If you live in The Sunshine State, then you know it's not always perfect weather. While living by the ocean has its perks, it can also leave room for a natural disaster. Florida homeowners insurance can help protect against many losses, but what about flooding due to a hurricane?

Fortunately, a Florida independent insurance agent can help with coverage options that will protect your home. They will review your policies for free so that you're adequately insured. Connect with a local expert for tailored quotes in minutes.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance in Florida is almost always necessary. When a hurricane strikes, you'll be happy you have the right policies to protect your property. First, you should understand how it works.

• Flood insurance: This type of property insurance covers a structure for losses due to a flood. This is caused by snow melting, storm surges, heavy rainfall, storm drainage system failures, and even levee dam system failures.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Florida?

It's crucial to understand what your flood insurance will cover if you have to use it. Check out what your Florida flood policy will cover:

• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Furnaces and water heaters
• Appliances 
• Flooring
• Detached garages
• Personal belongings

Natural disasters with the most economic damage worldwide in 2019 (in billion US dollars)

Floods are one of the most common catastrophes that occur, and sometimes there's not a whole lot you can do about it. However, you can know how you're protected in the event of a loss.

What Doesn't Flood Insurance Cover in Florida?

Before you can prepare for flooding from a hurricane, you need to know what a flood is. While your primary home policy won't include flood coverage, you can obtain separate insurance that will.

• What is considered a flood: A flood is an excess of water on land that is usually dry. This typically is classified as affecting two or more acres of land or two or more properties. 

Exclusions your flood policy doesn't cover:

• Water/sewer back-ups
• Burst pipes
• Waterline malfunctions
• Roof leaks

How to Keep Your Florida Home from Flooding during a Hurricane

The best way to keep your home from flooding during a hurricane is to have proper protection. There are some other action items you could take into account to help prevent a flood loss as well. 

• Have emergency boards to cover your openings and windows.
• Get a stronger roof that can better sustain hurricane damage.
• Strengthen your garage door and shutters.
• Have sandbags to form a barrier and prevent water from entering.

Most expensive flood disasters in the US from 1978 to 2019, by National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) payouts (in million US dollars)

Sometimes you can be overly prepared, and still have flooding. Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage in Florida, and coverage may be the only way to replace or repair your assets.

How Much Flood Insurance Is Necessary in Florida?

FEMA has maximum limits of flood insurance for purchase depending on your property type. Check out how FEMA categorizes limits below:

• Flood insurance for your home: Flood carriers usually offer $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for the building contents.
• Flood insurance for your business: Flood carriers usually allow $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for the building contents.
• Flood insurance as a renter: Flood carriers typically offer $100,000 for contents-only coverage. 

How a Florida Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

The chances of a flood occurring at your home in Florida are high. Every location has some risk of flooding, no matter where you live. When you're in a coastal state surrounded by an ocean, the exposures are plenty.

Fortunately, a Florida independent insurance agent can help you find a policy that fits your needs and protects you from a hurricane. They will even do the shopping for you at no cost. Connect with a local expert on TrustedChoice.com for flood and home insurance quotes.