51�Թ�

Traditional homeowner policies don’t include flood insurance, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency runs a flood insurance program that serves 5 million homeowners in the U.S., mostly along the East Coast.

He hasn't been able to afford flood insurance, so he's not sure how much financial support he'll end up getting to help him rebuild even as he's still recovering from Hurricane Idalia, which pummeled Florida's Big Bend area in August.

Those who choose not to purchase the optional flood insurance package will be on the hook for water damage.

“Lack of flood insurance is the largest insurance gap in the U.S., with only 6% of homeowners having the coverage,” Friedlander said.

"Lack of flood insurance is the largest insurance gap in the U.S."