The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) allows homeowners, business owners, and renters in communities that participate in the NFIP to buy federally backed flood insurance. This insurance helps cover repairs for flood damage to buildings and contents.

Federal flood insurance is not a disaster-assistance program. It is insurance to help property owners recover more quickly after a loss.The Biggert-Waters 2012 National Flood Insurance Program Reform Act Implementation

The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, passed by the U.S. Congress, calls on FEMA and other agencies to make a number of changes to the way the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is run, some of which are already in effect.

Key provisions of the legislation will require the NFIP to raise rates to reflect true flood risk, make the program more financially stable and change how Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) updates affect policyholders.

Flood insurance is required for any federally backed mortgage in a special flood hazard area.

Many licensed insurance agents write NFIP flood insurance, just like other property coverage. Contact your homeowners or property insurance agent to learn more. They can tell you what you qualify for and what the coverage options are.

Key Colony beach maintains a collection of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). These maps can help you learn if your property is located in a high-risk or a moderate- to low-risk flood zone.

Read more about the Flood Insurance Reform Act

Read an outline of the Rate Increases Adobe Reader