Florida's new law requires home sellers to disclose flood history to buyers, aiming to mitigate risks in vulnerable areas.
Amy Green reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The law mandates that sellers provide flood history information, including past insurance claims and federal aid, before a sales contract is executed.
- Florida was one of 18 states without a flood disclosure requirement, despite being highly susceptible to flooding due to climate change.
- While the law is a step forward, it has loopholes and does not require disclosure if no insurance claim was filed or if the property is in a flood zone.
Key quote:
“Having the information will help buyers make more informed and better decisions about protecting what is likely to be their single biggest asset, their homes.”
— Rachel Cleetus, policy director of the Union for Concerned Scientists
Why this matters:
Disclosing flood history helps protect buyers and could prompt better planning decisions in flood-prone areas. However, gaps in the law may leave some risks unaddressed, highlighting the need for more comprehensive measures.
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