BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Boca Raton residents who carry flood insurance may see a larger break on their premiums this year, with the city’s discount increasing from 15% to 25% across all flood zones ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season.
The savings are tied to Boca Raton’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, a voluntary program that rewards cities for floodplain management work aimed at reducing flood risk. Last year, the city improved its Community Rating System classification, which made local residents eligible for the larger discount through their flood insurance provider.
The city is urging residents to contact their insurance carrier to find out when the increased savings will appear on their policy.
The discount applies only to residents who live within Boca Raton city limits. The city noted that having a Boca Raton mailing address does not automatically mean a property is inside the municipality, an important distinction for homeowners and renters checking whether they qualify.
The message from the city is straightforward: now is the time to prepare before the summer rainy season and hurricane season begin. That starts with knowing your flood zone, understanding whether your property sits in a Special Flood Hazard Area, and reviewing what type of coverage you actually have in place.
Flood insurance is often associated with homes in high-risk areas, but city guidance makes clear that coverage is not limited to those properties. Boca Raton says residents in low-to-moderate risk areas should also consider buying flood insurance because flooding can happen well outside the highest-risk zones. The city’s flood insurance materials note that more than 20% of National Flood Insurance Program claims come from outside high-risk flood areas.
That matters because standard homeowners and renters insurance policies typically do not cover damage caused by rising water. Even shallow flooding can be expensive. The city warns that only a few inches of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage to walls, flooring, furniture, carpets, and appliances. Flood insurance for both buildings and contents is available to property owners and renters.
For residents who are unsure about their risk, Boca Raton says city staff can help determine whether a building is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, whether a property has known drainage problems, whether repeated flood insurance claims have been filed there, and whether an elevation certificate is on file. The Development Services Office also provides access to the city’s Flood Insurance Rate Map and can offer advice on flood protection for individual properties.
The city’s public guidance also outlines practical steps residents can take before heavy rain or storm surge becomes a problem. Those include moving valuables and electrical appliances to higher levels, placing sandbags in strategic areas, and making sure alterations meant to reduce flood damage are reviewed properly before construction begins. Some flood protection work may require permits through the city.
Boca Raton also uses a broader storm preparedness framework tied to flood safety. The city relies on the National Weather Service for flood advisories and encourages residents to sign up for AlertBoca emergency notifications. During storms, information may also be available through the city’s emergency channels, including its Citizen Information Center and municipal broadcast outlets.
The larger insurance discount is the immediate benefit residents may notice, but the broader point is risk management. South Florida’s flat terrain, inland water bodies, stormwater runoff and seasonal heavy rain all create flood exposure, even outside the narrow areas many people assume are at risk. Boca Raton’s floodplain program is designed to reduce that exposure, but city officials are also making clear that residents still need to do their part before the season ramps up.
For Boca Raton property owners and renters, the next step is not complicated: confirm whether the property is inside city limits, check the flood zone, review the current policy, and contact the insurance provider to ask when the 25% discount will be reflected.
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