Living in Florida certainly has its share of pros and cons. There is delightful weather, miles of coastal beaches, and beautiful scenery all around. But for a few months of every year, homes and lives become vulnerable to the threat of a Florida tropical storm. These storms can bring torrential rains, hurricane winds, and devastating floods. 

In order to protect your home in a Florida tropical storm, you need to be insured. While hurricane insurance will cover the damage caused by a tropical storm, Florida flood insurance will protect you against the threat of rising waters. In some parts of the state, which are known as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), Florida flood insurance is required by your loan or mortgage lender. In fact, over the course of a 30-year mortgage, your Florida home has a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood. 

What does Florida flood insurance cover?  

While it is not mandatory, Florida flood insurance is an important thing to have. This is because most homeowner’s insurance won’t cover damage done by floods. And while a Florida tropical storm can leave you in several feet of water, just an inch of water can cause a significant amount of damage. 

 Florida flood insurance will cover: 

• The insured building;
• Built-in appliances and your central air system;
• Permanently installed paneling, wallpaper, cabinets and carpets;
• Your garage;
• Debris removal; and
• The contents of your home (if contents coverage has been purchased). 

Florida flood insurance will NOT cover: 

• Vehicles;
• Decks;
• Land and fences;
• Plants;
• Animals;
• Currency;
• Boats; and
• Swimming pools. 

If you need to know what your policy covers in a Florida tropical storm, you can get the professional advice of a Florida hurricane attorney. 

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