Thousands of South Florida homeowners are being advised to get flood insurance – here’s why

In recent news, tens of thousands of homeowners in South Florida have received a surprising notification in the mail: they are now required to purchase flood insurance due to being classified as high-risk flood zones. This change has impacted a significant number of parcels in Broward County, with a large concentration in the cities of Miramar and Pembroke Pines.

According to data, nearly 89,000 parcels in Broward County now require flood insurance, with over half of them located in Miramar and Pembroke Pines. This sudden requirement has left many residents feeling frustrated and concerned about the additional financial burden it places on them, especially considering the already high cost of homeowners insurance in the area.

One Pembroke Pines resident, Kristan Davalos, expressed her dismay at the situation, stating that their insurance premiums have skyrocketed from $4,000 to an astonishing $21,000 since moving to the area. The new mandate for flood insurance only exacerbates the financial strain on homeowners who are already struggling to keep up with rising insurance costs.

In neighboring Miami-Dade County, there has also been a significant increase in the number of parcels now requiring flood insurance due to being in higher-risk flood zones. This shift highlights the importance of being prepared for potential flood damage, as roughly one in five homeowners in Florida currently have flood insurance, leaving many vulnerable to the devastating effects of flooding.

Mark Friedlander from the Insurance Information Institute emphasized the importance of flood insurance in South Florida, noting that severe rain events can lead to flooding even on clear sunny days. With the threat of hurricanes, tropical storms, and king tides, homeowners must be proactive in protecting their properties from potential flood damage.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a crucial role in designating flood zones and updating flood maps to reflect changing risk factors. As FEMA’s flood maps evolve to reflect long-term data trends, more homeowners are finding themselves required to carry flood insurance to mitigate the risks associated with living in flood-prone areas.

Friedlander urged all South Florida homeowners to consider purchasing flood insurance, as flooding is a common occurrence in the region. To help homeowners navigate these changes, Broward County has released an interactive flood zone map showing the updated flood zones. Additionally, homeowners nationwide can visit FEMA’s website to determine if they are in a flood zone and assess their risk level.

As the landscape of flood risk continues to evolve, it is essential for homeowners to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect their properties. By investing in flood insurance and staying up-to-date on FEMA’s flood maps, homeowners can better prepare for potential flooding events and safeguard their homes against costly damages.