Flood insurance in Manatee County, Florida

How many buildings are insured against floods, what policies cost, and how much FEMA's flood insurance program has paid out, from official NFIP records.

Policies as of 5 September 2026Source: FEMA OpenFEMA
Active flood policies
37,624
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,627
$143 above the Florida average
Claims paid since 1978
$650.6M
across 11,389 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
71%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Manatee County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2024, with $587.8 million paid on 6,128 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE4%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE67%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C29%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 48% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Manatee County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Helene20245,389$559.3 million
Hurricane Debby2024223$21.3 million
Hurricane Idalia2023264$16.1 million
Hurricane Eta2020137$6.1 million
Hurricane Milton2024461$5.3 million

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Manatee County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
342289,720$3,8302,920$208.5 million
342175,062$3,8463,182$226.0 million
342213,915$1,744933$42.4 million
342093,532$1,384417$22.1 million
342102,769$2,019464$24.2 million
342122,767$72665$1.1 million
342192,579$52276$2.4 million
342082,575$1,732698$25.8 million
342432,111$898443$16.7 million
342022,028$519111$11.5 million
342111,688$44017$179 thousand
342031,382$763201$5.2 million
342071,228$1,139330$4.4 million
342161,113$3,4251,134$68.4 million
342051,064$1,431381$11.7 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Manatee County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Manatee County costs about $1,627 a year. The Florida average is $1,484. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Manatee County?

There are about 37,624 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Manatee County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Manatee County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Manatee County have filed 11,389 flood claims, with $650.6 million paid out. 7,167 of those claims were in the last 10 years.

Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?

No. Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies exclude flood damage. You need a separate flood policy from the NFIP or a private insurer.

How long until a new flood policy starts?

NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so buying when a storm is already forecast is normally too late. Exceptions apply, for example when a lender requires the policy at closing.

How to get flood insurance

Most flood policies are sold through the National Flood Insurance Program by regular insurance agents. Ask the agent who handles your home or car insurance, or find one through FloodSmart.gov, FEMA's official flood insurance site. Private flood insurers also sell policies in many areas and are worth comparing.

Other counties in Florida