Flooding in Fort Myers: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Fort Myers is renowned for its stunning beaches, sunny weather, and picturesque riverfront. But living in Southwest Florida comes with an unexpected cost: flooding. Fort Myers is at a high risk of flooding due to hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rainfall, and high tides. Communities that are low-lying along the Caloosahatchee River, canals, and coastal areas are especially at risk.
There are thousands of homes and businesses in Fort Myers that are in flood zones that are very likely to flood. A flood of just one inch can cause up to $25,000 in damage, but most homeowners think their regular homeowner's insurance policy covers flooding. Storm surges, hurricane flooding, and heavy seasonal rains can all cause damage to your home and belongings. That's why private flood insurance in Fort Myers, FL, is so important.

Flood Zones in Fort Myers

Along the Caloosahatchee River, Estero Bay, and the coast, most of Fort Myers lies within FEMA-designated high-risk flood zones. Zone AE and Zone VE properties are the most at risk, with flood insurance typically mandated if the property is purchased with a federally insured mortgage. Flooding, though, can happen anywhere. Flash flooding can still occur in areas marked as Zone X (which carries a moderate or low risk) if there is a lot of rain, a tidal surge, or an overflow from a canal. FEMA data from all over the country show that as many as 40% of flood claims come from areas that aren't at high risk, highlighting the importance of having coverage even if you're not in a flood-prone area.

Some Fort Myers neighborhoods that are likely to experience floods are: