Is a Seawall Covered Under Insurance in Florida?
Is a Seawall Covered Under Insurance in Florida?
Quick Answer
Seawall coverage under your Florida homeowners policy depends on the actual policy language; do not assume your seawall is insured. Having Coverage B for “other structures” does not establish that your seawall is covered. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) building and contents policies do not cover seawalls as property outside an insured building. Before you commit to buying a waterfront home, ask the homeowners insurer in writing whether the policy covers the seawall and which causes of damage it covers. Call me at 941.400.8735 or reach out directly to Michael Renick – I’ll share my approach with you.
Does your Florida insurance policy cover the seawall?
Your homeowners policy’s specific terms determine whether it covers your seawall and the particular damage involved. An NFIP building or contents flood policy does not cover a seawall as property outside an insured building.
Keep those two questions separate: whether the seawall is covered property, and whether the cause of damage is covered. Ask your insurer to identify the policy language supporting its answer rather than relying on the label “other structures.”
Mike Renick and Eric Teoh have been 5 star Realtors for many, many years. Both individuals have been cooperative and pleasant to any of my requests. While I am away from my Longboat residence Eric has willingly checked on the conditions and status of our unit. I would highly recommend both for real estate needs.
– Peter Cutler, Google Review
Why Coverage B does not settle the question
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation describes Coverage B as coverage for other structures, giving sheds and fences as examples. That description does not say whether seawalls are included or excluded.
If you are reviewing insurance for a home you plan to buy, ask the insurer specifically about the seawall. A general explanation of Coverage B is not a seawall-specific coverage answer.
What flood coverage does – and does not – answer
FloodSmart’s NFIP guidance lists seawalls among property outside an insured building that building and contents flood policies do not cover. Do not treat an NFIP flood policy as confirmation that your seawall is insured.
For Florida homeowners policies that do not include flood insurance, Florida Statutes section 627.7011(4)(b) requires a flood warning on the declarations page at initial issuance and every renewal. The warning states that the homeowners policy does not cover flood damage, even if hurricane winds and rain caused the flood.
That warning addresses flood damage. It does not determine whether your homeowners policy covers a seawall damaged by another cause; ask the insurer to address that separately.
My home buying experience with Mike and Eric continues to exceed my expectations, even long after the sale. Not only did they deal with me honestly and efficiently for the sale itself, their service didn’t stop there. They continue to keep an eye on my condo when I’m not there and have even referred rental clients to me, which has worked out very well! This is well beyond the norm in the real estate industry. Good, old fashioned service. I will be calling them again for my next purchase, for sure!
– ppugielli, Zillow Review
Let’s continue this conversation.
Call me at 941.400.8735 or schedule a 15-minute call. I’ll tell you what I would look for.
Call 941.400.8735 or Schedule a Call
Questions Clients Actually Ask
What should I ask the insurer about a seawall?
Ask whether the specific homeowners policy covers the seawall and which causes of damage it covers. Request the answer in writing and ask the insurer to point to the relevant coverage terms and exclusions.
Does hurricane-related flooding change the homeowners policy’s flood warning?
For Florida homeowners policies without flood insurance, the required warning expressly includes flooding caused by hurricane winds and rain. A hurricane causing the flood does not remove that stated flood exclusion.
What To Do Right Now
Before committing to the purchase, send the insurer the proposed homeowners policy and request a written, seawall-specific coverage answer identifying the applicable terms, covered causes of damage, and exclusions.
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Michael Renick · Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
License #BK3241900 · Verify on Florida DBPR
Mangrove Realty Associates Inc / Team Renick · Serving Sarasota & Manatee Counties since 2011
About the Author
I’m Michael Renick — a Florida West Coast broker with over 15 years guiding families through some of the biggest decisions of their lives. I’ve built my practice on hard work, honesty, and total transparency. No shortcuts, no spin — just straight answers, deep market knowledge, and the dedication my clients deserve from start to close.
Equal Housing Opportunity. This article is general information only, not legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice. Market conditions, insurance requirements, and costs vary by property and transaction; confirm your specific situation with the appropriate licensed professional. Michael Renick, Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License #BK3241900, licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Mangrove Realty Associates Inc — each office is independently owned and operated.
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