What Florida’s New Flood Disclosure Law Means for Home Sellers and Buyers in Pinellas County

Effective 2025, Florida Statute §689.302 requires home sellers to disclose flood risks before a property is sold. Here’s what you need to know if you’re buying or selling a home in Pinellas County.

🏠 Understanding Florida Statute §689.302: Disclosure of Flood Risks

Flooding is one of the biggest risks facing homeowners in coastal Florida — especially here in Pinellas County, where low-lying land and heavy rainfall are common. Recognizing this, the state of Florida enacted Section 689.302, Florida Statutes, titled “Disclosure of Flood Risks to Prospective Purchasers.”

Under this law, a seller must complete and provide a flood disclosure form to any buyer of residential real property at or before the time the sales contract is executed.

Here’s the official text of the required disclosure form:

FLOOD DISCLOSURE

Flood Insurance: Homeowners’ insurance policies do not include coverage for damage resulting from floods. Buyer is encouraged to discuss the need to purchase separate flood insurance coverage with Buyer’s insurance agent.

1️⃣ Seller has ☐ has no ☐ knowledge of any flooding that has damaged the property during Seller’s ownership.
2️⃣ Seller has ☐ has not ☐ filed a claim with an insurance provider relating to flood damage (including FEMA or the National Flood Insurance Program).
3️⃣ Seller has ☐ has not ☐ received assistance for flood damage to the property (including assistance from FEMA).
4️⃣ “Flooding” means the temporary or partial inundation of the property caused by:

• Overflow of inland or tidal waters

• Unusual accumulation of runoff or surface waters (like from a river or drainage ditch)

• Sustained periods of standing water due to rainfall

(Source: Florida Statute §689.302)

🌊 Why This Law Matters in Pinellas County

If you live in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, or Gulfport, you know flooding is more than a theoretical risk — it’s a regular concern. Pinellas County has one of the highest concentrations of flood-prone properties in Florida, making this new disclosure law especially relevant.

Here’s why this matters to home sellers and buyers:

• Transparency: Sellers are now legally required to disclose known flood history, past insurance claims, or federal flood assistance.

• Informed decisions: Buyers can evaluate whether additional flood insurance or mitigation is necessary before closing.

• Reduced liability: Proper disclosure protects sellers and real estate agents from post-sale disputes or misrepresentation claims.

• Better preparedness: Understanding a property’s flood history helps new owners take proactive steps — like installing flood barriers or elevating systems.

🏡 What Home Sellers Need to Do

If you’re planning to sell a home in Pinellas County, you must:

1. Complete the flood disclosure form before or at the time the purchase contract is signed.

2. Be honest and thorough. If you’ve ever filed a flood-related insurance claim or received FEMA assistance, that must be disclosed.

3. Consult your real estate agent to ensure the disclosure is correctly filled out and presented to potential buyers.

4. Keep documentation (e.g., flood insurance claims, FEMA letters, repair invoices) in case questions arise later.

Even if your property hasn’t flooded, you must still complete and provide the disclosure form — simply indicate “no knowledge of flooding.”

🔍 What Buyers Should Know

For buyers in coastal or low-lying neighborhoods — such as Shore Acres, Old Northeast, or Snell Isle — this new law gives you a clearer picture of your potential flood exposure.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Review the seller’s flood disclosure carefully.

• Check FEMA flood maps for your property’s flood zone designation.

• Ask for insurance quotes early in the buying process — flood insurance can vary dramatically depending on elevation and prior claims.

• Consider a flood elevation certificate or inspection for added peace of mind.

⚖️ Legal Reference & Further Reading

For the full legal text, visit the Florida Legislature’s official site:
➡️ Florida Statute §689.302 – Disclosure of Flood Risks to Prospective Purchasers

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Laws and regulations may change. Always consult a licensed Florida attorney, your real estate broker, or insurance professional before making property or disclosure decisions.