6/1/26 @ 11:00 a.m.
Today marks the official start of hurricane season, and now is the time to prepare, before a storm is on the way. One of the biggest risks during hurricane season in Florida is flooding, and many residents are surprised to learn that standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage.
According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), nearly one-third of flood insurance claims come from properties located outside of high-risk flood zones. Just a few inches of water inside a home can cause thousands of dollars in damage to flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. In fact, according to FloridaDisaster.org, just one inch of floodwater can result in more than $25,000 in damage.
Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters, condo owners, and business owners, but it’s important not to wait until a storm is approaching. Many flood insurance policies require a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.
In addition to securing flood insurance, there are several simple steps residents can take now to help protect their homes and families this hurricane season:
Residents can also access Nassau County’s GIS Flood Map Service Page for local flood hazard information and mapping resources. Additional information about flooding, floodplain management, and flood insurance is available through the County’s Flood Information page.
Hurricane season runs through November 30. Preparing early can help protect lives, property, and reduce recovery costs after a storm.
-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer
Today marks the official start of hurricane season, and now is the time to prepare, before a storm is on the way. One of the biggest risks during hurricane season in Florida is flooding, and many residents are surprised to learn that standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage.
According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), nearly one-third of flood insurance claims come from properties located outside of high-risk flood zones. Just a few inches of water inside a home can cause thousands of dollars in damage to flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. In fact, according to FloridaDisaster.org, just one inch of floodwater can result in more than $25,000 in damage.
Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters, condo owners, and business owners, but it’s important not to wait until a storm is approaching. Many flood insurance policies require a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.
In addition to securing flood insurance, there are several simple steps residents can take now to help protect their homes and families this hurricane season:
- Know Your Flood Risk – Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to look up your property’s flood zone and better understand your flood risk
- Know Your Evacuation Zone – Visit FloridaDisaster.org and use the “Know Your Zone” tool to determine whether your property is located in an evacuation zone or flood-prone area
- Clear Gutters and Drains – Keep gutters, ditches, and storm drains free of debris to help water flow away from your home
- Protect Utilities – Elevate electrical panels, HVAC systems, appliances, and other utilities when possible to reduce flood damage
- Seal Openings – Use waterproof sealants and weather stripping around doors, windows, and foundations to help prevent water intrusion
- Improve Drainage – Consider landscaping improvements such as grading, swales, French drains, or permeable surfaces to direct water away from structures
- Build Responsibly – Floodplains naturally absorb water during heavy rain events. Overdevelopment and paving in these areas can increase flooding impacts for surrounding properties.
Residents can also access Nassau County’s GIS Flood Map Service Page for local flood hazard information and mapping resources. Additional information about flooding, floodplain management, and flood insurance is available through the County’s Flood Information page.
Hurricane season runs through November 30. Preparing early can help protect lives, property, and reduce recovery costs after a storm.
-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer
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