289-7968 From our TypTap page, checked Oct 9, 2026. |
| US Coastal OIR lists: US Coastal Property and Casualty Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (866) 482-5246 From our US Coastal page, checked Oct 10, 2026. |
| Wright Flood OIR lists: Wright National Flood Insurance Company | On OIR's lists for private flood and flood above NFIP limits. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. | Claims (800) 725-9472 From our Wright Flood page, checked Oct 20, 2026. |
| AXA XL OIR lists: XL Insurance America, Inc.; XL Specialty Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. AXA XL sells to businesses. | |
| Zurich OIR lists: Zurich American Insurance Company | On OIR's list for private flood. Licensed in Florida (admitted), backed by FIGA. Zurich sells to businesses. | |
| Neptune Flood | Not on OIR's lists. Neptune Flood sells private flood insurance. It is an MGA, or managing general agent, in St. Petersburg, not an insurer. Insurer behind it: Insurers rated by AM Best, its site says. Source: Neptune Flood, About, read Oct 20, 2026; Neptune Flood, Report a Claim, read Oct 20, 2026. | Claims and support, 24/7 (727) 202-4815 |
| Orchid Insurance | Not on OIR's lists. A Vero Beach agency that sells private flood and excess flood through agents. Claims go to the insurer named on the policy. Not backed by FIGA. Insurer behind it: Orchid's own private flood plan is surplus lines. Its excess flood uses surplus lines firms rated A minus or better. Its claims page lists the insurer for each kind of policy. Source: Orchid Insurance, private flood, excess flood and claims pages, read Oct 20, 2026. | Help with a claim (866) 370-6505 |
| Hiscox FloodPlus Insurer: Hiscox syndicate at Lloyd's (surplus lines) | Not on OIR's lists. Private flood for homes and businesses across the U.S., including high value homes and flood above NFIP limits. Sold through agents. Surplus lines, so not backed by FIGA. Insurer behind it: Hiscox sells this plan at Lloyd's. Its flood page says agents and wholesalers sell it. Source: Hiscox London Market, flood, read Oct 20, 2026. | |
| Brit Flood Insurer: Brit syndicate at Lloyd's (surplus lines) | Not on OIR's lists. Private flood for homes, condos and businesses across the U.S., primary and excess. Sold through agents. Surplus lines, so not backed by FIGA. Insurer behind it: Brit sells this plan at Lloyd's through agents it authorizes. Source: Brit, flood, read Oct 20, 2026. | |
| Beazley Insurer: Beazley Excess and Surplus Insurance, Inc. (surplus lines) | Not on OIR's lists. High value home cover in every state but Alaska and California, with an excess flood option. Sold only through wholesale brokers. Surplus lines, so not backed by FIGA. Insurer behind it: Beazley's page says it sells this cover on a surplus lines basis through wholesale brokers. Source: Beazley, high value homeowners, read Oct 20, 2026. |
Source: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, Flood Insurance Writers in Florida, read Oct 20, 2026.
How to file a flood claim
- NFIP Direct claims: if you have a policy with NFIP Direct, call to start your claim (800) 638-6620
- FEMA FMIX center, general questions: also the line to find your flood insurer (877) 336-2627
- FEMA disaster assistance (800) 621-3362 TTY (800) 462-7585
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Contact Us, read Oct 20, 2026.
A flood claim can take 4 to 8 weeks to be finalized and paid. In rare cases it takes longer.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Start a Claim, read Oct 20, 2026.
In major floods your flood insurer may pay up to $5,000 in advance without an adjuster visit. With FEMA's OK and papers it can pay up to $20,000. The advance comes out of the final payment.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Start a Claim, read Oct 20, 2026.
Ask the adjuster for a Flood Control Number card. It has their photo and is dated for the current storm year.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Start a Claim, read Oct 20, 2026.
The NFIP has paid $87.5 billion in claims since 1978. From 2020 to 2024 the average claim was $82,614.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Start a Claim, read Oct 20, 2026.
If your flood company does not help
Stuck? If your insurer and the NFIP cannot help, FEMA has an office that can. It is called the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate.
Source: FEMA FloodSmart, Contact Us, read Oct 20, 2026.
Questions people ask about Florida flood insurance
Do Citizens customers need flood insurance?Yes.
Citizens requires flood insurance on its home policies. It comes in steps by home value. Every Citizens home policy that renews on or after Jan 1, 2027 needs it. Policies with no wind coverage and condo unit owner policies do not.
Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.351(6)(aa) (2026), read Oct 20, 2026
Can I buy flood insurance from Citizens?No.
Citizens cannot sell flood insurance. You buy it from an NFIP company, from NFIP Direct or from a private flood company.
Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.715(6) (2026), read Oct 20, 2026
How long does it take for flood insurance to start?Coverage starts 30 days after you buy it.
There is no wait if you buy it while you make, raise, extend or renew a mortgage.
How much does an NFIP policy cover?An NFIP home policy covers the building up to $250,000 and your things up to $100,000.
Renters can cover their things up to $100,000.
Does flood insurance cover mold or wind driven rain?Not on an NFIP policy.
It does not cover mold, or rain that blows in or comes through a damaged roof. It covers water that comes in from the ground up.
How much can NFIP prices go up each year?For most people with an NFIP policy, the price can rise no more than 18% to 25% a year.
New policies usually do not get this cap.
How long does a flood claim take?A flood claim can take 4 to 8 weeks to be finalized and paid.
In major floods your insurer may pay up to $5,000 in advance.
Who do I call to file a flood claim?If your policy is with NFIP Direct, call 800-638-6620 to start your claim.
Not sure who your flood insurer is? Call 877-336-2627.
Want help picking a flood policy?
One call. A licensed agent shops other companies for you, free.