Because Sarasota and Manatee are coastal and low-lying, every property sits in a FEMA-mapped flood zone – some high risk, some moderate or low. FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 prices flood insurance on actual, property-specific risk (distance to water, ground elevation, flood type), not just the old zone letter.
Standard homeowners and renters policies don’t cover floods (including storm surge or surface water). To protect against rising water, you need a separate flood policy via FEMA’s NFIP or the private market.
If you’re a landlord without flood insurance, you’ll still be expected to make your rental livable after a flood. If a flood substantially impairs habitability, tenants can terminate and vacate immediately under §83.63. Deposit handling then follows §83.49: the landlord has 15 days to return the deposit if not making a claim, or 30 days to send notice of a claim.
Florida law generally doesn’t require landlords to pay relocation expenses after a natural disaster, unless a lease, local ordinance, or landlord negligence creates that duty.
What’s Covered in Flood and Storm Coverages
Flood insurance is single peril insurance, sold separately from homeowners insurance. It covers the structure of your home and, if you choose, its contents. That includes walls, flooring, electrical and plumbing systems, built-in appliances, and permanently installed cabinets, paneling, and carpeting over an unfinished floor.
The NFIP offers up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents on residential properties.
In Florida, residential property policies generally include windstorm coverage, but a separate hurricane deductible often applies. In some coastal areas, policies may be written without wind, which means you’ll need a wind endorsement or a separate wind policy (often via Citizens).
A 5% hurricane deductible on a $300,000 Coverage A limit means you’d pay the first $15,000 of covered hurricane-period wind loss from the time a hurricane watch or warning is issued for any part of Florida until 72 hours after it ends.
A property insurer must make available, at the option of the policyholder, an exclusion of windstorm coverage. However, this requires a specific handwritten or typed waiver signed by all named insureds; if there’s a mortgage, the lender must approve the exclusion. Without proper windstorm coverage, you could find yourself covered for fire damage but on your own for a roof torn off in a storm.
Citizens Property Insurance Note: If a homeowner buys a Citizens policy with wind, Citizens requires the policyholder to also carry flood insurance (phased-in requirement).
Certificate Requirements for Vacation Rentals
If you’re planning to rent out your vacation home, especially for short stays, property managers, HOAs, or lenders may ask for proof of insurance showing you have adequate coverage for floods, windstorms, and hurricanes.
Some mortgage lenders require proof of flood insurance if the property is in a high-risk zone before they’ll close a loan. Others may require it if you refinance or increase your loan amount. Without it, not only do you risk violating your loan terms, but you could also find your property uninsured when you need it most.
Keep Your Property Flood-Safe With Jennette Properties
Between flood, windstorm, and hurricane hazards, relying on a standard homeowners or renters policy is like locking only your front door while leaving the windows wide open.
At Jennette Properties, we know that protecting a home is just as important as renting it. Our team can guide you through flood, windstorm, and hurricane coverage requirements, help you stay compliant with certificates and regulations, and connect you with trusted insurance resources so you’re never caught off guard.
Call Jennette Properties today to make sure your rental is ready for whatever Florida weather brings.
