Did Hurricane Matthew flood St. Augustine?

Yes. Storm surge flooded downtown St. Augustine in October 2016, and Irma flooded it again in September 2017.

Do I need flood insurance in St. Augustine?

Homeowners policies don't cover surge or flooding, and the city flooded in back-to-back years. A flood policy is the only coverage for that damage.

Is St. Augustine doing anything about flooding?

Federal funds paid for an Army Corps coastal storm risk study and plans to raise the Avenida Menendez seawall, according to local reporting. These projects take years.

St. Johns County

Home and auto insurance in St. Augustine and St. Johns County

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

The short answer

Downtown St. Augustine flooded in Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 and again in Hurricane Irma in September 2017, less than a year apart. Neither storm made a direct landfall on the city. Repeat flooding from storms passing offshore is why flood coverage matters here even outside the highest-risk zones.

Matthew and Irma, back to back

News 4 Jax reported storm surge flooding downtown St. Augustine during Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. Less than a year later, Irma's surge flooded the city again, and some residents had their homes flood for the second time.

The city's response

Federal recovery money funded flood projects afterward, including a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers coastal storm risk study for the area and plans to raise the seawall along Avenida Menendez, according to JaxToday. Those projects take years, so flood coverage is still the homeowner's protection in the meantime.

Flood coverage for historic and coastal homes

Surge is flood damage, which homeowners policies exclude. NFIP policies usually take 30 days to start. Older homes may have particular rating considerations, so compare NFIP and private flood options with an agent.

Auto insurance in St. Augustine and St. Johns

St. Johns County drivers carry Florida's minimums: $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability. Downtown flooding damaged cars in both storms; comprehensive coverage is what pays.

Common questions in St. Augustine and St. Johns

Did Hurricane Matthew flood St. Augustine?: Yes. Storm surge flooded downtown St. Augustine in October 2016, and Irma flooded it again in September 2017.
Do I need flood insurance in St. Augustine?: Homeowners policies don't cover surge or flooding, and the city flooded in back-to-back years. A flood policy is the only coverage for that damage.
Is St. Augustine doing anything about flooding?: Federal funds paid for an Army Corps coastal storm risk study and plans to raise the Avenida Menendez seawall, according to local reporting. These projects take years.

Local resources

Related Florida guides

Sources

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.