What insurance risks do Tampa Bay homeowners face?
Tampa Bay’s long, low coastline makes storm surge one of the biggest risks in the region. In 2024, the area was hit twice in about two weeks. Hurricane Helene flooded streets and homes across western Florida. Then Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm at Siesta Key, about 70 miles south of Tampa. Tampa avoided the worst surge, but inland areas still flooded badly; Plant City saw flooding its city manager called the worst he had ever seen.
That’s why many Tampa Bay homeowners carry two policies:
- Homeowners insurance for wind, fire and other covered damage, with a separate hurricane deductible.
- Flood insurance for storm surge and rising water, which homeowners policies don’t cover. Most new flood policies take 30 days to start, so don’t wait until a storm is forecast.
Finding coverage on the Gulf Coast
Some insurers limit how many homes they write near the coast, and some homeowners have ended up with Citizens or received nonrenewal letters. As an independent agency, we compare multiple carriers at once to find the ones still writing in your part of Tampa Bay. If you’ve been dropped, our guide on what to do when your insurer drops you walks through your options, and our guide to alternatives to Citizens explains how to move to a private carrier.
Wind protection also makes a real difference here. Impact windows, shutters and a strong roof can lower your premium through a wind mitigation inspection.
Coverage we offer in Tampa Bay
- Homeowners insurance, including rentals and secondary homes
- Flood insurance
- Auto insurance
- Umbrella insurance
- Business insurance
Areas we serve in Tampa Bay
We work with clients across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City and Wesley Chapel.
Common questions
Does homeowners insurance cover storm surge in Tampa?
No. Storm surge is flooding, and standard Florida homeowners policies don't cover flood, even when a hurricane causes it. Surge damage needs a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer. Wind damage from the same storm is usually covered by your homeowners policy, subject to your hurricane deductible.
Is flood insurance required in Tampa?
Your lender will require it if your home is in a high risk flood zone and has a federally backed mortgage. Citizens policyholders with wind coverage also need flood insurance by January 1, 2027, whatever their flood zone. Even when it isn't required, Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 showed that flooding reaches well beyond the shoreline, including inland areas like Plant City.
Why is home insurance in Tampa Bay so hard to find?
Coastal storm risk leads some insurers to limit how many homes they write around Tampa Bay, and some homeowners have received nonrenewal letters or ended up with Citizens. The answer is usually to compare more carriers. As an independent agency, Marshall Insurance Group quotes several at once to find the ones still writing in your area, and a wind mitigation inspection can improve both your options and your price.
Do you serve St. Petersburg and Clearwater?
Yes. Marshall Insurance Group serves all of Tampa Bay, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City and Wesley Chapel, across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. You can request a quote online or call us to compare home, flood, auto and business coverage.