Miami, FL – When buying a home, it is important to have full disclosure regarding potential issues the property may have. Hence, a home inspection is a highly recommended suggestion before proceeding further with a home purchase. However, what happens when a new homeowner finds out the home is a major flood risk after it’s bought?
Miami, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/19/2019 -- A Tampa Bay Times article tells the story of a Florida homeowner who bought a home unaware of its long history of flooding. After Hurricane Irma made its way through Florida, flooding forced the insurance company to pay for more than $100,000 in damage. Soon afterward, the homeowner's insurance company told the homeowner that it was the fourth time that the home sustained thousands of dollars of flood damage and was put in a category among homes deemed extreme repetitive losses. The choices available to the homeowner were limited and included raising the home's elevation, selling it, or destroying it.
Florida is one of a handful of states in which sellers are not forced to report the flooding history of a home, despite Florida's penchant for being a higher flood risk. Floridians may wish to review a voluntary Florida seller disclosure form provided by the Florida Realtors Association when disclosing floods. A website called MyFloodRisk.org also provides helpful information showing the flood risk of a property using data such as the elevation and flood areas of FEMA.
To read more, visit https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2019/10/26/in-florida-home-sellers-dont-have-to-disclose-a-history-of-flooding/.
This information is provided for educational or informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice.
About Alonso Pérez LLP
Consisting of attorney Rafael Alonso, the law firm dedicates itself to representing businesses and individuals across South Florida in insurance disputes. The firm is passionate about serving its clients as a primary resource and partner in all aspects of their business growth and financial development. For more information call 305.443.6321 to speak with a Miami insurance attorney or to request a free consultation.