Short answer: Hillsborough County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Tampa tracts. Citizens remains Florida's residual homeowners market when private offers fail Clearinghouse tests.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Tampa area (Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Hillsborough County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Hillsborough County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Hillsborough County
Since 1968, Hillsborough County has been part of 26 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 (4). 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.
Three kinds of flooding in Tampa
The city's Stormwater Division describes three kinds of flooding. The most common is localized flooding from rainy-season storms on land too flat to drain quickly. Some areas also get tidal flooding, and hurricane storm surge does the most widespread damage. The division keeps maps of localized flooding that FEMA's maps may not show, along with a Stormwater Advisory List of flood-prone properties. Call (813) 274-3101 before you buy. The city also reminds residents that your evacuation zone and your flood zone are not the same.
Tampa's Class 5 discount
Tampa joined the National Flood Insurance Program in 1991 and is a Class 5 community in FEMA's Community Rating System. That gives a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums inside flood zones and 10% outside them. The Stormwater Division will look up your property's FIRM zone, base flood elevation and any elevation certificate on file at no charge. In A and V zones, improvements or repairs above 50% of a home's value require bringing it up to current code, including elevation.
Residual market: Citizens
Same statewide Citizens framework as Miami/Jacksonville: Clearinghouse review and the 20% comparable-offer rule can block new policies. Confirm today's eligibility with a licensed Florida agent.
More for Tampa policyholders
City/County flood information and CRS-related public information campaigns explain why many claims occur outside the highest-risk zones.
Auto: PIP and PDL
FLHSMV: at least $10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL, continuous coverage while the plate is active.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I check Tampa flood maps?
MSC for FEMA zones, plus City of Tampa / Hillsborough stormwater and mitigation materials.
What auto coverages does Florida require?
$10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL per FLHSMV.
Does a Tampa 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.