Florida's Premier Property & Commercial Insurance Agency
Critical Florida Coverage
Flood damage is the #1 most common natural disaster in the US — and it's never covered by standard homeowners or commercial property policies. Florida's geography makes flood insurance essential for nearly every property owner. We offer NFIP, private market, commercial flood, and excess flood solutions.
Important: There is typically a 30-day waiting period before NFIP flood coverage takes effect. Private market policies can sometimes bind faster. Don't wait for a storm — get covered now.
The NFIP is a federal program managed by FEMA that provides flood insurance to property owners in participating communities. It's the most common flood insurance in the US and is required for federally-backed mortgages on properties in high-risk flood zones. We write NFIP policies as a participating agency.
Property owners in FEMA-designated flood zones with a federally backed mortgage are required to have NFIP coverage. It's also a solid baseline for any Florida property owner.
Private flood insurance is written by non-federal carriers and often provides broader coverage, higher limits, and faster binding than NFIP. Since FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 update, private market premiums are frequently more competitive — especially for lower-risk properties that were previously subsidized under the old NFIP system.
Properties with replacement value above NFIP limits, properties in moderate-risk zones, properties with high contents value, and anyone who wants loss of use / additional living expense coverage.
| Feature | NFIP | Private Flood |
|---|---|---|
| Building limit | Up to $250,000 | Up to $1M+ (varies by carrier) |
| Contents limit | Up to $100,000 | Up to $500K+ (varies) |
| Loss of use | Not covered | Often included |
| Basement coverage | Limited | Broader (carrier-dependent) |
| Waiting period | 30 days | As low as 10–14 days |
| Premium | FEMA-set | Market-based — often lower |
| Claims handling | FEMA process | Private carrier — typically faster |
Commercial properties need flood coverage just as much as residential — and are often more exposed due to ground-floor inventory and equipment. Standard commercial property policies universally exclude flooding. Commercial flood is available through both NFIP (for non-residential properties) and the private market.
All Florida business property owners and tenants — especially retail, restaurants, warehouses, medical offices, and any commercial tenant with valuable inventory or equipment on-site.
Excess flood insurance provides coverage above and beyond NFIP or primary private flood policy limits. For high-value homes, large commercial properties, or properties with significant business income exposure, excess flood is the solution when primary limits aren't enough.
Luxury homeowners, large commercial property owners, high-inventory businesses, and properties in coastal or high-risk flood zones where losses can be catastrophic.
FEMA designates flood zones based on risk level. Your zone determines whether flood insurance is required and what it costs.
Special Flood Hazard Area. 1% annual chance of flooding (100-year flood). Flood insurance required for federally backed mortgages.
Coastal areas with additional wave action hazard. Highest-risk zone. Flood insurance required and premiums are typically higher.
0.2% annual chance of flooding (500-year flood). Not required but strongly recommended. Private flood is often very affordable here.
Minimal flood hazard. Not required by lenders. However, 25% of flood claims occur in low-risk zones — cheap policies available.
Areas with shallow flooding — AO has sheet flow, AH has ponding. Common in South Florida. Insurance required with federally backed mortgage.
Flood risk not studied. Possible but undetermined hazard. Coverage is available but pricing may vary.
Not sure what flood zone your property is in? Call us at (813) 803-5036 and we can look it up for you using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
The 30-day waiting period means flood insurance must be in place before disaster strikes. Get a quote today — NFIP and private market options available.
Get a Flood Quote (813) 803-5036