Doomsday for millions as record number of Florida homeowners gamble on hurricanes

Florida faces mounting risk as a record share of homeowners have not purchased flood insurance, even as the state endures repeated hurricane damage. FEMA data indicate just under 20 percent of Florida’s roughly 11 million homes have flood insurance, with higher uptake along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts and far lower rates in central Florida, where just over 6 percent are covered. Over the past five years, four major storms Ian, Helene, Idalia and Milton battered the state, contributing to more than $60 billion in flood-related damage. As peak hurricane season approaches, forecasters warn that a tropical disturbance forming near Florida could intensify into Tropical Storm Gabrielle this week.

Flood insurance is sold separately from standard homeowners coverage, and many residents remain unaware of that distinction. The National Flood Insurance Program, a government-backed option, averages about $850 a year, while private Florida policies commonly start around $1,500 annually depending on risk zone and coverage. Even a small influx of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage; experts stress that Florida’s exposure is year-round due to its geography between the Atlantic and the Gulf. The state’s climate pattern means flood risk persists beyond the main hurricane season.

Experts describe a troubling trend: rising premiums and limited availability are pushing many homeowners to skip flood protection, which increases potential losses when storms strike. A prominent industry group notes that about one in five Florida homes have flood insurance, leaving roughly 80 percent without protection. This gap persists even for properties in lower risk zones, where homeowners might believe flood risk is negligible. Local real estate professionals warn that many residents are gambling by relying on the hope that they will not flood, a view that experts say is often mistaken given Florida’s storm history and heavy rainfall events. Some older homes or multiunit properties face higher costs and may be priced out of coverage, exacerbating vulnerability as premiums rise.

Some mortgage lenders require flood insurance as part of a loan, but there is no state law mandating it for homeowners. Officials also stress that flood insurance is not included in standard homeowners policies. This leaves a gap that thousands of Floridians face when storms or heavy rains surge through the region.

Residents and officials say there is a need for greater awareness about flood risk and coverage options, as the state confronts a climate with increasing volatility. With Gabrielle on the horizon, forecasters say the system could intensify as it moves toward the East Coast, reinforcing concerns about a region already struggling with flood risk and high insurance costs. The National Weather Service and other agencies are tracking a large disturbance near Florida, with some tracks showing potential impacts along parts of the U.S. East Coast next week.

Experts warn that the dynamic is unlikely to change quickly, and that affordability and access to coverage will continue to shape how Floridians prepare for storms. Officials say more could be done to inform residents about flood insurance options and to explore ways to expand affordable coverage to communities across the state.