Florida's new law mandates flood history disclosure for homebuyers

Florida's new law requires home sellers to disclose flood history to buyers, aiming to mitigate risks in vulnerable areas.

Amy Green reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• The law mandates that sellers provide flood history information, including past insurance claims and federal aid, before a sales contract is executed.
• Florida was one of 18 states without a flood disclosure requirement, despite being highly susceptible to flooding due to climate change.
• While the law is a step forward, it has loopholes and does not require disclosure if no insurance claim was filed or if the property is in a flood zone.

Key quote:

“Having the information will help buyers make more informed and better decisions about protecting what is likely to be their single biggest asset, their homes.”

— Rachel Cleetus, policy director of the Union for Concerned Scientists

Why this matters:

Disclosing flood history helps protect buyers and could prompt better planning decisions in flood-prone areas. However, gaps in the law may leave some risks unaddressed, highlighting the need for more comprehensive measures.

Related EHN coverage:

• Op-ed: Flood survivors find common ground in a divided nation
• The psychological toll of Ellicott City’s flooding
• Nowhere to go in New Bern: Climate catastrophe spurs migrants in US South