Short answer: Orange County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Orlando tracts.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Orlando area (Orange County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Orange County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Orange County
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Orange County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Orange County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 20 major disaster declarations that included Orange County since 1977, led by hurricane events (11), freezing events (5) and severe storm events (2). The most recent: Hurricane Milton, 2024, Hurricane Debby, 2024, Hurricane Idalia, 2023 and Hurricane Nicole, 2022. FEMA also lists 14 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Rain and lakes in Orlando
The City of Orlando notes that a single summer thunderstorm can drop one to three inches of rain in a few hours. Heavy rain, tropical systems, the area's many lakes and overloaded drainage can all flood a property. You can file a public records request to learn whether flooding has been documented near a home you're thinking of buying, and the city's hydrological monitoring site shows past and current lake levels. The city says all renters should buy flood coverage for their belongings.
Discount and building rules
Orlando is a Class 6 community in FEMA's Community Rating System, which can mean a 20% flood insurance discount. All development in a designated flood hazard area has to be built one foot above base flood elevation, and filling in a floodplain needs a permit. Buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area face the 50% substantial improvement and substantial damage rules, which can require raising the floor. Questions go to [email protected].
Residual market: Citizens
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is the state-created insurer of last resort. Eligibility depends on availability and price of comparable private coverage; apply through a Citizens-appointed agent.
More for Orlando policyholders
Under Florida Statutes s. 627.706, property insurers must cover catastrophic ground cover collapse, while broader sinkhole-loss coverage is offered for an additional premium—ask how your quote treats it.
Auto: PIP and PDL
FLHSMV requires $10,000 personal injury protection and $10,000 property damage liability for registered vehicles with four or more wheels.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Is sinkhole damage covered automatically?
Catastrophic ground cover collapse is covered; broader sinkhole coverage can be optional—check your policy.
What auto insurance does Florida require?
$10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability.
Does an Orlando homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.