Flood Disclosure Now Mandatory In Florida Real Estate Deals

While most of Florida… with the exception of course of the Big Bend area… avoided a direct hit from Hurricane Helene, heavy rains have raised flooding concerns, even in areas not designated as flood zones. A new law took effect on October 1st, mandating that sellers disclose a property’s flood risk to potential buyers. This includes details about any filed insurance claims related to flood damage and whether federal assistance was received due to flooding. Local real estate experts believe the law enhances transparency and protects buyers from unexpected issues. The law also clarifies the definition of “flooding,” encompassing more than just storm-related damage.