Flood Insurance 

All residents within the City of Boca Raton should consider purchasing a flood insurance policy to protect their building and/or its contents, whether it is in a Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) or not.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase flood insurance on eligible buildings and contents, whether they are in or out of a floodplain. The City of Boca Raton participates in the NFIP, making federally backed flood insurance available to its homeowners, renters, condo owners/renters, and commercial owners/renters. Costs vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property’s flood risk.

All policy forms provide coverage for buildings and contents. However, residents should discuss insuring their personal property with their agent, since content coverage is optional. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before your policy goes into effect.

Call your insurance agent today to purchase flood insurance. To find out more about flood insurance and who writes flood insurance in your area, visit FEMA Flood Smart or call FEMA at 1-800-427-4661 for assistance. Residents may also contact Development Services at 561-393-7789.

Community Rating System (CRS)

City of Boca Raton residents will receive an additional savings on flood insurance premiums beginning May 1, 2020. The discount comes from an improvement in the City’s Community Rating System (CRS) Classification from an 8 to a 7, the highest rating for the City since entering the CRS. Floodplain management activities implemented by the City of Boca Raton qualifies residents in high hazard flood zones for a 15% discount on their flood insurance premium.

For more information regarding the CRS, view FEMA’s fact sheet or view the presentation of the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program and Community Rating System (PDF).

Tips to Protect Your Property From Flood Damage

• Elevate furniture and other household valuables and electrical appliances, or move them to higher floors.
• Place sandbags in strategic places around your property.
• Regrade your property to provide for better storage of stormwater runoff, install an earthen berm along the perimeter and elevate the existing structure for good flood damage prevention practices.
• City staff will visit a property to review its drainage or flood problems and offer advice to help prevent flood damage. Call Municipal Services at 561-416-3385 for this valuable advice.
• Some flood protection methods require a construction permit, so always call the Building Department at 561-393-7730 before making any alterations to your property. Call if you see a project that does not have a permit sign to report the possible violation.