Short answer: Leon County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Tallahassee tracts. Citizens is available when private coverage isn't.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Tallahassee area (Leon 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 Leon County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Leon County
Check FEMA's National Risk Index and the Leon County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Leon County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 22 major disaster declarations that included Leon County since 1973, led by hurricane events (13), severe storm events (5) and tropical storm events (1). The most recent: Hurricane Helene, 2024, Hurricane Debby, 2024, Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes, 2024 and Hurricane Idalia, 2023. FEMA also lists 12 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Ditches, lakes and a lot of rain
According to the City of Tallahassee's flood preparedness brochure, Tallahassee gets about 59.2 inches of rain a year, and 1964 brought a record 104 inches. The city's flood sources include East, Northeast, West and Central Drainage ditches, Alford Arm Tributary, Saint Augustine Branch and lakes Lafayette, Jackson and Munson. Recent storms include Tropical Storm Fay in 2008 and Hurricanes Hermine, Irma and Michael. The city also warns that homes outside the flood zone can flood because of poor grading or a badly built driveway.
A stricter rebuilding rule
If repairs or renovations reach 50% of a home's market value, the lowest finished floor must be raised to at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation, which is stricter than the federal minimum. Tallahassee takes part in FEMA's Community Rating System, so residents get lower flood insurance premiums. To check flood potential at your address, call Growth Management at (850) 891-7001 (press 4) or use the Leon County FEMA map search.
The May 2024 tornadoes
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee says a squall line on the morning of May 10, 2024 spawned at least five tornadoes, including several in Leon County. Two of them converged in Tallahassee, each reaching an estimated 115 mph at peak (EF-2). They snapped trees across neighborhoods, near the FSU and FAMU campuses and at Railroad Square. By one City of Tallahassee measure, broken power poles, the damage met or exceeded Hermine, Michael and Idalia combined. Falling trees damaged numerous homes. A homeowners policy usually covers that, and a car hit by a tree needs comprehensive coverage.
Residual market: Citizens
The state's insurer of last resort, Citizens, writes eligible Leon County homes through appointed agents.
Canopy roads and falling trees
Policies generally pay to repair damage a tree causes to the house, with only limited debris-removal money for the tree itself—know that sublimit.
Auto: PIP and PDL
Florida requires $10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL (FLHSMV).
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Does insurance pay to remove a fallen tree?
Usually only a limited debris-removal amount, mainly when the tree hits a covered structure.
Can Tallahassee homes use Citizens?
Yes, if eligible under Citizens' rules.
What auto coverage does Florida require?
$10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL.
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.