If you live in Florida, you already know that flooding isn’t just a possibility—it’s a reality. From heavy summer rains to storm surges and hurricanes, water has a way of finding its way where it shouldn’t. And with sea levels rising, even areas that weren’t considered high-risk before are now facing increased flood danger.
So, is your home in a flood-prone area? Curious to see which areas are? Let’s break down the top 10 flood-prone areas in Florida and what you can do to protect your property.
- Miami & Miami Beach
With its low elevation and proximity to the ocean, Miami is ground zero for flooding. King tides, hurricanes, and even routine rain storms can cause water to rise quickly, making flood insurance a must-have for homeowners.
- Tampa Bay
Tampa and St. Petersburg sit along the Gulf Coast, making them highly susceptible to storm surges and heavy rainfall. In fact, Tampa has been ranked one of the most vulnerable cities in the U.S. for storm-related flooding.
- Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s location along the St. Johns River means that even inland areas face flood risks, especially when hurricanes push stormwater upriver.
- Fort Lauderdale
Like Miami, Fort Lauderdale deals with rising sea levels and frequent flooding, particularly in areas close to canals and the coastline.
- Naples & Marco Island
These Southwest Florida hotspots are beautiful—but with low-lying land and exposure to hurricanes, they’re also highly vulnerable to flooding.
- The Florida Keys
The Keys are stunning, but they sit just above sea level, making them one of the most flood-prone areas in the state. If you live here, flood insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential.
- Orlando & Central Florida
Think you’re safe from flooding just because you’re inland? Think again. Orlando and surrounding areas experience flash flooding, especially during heavy storms. Plus, hurricanes like Ian have shown that even Central Florida isn’t immune to rising waters.
- Pensacola & the Panhandle
The Florida Panhandle sees its fair share of hurricane activity, and storm surges along the Gulf Coast often lead to major flooding in areas like Pensacola.
- Sarasota & Bradenton
These Gulf Coast cities experience frequent flooding, especially in neighborhoods near the water. Storm surges and heavy rains can quickly turn roads into rivers.
- St. Augustine
As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine is full of historic charm—but also historic flooding problems. Its coastal location and aging drainage system make it prone to severe flood damage.
Other Areas to Consider:
Was your city listed above? Whether it was or not, flooding isn’t just a concern for major cities—it can impact any low-lying or coastal area in Florida.
In addition to the top flood-prone cities, you should also consider:
- Coastal communities – Any town or neighborhood along Florida’s extensive coastline is at risk for storm surges, rising sea levels, and hurricane-related flooding.
- Riverfront properties – Homes near rivers, lakes, and canals may experience flooding, especially during heavy rains or hurricanes that cause waterways to overflow.
- New developments – Rapid urban growth can strain drainage systems, leading to unexpected flooding in areas that weren’t previously high-risk.
- Low-lying inland areas – Even if you’re not near the coast, areas with poor drainage or heavy rainfall history can experience significant flood damage.
If you’re unsure about your home’s flood risk, check out FEMA’s Flood Map Tool to see your area’s designation.
How to Protect Your Home from Flooding
If your home is in one of these flood-prone areas (or even if it’s not), flood insurance is one of the best ways to protect your property and finances. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, which means without coverage, you’d be paying out of pocket for repairs.
If you’re ready to make sure you’re covered before the next big storm, speak with one of our agents at Florida 1st Insurance today! We’ve been in the business for more than 17 years and would love to help you find the right flood insurance coverage to protect your home.