What insurance risks do Fort Lauderdale homeowners face?
Flooding from heavy rain, not just storms. On April 12, 2023, Fort Lauderdale was hit with about 25.9 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service, with most of it falling in roughly six hours. Streets, homes and the airport flooded, and there was no hurricane involved. Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood, so a separate flood insurance policy is worth considering throughout Broward. Most new flood policies take 30 days to start.
Hurricanes. Broward’s Atlantic coastline is exposed to hurricane wind and storm surge, and Fort Lauderdale’s canals and low elevation add to the flood risk.
Florida’s strictest wind rules. Broward is one of only two counties, with Miami-Dade, in the Florida Building Code’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone, which has stricter standards and product approvals for roofs, windows and doors. Homes built or updated to these standards can earn real wind discounts, documented through a wind mitigation inspection.
Finding coverage in Broward
Many South Florida homeowners have faced high premiums, nonrenewals or a move to Citizens. As an independent agency, we compare multiple carriers at once for your home. See our guides to alternatives to Citizens and what to do when your insurer drops you.
Coverage we offer in Broward County
- Homeowners insurance, including condos and rentals
- Flood insurance
- Auto insurance
- Umbrella insurance
- Business insurance
Areas we serve in Broward
We work with clients across Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Plantation, Davie and Weston.
Common questions
Can Fort Lauderdale flood without a hurricane?
Yes. On April 12, 2023, about 25.9 inches of rain fell on Fort Lauderdale, most of it in roughly six hours, according to the National Weather Service. Streets, homes and the airport flooded with no hurricane involved. Homeowners and renters policies don't cover flood damage, so a separate flood insurance policy is the only way to be covered, and most new flood policies take 30 days to start.
Is Broward County in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone?
Yes. The High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) is a section of the Florida Building Code that applies only to Broward and Miami-Dade counties. It sets stricter wind standards and requires approved products for roofs, windows and doors. Homes built or updated to these standards can earn wind discounts once a wind mitigation inspection documents the features for your insurer.
How can I lower my home insurance in Broward?
Start with a wind mitigation inspection. Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for features like impact windows, shutters, roof straps and a stronger roof, but only once they're documented. Then compare several carriers, because each one prices the same Broward home differently. As an independent agency, Marshall Insurance Group quotes multiple carriers at once and checks that your discounts are applied.
Do you serve all of Broward County?
Yes. Marshall Insurance Group serves homeowners, renters and businesses across Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Plantation, Davie and Weston. You can request a quote online or call us to compare home, flood, auto and business coverage from multiple carriers.