Does Florida Now Require Flood Insurance for Citizens Policyholders?

Many Orlando and Oviedo homeowners have ended up with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida’s state-backed insurer of last resort, as private carriers pulled back. If you’re one of them, a Florida law passed in 2022 now requires you to carry flood insurance to keep your Citizens policy. The requirement has been phased in over several years.

What does the law require?

Citizens policyholders with residential wind coverage must maintain flood insurance on the property. The requirement was phased in by flood zone and dwelling value:

• Homes in high-risk flood zones (Special Flood Hazard Areas): required first, starting with new policies in 2023 and renewals in 2024.
• All other homes: phased in by the dwelling’s replacement cost, starting with $600,000+ in 2024, $500,000+ in 2025, and $400,000+ in 2026.
• January 1, 2027: the requirement applies to all Citizens residential policies, no matter the value.

That means if your home isn’t covered by the requirement yet, it likely will be at your first renewal on or after January 1, 2027. Check your renewal notice from Citizens for the date that applies to you.

What kind of flood policy counts?

Either an NFIP policy or a qualifying private flood policy can meet the requirement. Your coverage generally has to be at least equal to your Citizens dwelling coverage, or the NFIP maximum if that’s lower. Confirm the details with your agent.

What happens if I don’t get flood coverage?

Citizens may not renew your policy. Because NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, don’t wait until the week your policy renews. Start at least 45–60 days ahead.

Is this a chance to leave Citizens?

It might be. Florida’s market has stabilized somewhat since the 2022–2023 reforms, and more private carriers are writing policies in Central Florida again. A private homeowners and flood package may be competitive with Citizens. A quick review can tell you.

Have a Citizens renewal coming up? We can add flood coverage and compare private carrier options at the same time.

This article is for general educational purposes only. Coverage, eligibility, discounts and pricing vary by carrier and policy. Talk with a licensed Florida insurance agent about your specific situation.