How much rain fell in Fort Lauderdale in April 2023?

The National Weather Service reported about 25.91 inches in 24 hours ending April 13, 2023, a preliminary figure above Florida's previous 24-hour record.

Does homeowners insurance cover rain flooding in Broward?

No. Flooding from heavy rain is flood damage, which requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy, even when no hurricane is involved.

Is Broward in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone?

Yes. The Florida Building Code's HVHZ covers Broward and Miami-Dade counties, with the strictest wind and impact standards in the state.

Broward County

Home and auto insurance in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County

By the Florida Coverage Compare editorial team · Last updated October 31, 2026

The short answer

Broward is one of the two Florida counties, with Miami-Dade, in the Florida Building Code's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. It's also where, on April 12–13, 2023, Fort Lauderdale recorded about 25.91 inches of rain in 24 hours, a total the National Weather Service reported as a preliminary state record. That flood came from a rainstorm, not a hurricane, and a homeowners policy doesn't cover it.

The April 2023 flood

The National Weather Service's Miami office reported roughly 25.91 inches of rain at Fort Lauderdale in 24 hours ending April 13, 2023, a preliminary figure that would top Florida's previous 24-hour record. Broward County called it a historic 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event that caused catastrophic flash flooding.

There was no hurricane involved, which is the point for insurance: flooding from heavy rain is flood damage, excluded from homeowners policies. Only a flood policy, from the NFIP or a private insurer, pays for it.

High-Velocity Hurricane Zone rules

As in Miami-Dade, windows, doors, shutters and roofing in Broward must meet the HVHZ standard and carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance. Keep the permits and product approvals for your openings and roof: they help an inspector document the features on your wind mitigation form that earn insurance credits.

Buying flood coverage

NFIP policies usually take 30 days to start, so a flood policy has to be in place before the rain arrives. If you're with Citizens, most policies must carry flood coverage by January 1, 2027.

Auto insurance in Fort Lauderdale and Broward

Broward drivers need Florida's standard minimums: $10,000 of PIP and $10,000 of property damage liability. The 2023 flood stranded cars across the county, and only comprehensive coverage pays for flood damage to your own vehicle.

Common questions in Fort Lauderdale and Broward

How much rain fell in Fort Lauderdale in April 2023?: The National Weather Service reported about 25.91 inches in 24 hours ending April 13, 2023, a preliminary figure above Florida's previous 24-hour record.
Does homeowners insurance cover rain flooding in Broward?: No. Flooding from heavy rain is flood damage, which requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy, even when no hurricane is involved.
Is Broward in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone?: Yes. The Florida Building Code's HVHZ covers Broward and Miami-Dade counties, with the strictest wind and impact standards in the state.

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General information, not insurance advice. Florida Coverage Compare is not an insurance company or agent. Confirm details with a licensed agent or the official source.