RESOURCES
Resource Center
Know what to do next, whatever comes up.
Trusted sources, quick checklists and your next step.
Understand a risk · Review a property
Official tools
These open the official source in a new tab. Use them to prepare; your policy and the insurer’s written confirmation decide coverage.
Flood Map Service Center
Official flood maps and flood hazard information by address.
Search flood maps FEMA · NFIPFloodSmart
How National Flood Insurance Program policies work, including waiting periods.
Open FloodSmart Florida DFSPlan · Prepare · Protect
Florida guidance on disaster planning, insurance and claims.
Open Florida guidance NAICHome Inventory
Build a room-by-room inventory with photos before you need it.
Start an inventory Consumer reportLexisNexis Consumer Disclosure
Request the insurance claim history and other data in your consumer file.
Request your report PISFlood zone lookup
Check a property’s flood zone, then start a flood quote on the same page.
Look up a flood zoneStart insurance · Manage coverage · Resolve a problem
Checklists
Open the one that matches what you’re doing. Each ends with the next step.
Closing on a property that needs flood insurance
- Property address, occupancy, closing date.
- The lender’s flood requirement and mortgagee clause.
- Any existing flood policy or elevation certificate.
A map result or a quote is not proof of coverage. Allow time for underwriting, payment and written evidence.
Start a flood quoteGetting a business insurance quote
- Legal entity, operations, locations, revenue and payroll.
- Buildings, equipment, vehicles and inventory.
- Contracts or clients that require specific insurance or certificates.
Thinking about life insurance
- Who depends on your income, and for how long.
- Mortgage, debts, education and other obligations.
- Coverage you already have through work or another policy.
This list doesn’t determine the right amount or your eligibility.
See life insurance optionsReviewing a renewal
- The renewal offer and your current declarations page.
- Changes to your property, vehicles, household or business.
- Limits, deductibles and endorsements to compare, not only price.
Don’t cancel current coverage until replacement coverage is confirmed in writing.
Ask about a renewalBefore a storm
- Save policy numbers, insurer claim lines and this site’s Claims Help page offline.
- Photograph your property, valuables, vehicles and equipment.
- Back up policies, inventories and receipts somewhere you can reach.
Insurers often stop writing new policies or changes once a storm is approaching.
Request a coverage reviewAfter a loss: keeping a clean claim record
- What happened and when.
- Photos or video of the damage, taken when safe.
- Claim number, adjuster contact, receipts and estimates.
- Notes of each conversation and what was promised.
Know your coverage
Florida coverage basics
What to know before you quote, with the official sources.
Home & condo insurance in Florida
- Florida policies carry a separate hurricane deductible, usually 2%, 5% or 10% of the dwelling limit, not a flat dollar amount. Know what that number is in dollars.
- A wind mitigation inspection can lower the windstorm part of your premium. If you have one from the last five years, have it ready.
- Older homes often need a 4-point inspection (roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC), and roof age can affect eligibility and price.
- Flood is not included. Quote it separately.
Official resources
- My Safe Florida Home: Free wind mitigation inspections and hardening grants.
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: Compare homeowners rates and check a company’s standing.
- Florida Department of Financial Services: Consumer help line and insurance guides.
Flood insurance basics
- Homeowners insurance usually does not cover flooding from outside the home.
- Flood risk can exist outside mapped high-risk zones.
- NFIP and private flood policies can differ in limits, deductibles, eligibility and waiting periods. NFIP policies generally have a 30-day waiting period, with exceptions.
- Buying or refinancing? Confirm the lender’s flood requirement and the effective date before closing.
Official resources
- FloodSmart.gov: The NFIP’s guide to flood risk, coverage and costs.
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center: Look up the official flood zone for any address.
- Risk Factor: A free flood risk score that looks beyond FEMA zones.
Florida auto insurance requirements
- Florida requires $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 of Property Damage Liability. Bodily injury liability isn’t required by state law, but without it you can be personally responsible for injuries you cause.
- Uninsured motorist coverage is optional, and declining it must be done in writing. It protects you when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
- After an accident, PIP generally requires medical treatment within 14 days.
Official resources
- FLHSMV insurance requirements: Florida’s minimum coverage and proof of insurance rules.
- Florida Department of Financial Services: Auto insurance guides and the consumer help line.
Renters insurance basics
- Your landlord’s insurance covers the building, not your belongings or your liability.
- Many leases require a minimum liability limit or ask to be listed as an interested party. Check the lease before you buy.
Official resources
- Florida Department of Financial Services: Renters and homeowners insurance guides.
Marketplace health insurance enrollment
- Marketplace Open Enrollment starts November 1. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
- Outside Open Enrollment, you generally need a qualifying life event, like losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new child, and usually have 60 days to enroll.
Official resources
- HealthCare.gov: Browse Marketplace plans and estimate savings.
- Special Enrollment screener: See if a life event lets you enroll now.
PIS Client Alerts
Occasional updates worth knowing.
Short Florida insurance, storm and market updates when something may need your attention. Unsubscribe anytime.
General information only. Alerts don’t change your coverage.