Flood insurance in Walton 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
17,272
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$897
$587 below the Florida average
Claims paid since 1978
$68.5M
across 3,174 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
26%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Walton County, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2005, with $15.7 million paid on 443 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE8%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE18%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C74%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 31% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Walton County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Opal1995930$22.8 million
Hurricane Dennis2005346$14.1 million
Hurricane Ivan2004616$11.1 million
Mid-spring storms2014253$8.4 million
Hurricane Sally2020177$5.0 million

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Walton County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
325507,979$1,2481,040$27.6 million
324596,473$8141,217$27.2 million
324611,727$49582$800 thousand
32439671$985335$5.9 million
3243353$81327$483 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Walton County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Walton County costs about $897 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 Walton County?

There are about 17,272 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Walton County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Walton County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Walton County have filed 3,174 flood claims, with $68.5 million paid out. 286 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