Insurance Guide November 2026 5 Min Read

Understanding Flood Insurance on Florida Coastal Homes

How flood insurance is priced in Florida today, why home height matters, and how buyers can often take over a seller's existing flood policy.

Report Highlights

Today's FEMA flood insurance rates look at how high the home sits, how close it is to the water, and what it costs to rebuild.
Homes built higher off the ground—like our new custom estate at 6100 Bahama Shores Dr S—often qualify for much lower flood insurance premiums.
In many sales, a buyer can assume (take over) the seller's existing flood insurance policy to keep their lower rate.

1. What Determines Your Flood Insurance Rate?

Flood insurance is no longer priced just by your flood zone letter on a map. Insurers now look at your home's Elevation Certificate, foundation type, first-floor height, and whether air conditioners and water heaters are raised off the ground.

2. Asking to Assume the Seller's Flood Policy

Before you even finish your inspection period, Mark and Rachael request the seller's current flood insurance declaration page and Elevation Certificate so our local insurance partners can check if taking over the seller's policy will save you money.

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