Yes. Houses in FEMA flood zones can be sold, but traditional buyers face mandatory flood insurance requirements and higher lending scrutiny. Cash buyers bypass these barriers entirely.
Florida Water Damage Disclosure Requirements
Under Florida Statute §689.25, sellers must disclose all known material defects, including water damage history. This includes past flooding, roof leaks, plumbing failures, and any resulting mold. Failing to disclose can result in lawsuits for fraud or misrepresentation even years after closing. When selling to a cash buyer who purchases as-is, disclosure risk is minimized because the buyer acknowledges the condition.
How Much Does Water Damage Reduce Home Value?
Water damage typically reduces a Florida home's value by 10-25% depending on severity. Minor cosmetic damage (ceiling stains, some warped flooring) has less impact than structural issues or active mold. However, the real cost isn't just the value reduction — it's the $3,000-$30,000+ in mold remediation, $2,000-$15,000 in flooring replacement, and $8,000-$35,000 for roof repairs that traditional buyers will demand before closing.
Why Traditional Buyers Avoid Water-Damaged Homes
Most conventional lenders (FHA, VA, USDA) won't finance homes with active water damage or mold. Even if a buyer qualifies for conventional financing, their insurance company may refuse coverage or require remediation first. This means your buyer pool shrinks dramatically. Cash buyers bypass all financing and insurance hurdles, making them the practical option for water-damaged properties.
Sell Your Water-Damaged House As-Is
At FL Home Buyers, we purchase water-damaged homes throughout Florida. As licensed general contractors, we know exactly what repairs cost — so we don't lowball guessing. We close in 7-21 days, pay all closing costs, and handle every aspect of remediation after purchase. No repairs, no cleanup, no contractor coordination required on your part.
Source: Florida Realtors®, ATTOM Data, Houzeo, Citizens Florida · Data as of February 2026
Florida remains the most expensive state for homeowners insurance, with annual premiums averaging $5,800–$10,400/year ($485–$865/month). Good news: Citizens recommending 2.6% average rate decrease — first since 2015 — with 3 in 5 policyholders expected to save ~$359/year, effective June 1, 2026 (if approved by OIR). Legal reforms are stabilizing the market and attracting more private carriers back to the state.
📊 2026 Florida Insurance Data
FL Avg Insurance$5,800–$10,400/year
Flood Zone Premium$600–$4,000+/year additional
Citizens Rate ChangeCitizens recommending 2.6% average rate decrease — first since 2015
Market TrendMarket stabilizing due to legal reforms
Cash BuyerBuys in any flood zone, any condition
0,400/year ($485–$865/month). Good news: Citizens recommending 2.6% average rate decrease — first since 2015 — with 3 in 5 policyholders expected to save ~$359/year, effective June 1, 2026 (if approved by OIR). Legal reforms are stabilizing the market and attracting more private carriers back to the state.
Source: Florida Realtors®, ATTOM Data, Houzeo, Citizens Florida · Data as of February 2026
Florida remains the most expensive state for homeowners insurance, with annual premiums averaging $5,800–$10,400/year ($485–$865/month). Good news: Citizens recommending 2.6% average rate decrease — first since 2015 — with 3 in 5 policyholders expected to save ~$359/year, effective June 1, 2026 (if approved by OIR). Legal reforms are stabilizing the market and attracting more private carriers back to the state.
📊 2026 Florida Insurance Data
FL Avg Insurance$5,800–$10,400/year
Flood Zone Premium$600–$4,000+/year additional
Citizens Rate ChangeCitizens recommending 2.6% average rate decrease — first since 2015
Market TrendMarket stabilizing due to legal reforms
Cash BuyerBuys in any flood zone, any condition
0,400/year
Flood Zone Premium$600–$4,000+/year additional
Citizens Rate ChangeCitizens recommending 2.6% average rate decrease — first since 2015
Market TrendMarket stabilizing due to legal reforms
