Flood insurance in Alachua County, Florida

How many buildings are insured against floods, what policies cost, and how much FEMA's flood insurance program has paid out, from official NFIP records.

Policies as of 5 September 2026Source: FEMA OpenFEMA
Active flood policies
2,871
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$755
$729 below the Florida average
Claims paid since 1978
$8.8M
across 309 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
32%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Alachua County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2017, with $4.0 million paid on 88 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE0%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE32%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C68%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 54% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Alachua County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Irma201782$3.9 million
Hurricane Elsa202125$2.2 million
Hurricane Frances200431$626 thousand
Hurricane Kate19853$263 thousand
Tropical Storm Debby20127$176 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Alachua County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
32608521$78427$282 thousand
32606408$71840$2.5 million
32607353$98546$1.2 million
32605329$65732$590 thousand
32653307$53313$17 thousand
32601230$1,00713$203 thousand
32609206$89824$632 thousand
32615115$88424$1.1 million
3266976$67512$94 thousand
3266771$5778$215 thousand
3264166$63611$162 thousand
3264359$1,15557$1.5 million
3261855$5032$16 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Alachua County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Alachua County costs about $755 a year. The Florida average is $1,484. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Alachua County?

There are about 2,871 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Alachua County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Alachua County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Alachua County have filed 309 flood claims, with $8.8 million paid out. 142 of those claims were in the last 10 years.

Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?

No. Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies exclude flood damage. You need a separate flood policy from the NFIP or a private insurer.

How long until a new flood policy starts?

NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so buying when a storm is already forecast is normally too late. Exceptions apply, for example when a lender requires the policy at closing.

How to get flood insurance

Most flood policies are sold through the National Flood Insurance Program by regular insurance agents. Ask the agent who handles your home or car insurance, or find one through FloodSmart.gov, FEMA's official flood insurance site. Private flood insurers also sell policies in many areas and are worth comparing.

Other counties in Florida