Bridget Neumann-Florida Strategic Insurance

Flooding is the most costly natural disaster in the United States, yet millions of Americans depend on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for protection. As of Wednesday, that program is on pause due to the government shutdown. Congress did not reauthorize the NFIP before the deadline, which means no new policies can be issued and existing policies cannot be renewed until action is taken. Current policies remain in force, and claims will continue to be processed.

This lapse may cause delays for real estate closings in flood hazard areas, where flood insurance is required by law. To fill the gap in the market, homeowners, lenders, and real estate professionals should be aware of private flood insurance options that may help avoid disruptions, like the one available through American Integrity.