Short answer: Petersburg tracts. Citizens backs up the private market.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the St. Petersburg area (Pinellas 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 Pinellas County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Pinellas County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Pinellas County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Pinellas County
Since 1968, Pinellas County has been part of 24 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were hurricane events (12), severe storm events (5) and freezing events (3). The most recent: Hurricane Milton, 2024, Hurricane Helene, 2024, Hurricane Debby, 2024 and Hurricane Idalia, 2023. FEMA also lists 16 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
After Helene and Milton: the 49% rule
St. Petersburg applies a stricter substantial-damage threshold than the usual 50%. Under its 49% rule, if repairs to a building in the Special Flood Hazard Area reach 49% of its pre-storm market value, the whole structure has to meet current flood rules, which may mean elevating it. The city says unpermitted repairs could put at risk the 25% NFIP discount that all of its residents currently receive. Ask about your flood policy's Cost of Compliance coverage, which can help pay for elevation.
Flood risk FEMA's map doesn't show
The city's flooding page explains that its own Stormwater Floodplain marks rainfall flooding risk in areas outside FEMA's zones. You can see it, along with FEMA zones and evacuation zones, on the Prepare, St. Pete map. FEMA's current maps took effect August 24, 2021, and Coastal A zones are built to V-zone standards. Since July 1, 2025, Florida law has also banned driving fast enough to push a wake onto flooded streets.
More for St. Petersburg policyholders
Pinellas homeowners priced out of or declined by private carriers can apply to Citizens through an appointed agent; Citizens rules require comparing offers from private insurers.
Surge versus wind, and sinkhole wording
Under Fla. Stat. 627.706, catastrophic ground cover collapse is covered but broader sinkhole loss is an extra-premium option.
Auto: PIP and PDL
FLHSMV: $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Is sinkhole damage covered in Pinellas?
Catastrophic ground cover collapse is; broader sinkhole coverage is optional for extra premium.
What auto coverage is required in Florida?
$10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL.
Does a St. Petersburg 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.