Flood Factor vs your FEMA flood zone: which one counts?

Check my flood zone free

What is the flood score on a home listing?

Flood Factor is a flood score on many home listings. It is not a FEMA flood zone, and it is not on FEMA's flood map. The two answer different questions, so a high score or a low score does not change which zone your home is in.

So what does the lender look at? Here is the rule.

What does your lender look at?

The FEMA flood map. Lenders use flood maps to decide which homes must carry flood insurance. They use the current NFIP flood map for the federal rule.

The federal rule makes a lender require flood insurance only when the home is in a zone that starts with A or V, the high-risk area, and the loan comes from a federally regulated or insured lender, or is backed by the federal government. If the rule applies to you, your lender will tell you.

A lender can also require flood insurance beyond what federal law requires. Ask your lender before you make an offer. If your lender says you need a policy, read what to do when your lender requires flood insurance.

Does Florida add anything? See the Citizens rule.

Does Florida add a rule?

Yes, for one insurer. In Florida, Citizens Property Insurance requires flood coverage on most of its home policies, in any zone. If Citizens insures your home, ask them what applies to you.

Does the score or the zone set the price? See how the price works.

Does the score or the zone set your price?

Same flood zone, very different prices. FEMA says NFIP rates "are determined based on your property's unique flood risk, regardless of zone." Your NFIP price is set by FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 from your building's own details. So two homes in the same zone can pay very different amounts.

The zone decides whether your lender must require a policy. A licensed, independent insurance agent can quote the home itself. See what decides your flood insurance price.

If my zone is low risk, am I safe? Read this first.

If your zone is X, can you still flood?

Yes. FEMA says nearly one-third of NFIP claims from 2014 to 2024 came from outside high-risk flood areas.

In Zone X, flood insurance is optional under federal law. Any lender can still ask for it. A policy outside the high-risk area is a choice you make for your home. If you are not sure, read do I need flood insurance in Florida. If your home is in a high-risk zone, read what flood zone AE means.

What is your home's zone? Find out below.

What is your home's flood zone?

A score on a listing does not tell you the zone. What zone is your home in? Check my address and see the FEMA zone, the flood map and the neighborhood's claims history for that exact spot.

Buying the home? Read buying a house in a flood zone for the full checklist before closing. To see what every zone letter means, read flood zone X vs AE vs VE. If you need a policy for a closing, read the NFIP 30-day wait and the loan exception.

Questions Florida buyers ask about flood scores and flood zones

Is Flood Factor the same as a FEMA flood zone?

No. Flood Factor is a flood score on many home listings. The FEMA zone is on FEMA's flood map, and that is what your lender checks.

Does my lender use the flood score?

Lenders use the current NFIP flood map for the federal rule. A lender can also ask for flood insurance beyond what federal law requires.

Does the flood score change my flood insurance price?

The NFIP sets its price from your property's own flood risk, regardless of zone. A licensed, independent insurance agent can quote the home itself.

Do I need flood insurance if my zone is X?

Not under federal law. Any lender can still ask for it. In Florida, Citizens requires flood coverage on most of its home policies, in any zone.

How do I find my FEMA flood zone?

Check my address. The report shows the FEMA zone and the flood map for that exact spot.

Facts last checked November 14, 2026. Every figure comes from the federal or state source listed above.