Flood
Florida's flood disclosure: what home sellers must tell buyers
Since October 1, 2024, a seller of a Florida home has to tell the buyer about the home's flood history, on a form, before the contract is signed.
What the law requires
Under s. 689.302, a seller of residential property must give the buyer a flood disclosure at or before signing the sales contract. The current form includes:
- a notice that homeowners' insurance doesn't cover flood damage, and that the buyer should talk to an insurance agent;
- whether the seller knows of any flooding that damaged the property while they owned it;
- whether the seller has filed a flood claim with any insurer, including the National Flood Insurance Program;
- whether the seller has received help for flood damage from any source, including FEMA.
The form defines flooding as an overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual and rapid runoff from an established water source, or sustained standing water from rainfall.
What changed
- October 1, 2024 (HB 1049): the disclosure became mandatory, covering flood claims and federal assistance.
- October 1, 2025 (SB 948): added the question about the seller's knowledge of flooding, widened "assistance" to any source, and added a similar disclosure for landlords.
It isn't a flood-zone check
The disclosure is about what the seller knows and has claimed. It says nothing about whether the home sits in a FEMA flood zone, which can affect whether a lender requires flood insurance. Check that separately on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Buyer's agent in Tampa Bay?
Send us one address you're showing. We'll send back a one-page report under your name: what the home will really cost, and what's not in the listing. Free.
Request a free reportSources
- Florida Statutes s. 689.302 (flood disclosure)
- Laws of Florida, chapter 2024-215 (HB 1049)
- Florida Senate: SB 948 (2025)
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
This guide explains Florida law and public records in plain English. It is not legal, tax or insurance advice, and laws change. Check important details with the county property appraiser, the tax collector or a Florida attorney.