Fort Myers & Southwest Florida Flood Insurance
Protecting Lee, Collier & Charlotte County Homeowners
🌀 Hurricane Ian Changed Everything
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa as a Category 4 hurricane, devastating Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Pine Island, and surrounding communities. It became the costliest hurricane in Florida history.
If you're rebuilding, buying, or just reviewing your coverage in Southwest Florida, flood insurance isn't optional—it's essential. We've helped dozens of homeowners navigate the post-Ian insurance landscape.
Real Southwest Florida Premium Examples
The Flood Insurance Guru has analyzed thousands of data points across SWFL; below are actual premium examples from Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties following the latest Risk Rating 2.0 updates.
Fort Myers & North Fort Myers
| Location | Building Coverage | Annual Premium | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Myers (33905) | $184,000 | $1,878 | — |
| Fort Myers (33916) - AE Zone | $175,000 | $2,527 | AE |
| North Fort Myers (33917) | $227,000 | $3,206 | — |
| North Fort Myers (33917) | $250,000 | $4,275 | — |
| Fort Myers (33908) | $191,275 | $6,968 | — |
| Fort Myers (33908) | $624,400 | $15,132 | — |
| Fort Myers Beach (33931) | $432,500 | $18,399 | AE |
Cape Coral
| Location | Building Coverage | Annual Premium | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral (33993) | $250,000 | $838 | — |
| Cape Coral (33904) | $333,725 | $1,252 | — |
| Cape Coral (33904) | $272,000 | $2,506 | — |
| Cape Coral (33993) | $168,000 | $2,844 | — |
| Cape Coral (33991) | $250,000 | $3,087 | — |
| Cape Coral (33914) | $250,000 | $5,669 | — |
| Cape Coral (33904) | $243,775 | $10,004 | — |
Note: Cape Coral premiums vary dramatically. Canal-front properties and those closer to the Caloosahatchee River pay significantly more than inland properties.
🏝️ Barrier Island Properties: CBRA Zones
Several Southwest Florida barrier islands are designated under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA), meaning NFIP flood insurance is NOT available. This includes portions of:
- ✓ Sanibel Island — Heavily damaged by Ian, entire island is CBRA
- ✓ Captiva Island — Connected to Sanibel, CBRA zones throughout
- ✓ Pine Island / St. James City — Multiple CBRA-designated areas
- ✓ Boca Grande / Gasparilla Island — Historic barrier island community
We specialize in finding private flood insurance for CBRA properties where most agents cannot help. If you own property on a Southwest Florida barrier island, we can get you covered.
Southwest Florida Communities We Serve
We help homeowners throughout Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties:
Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach
HIGH RISK- ✓ Ground zero for Hurricane Ian landfall
- ✓ Fort Myers Beach rebuilding ongoing
- ✓ Mix of AE and VE flood zones
- ✓ Post-Ian premiums significantly higher
Cape Coral
MODERATE TO HIGH- ✓ 400+ miles of canals create varied risk
- ✓ Canal-front vs. inland = premium difference
- ✓ Ian caused significant flooding
- ✓ Many AE zone properties
Sanibel & Captiva
CBRA ZONE- ✓ NFIP NOT available—private only
- ✓ Devastated by Ian, rebuilding underway
- ✓ We specialize in CBRA coverage
- ✓ High-value properties
Naples & Marco Island
HIGH RISK- ✓ Significant Ian damage in some areas
- ✓ Marco Island partially CBRA
- ✓ Premium waterfront properties
- ✓ Mix of flood zones
Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte
MODERATE RISK- ✓ Charlotte Harbor flooding risk
- ✓ Peace River system influence
- ✓ Still recovering from Ian
- ✓ Many properties in AE zones
Bonita Springs & Estero
MODERATE RISK- ✓ Spring Creek & Imperial River risk
- ✓ Mix of flood zones
- ✓ Some areas qualify for lower rates
- ✓ Fast-growing communities
Why Southwest Florida Homeowners Choose Us
Post-Ian Expertise
We've helped dozens of homeowners navigate the challenging post-Ian insurance market
CBRA Specialists
We find coverage for Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island, and other barrier islands
Multiple Carriers
Neptune, Argenia, Dual, TFIA, Sterling, Wright Flood, and more
Rebuilding Coverage
We help homeowners insure properties under reconstruction
Investment Properties
We insure vacation rentals and investment properties throughout SW Florida
NFIP Direct Appointment
We can help with difficult properties other agents can't insure
FAQs
Why are post-Ian flood insurance rates so high?
Hurricane Ian caused over $110 billion in damage, with much of the destruction concentrated in Lee County. Insurance carriers have repriced risk in this area significantly. Properties near the coast or in flood zones that experienced surge are particularly affected.
I'm rebuilding after Ian. Can I get flood insurance?
Yes, but the market is challenging. We specialize in finding coverage for properties under reconstruction. The key is working with an agent who has relationships with carriers willing to write in this market.
Is Sanibel Island insurable?
Yes, but NFIP is NOT available on Sanibel (it's a CBRA zone). You need private flood insurance. We've successfully placed coverage for Sanibel properties—including those rebuilding after Ian.
Why is Cape Coral flood insurance so variable?
Cape Coral has over 400 miles of canals, creating highly varied flood risk. Properties on canals connected to the Caloosahatchee River or Gulf have much higher premiums than inland properties. Even neighboring properties can have dramatically different rates.
I'm buying a home in Fort Myers. What should I know?
Get a flood zone determination and insurance quote BEFORE making an offer. Post-Ian premiums in Lee County can be significant—knowing your flood insurance cost upfront prevents surprises at closing.
Does Citizens require flood insurance?
Yes. Citizens Property Insurance requires flood insurance for most policies in Florida, regardless of your lender's requirements. This is especially relevant in Southwest Florida where many homeowners have Citizens coverage.
Get Your Southwest Florida Flood Insurance Quote
Whether you're rebuilding after Ian, buying a new home, or reviewing your current coverage—The Flood Insurance Guru is here to help.