How high did the St. Johns River flood during Hurricane Irma?

The National Weather Service recorded 5.57 feet of storm surge in downtown Jacksonville, beating the record of about 4.1 feet from Hurricane Dora in 1964.

Does homeowners insurance cover river flooding in Jacksonville?

No. River flooding is flood damage, which requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy.

How do I find my evacuation zone in Jacksonville?

Use JaxReady, the City of Jacksonville's emergency preparedness site, to look up your zone by address.

Duval County

Home and auto insurance in Jacksonville: why the St. Johns River matters

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

The short answer

In 2017, Hurricane Irma pushed a record 5.57 feet of storm surge up the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, beating the previous record of about 4.1 feet set by Hurricane Dora in 1964, according to the National Weather Service. The lesson for Jacksonville homeowners: flooding can come from the river as well as the ocean, and it needs its own policy.

Irma and the St. Johns River

The National Weather Service recorded 5.57 feet of storm surge on the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville during Hurricane Irma in September 2017, exceeding the all-time record from Hurricane Dora in 1964. Neighborhoods along the river flooded even though Irma made its Florida landfalls hundreds of miles away, in the Keys and Southwest Florida.

River flooding is flood damage

Water rising from the river, from storm surge or from heavy rain is flood damage, which homeowners policies don't cover. If you live near the St. Johns or its tributaries, check your flood zone and price a flood policy. NFIP coverage usually has a 30-day waiting period.

Know your evacuation zone

JaxReady, the City of Jacksonville's emergency preparedness site, lets you look up your evacuation zone by address. It's a quick way to gauge your surge exposure before choosing flood coverage and a hurricane deductible.

What to have ready when you shop

Your flood zone and any elevation certificate
Your wind mitigation report, if you have one
Roof age and the year of any re-roof
Your current declarations page

Auto insurance in Jacksonville

Jacksonville drivers need the same Florida minimums as everyone else: $10,000 of PIP and $10,000 of property damage liability. Cars parked near the river during a surge are a comprehensive claim, so check that coverage if you live or park near the water.

Common questions in Jacksonville

How high did the St. Johns River flood during Hurricane Irma?: The National Weather Service recorded 5.57 feet of storm surge in downtown Jacksonville, beating the record of about 4.1 feet from Hurricane Dora in 1964.
Does homeowners insurance cover river flooding in Jacksonville?: No. River flooding is flood damage, which requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy.
How do I find my evacuation zone in Jacksonville?: Use JaxReady, the City of Jacksonville's emergency preparedness site, to look up your zone by address.

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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.