“The sea is rising, but prudence can save your home.”
Florida is not only known for its beaches, palm trees, and breathtaking sunsets. It is also one of the most climate-vulnerable states in the U.S. Every year, thousands of homes face new threats: from stronger storms and extreme rainfall to the constant rise in sea levels that put entire communities at risk.
But how does this really impact the daily lives of those who live in Florida? Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract concept—it is a reality that directly affects your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind. In this blog, we’ll explain clearly and directly how these transformations are impacting the way we protect our properties and what actions you can take starting today.
What is climate change and when does it affect homes?
Climate change is the sustained alteration of the planet’s weather patterns, mainly driven by global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Simply put, Earth is heating up, and that has very concrete consequences: more heat, more humidity, more storms, and more natural disasters.
In Florida, its effects are already visible:
- Coastal neighborhoods are flooding due to rising seas.
- Extreme rains overwhelm drainage systems.
- Hurricanes are striking with greater force.
- Insurers respond by raising premiums or withdrawing coverage.
These conditions increase the risk of living in certain areas, making preparation, knowledge, and prevention essential tools to protect what matters most: your home and your family.
How did we choose the impacts to evaluate?
Criteria that show their real impact:
1. Frequency: Increase in storms and climate events.
2. Severity: Record rainfall, more destructive hurricanes.
3. Cost: Expensive repairs and higher insurance premiums.
4. Scope: From Miami to Pensacola.
5. Evidence: Scientific data and recent records.
1. Sea level rise and coastal erosion
- Sea levels have risen nearly 8 inches since 1950, with progressive acceleration.
- Projections estimate an additional rise of 2 to 4 feet by 2100.
- Areas once considered safe now face frequent flooding from tides and storms.
2. Flash floods and extreme rainfall
- In April 2023, Fort Lauderdale recorded over 25 inches of rain in just 12 hours.
- These events damage roofs, foundations, and walls, overwhelming urban drainage.
- Non-coastal areas are also at risk.
3. Impact on housing values
- The value of coastal properties is projected to drop up to 15% in the next decade.
- Homes in flood-prone areas are already losing market value.
- Lower demand due to disaster risk buyers avoid climate-vulnerable areas, reducing property values.
4. More expensive insurance with less coverage
- Florida has the highest homeowners’ insurance premiums in the country.
- Many insurers have canceled policies or left the state after recent hurricanes such as Irma, Michael, or Ian.
- Coverage for specific damages, like floods, has been reduced or eliminated.
5. New constructions in risky areas
- Since 2019, more than 77,000 homes have been built in floodprone zones.
- This worsens the problem and increases exposure to climate risk.
How to protect your home against climate change
Take action today with these key recommendations:
1. Evaluate the risks in your area (flood maps and local projections).
2. Reinforce roofs, doors, windows, and drainage systems.
3. Make sure you have adequate coverage, especially for water or wind damage.
4. Have a family evacuation and emergency plan.
5. Consult a Public Adjuster to understand your policy, detect exclusions, and receive professional guidance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking “nothing has ever happened here.”
- Assuming homeowners insurance automatically covers floods.
- Not researching the climate history of an area before buying or renting.
- Ignoring how climate change affects property values and insurance costs
Climate change is already here!
Climate change is not a problem of the future. It is already affecting thousands of homes in Florida. Ignoring it may cost more than a simple repair—it could mean losing your most important investment.
At Let Us Claim, we help you prepare. We evaluate your policy, advise you on the risks your home faces, and support you step by
step if you need to file a claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Request a free policy review today and protect yourself with information, experience, and professional support.
