Flood insurance in Hernando 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
3,768
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,365
$119 below the Florida average
Claims paid since 1978
$138.4M
across 3,245 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
59%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Hernando County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2024, with $81.8 million paid on 1,058 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE2%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE57%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C41%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 60% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Hernando County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Helene2024827$65.6 million
Blizzard of 19931993815$22.7 million
Hurricane Idalia2023284$16.3 million
Hurricane Milton2024220$16.1 million
Hurricane Hermine2016224$8.0 million

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Hernando County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
346071,647$2,7602,534$115.2 million
33523588$1,027356$14.2 million
34601365$849124$3.7 million
34606358$57329$315 thousand
34613353$62326$300 thousand
34609335$49525$262 thousand
34608206$52111$69 thousand
34614160$52510$440 thousand
34604156$66222$769 thousand
34602143$83548$1.4 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Hernando County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Hernando County costs about $1,365 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 Hernando County?

There are about 3,768 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Hernando County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Hernando County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Hernando County have filed 3,245 flood claims, with $138.4 million paid out. 1,443 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