Cape Coral-Fort Myers homes are now ranked among the most at risk in the United States for flood and wind damage, according to a new report from Realtor.com. The study highlights the growing threat to property values and insurance costs in this southwest Florida metro area as hurricane season intensifies.

Flood and Wind Risks Threaten Cape Coral-Fort Myers Homes

The Cape Coral-Fort Myers region stands out nationwide for its high percentage of homes exposed to severe flood and wind risks. According to Realtor.com, 100% of homes in this metro area are classified as having severe or extreme wind risk. Nearly half—46.1%—are also at severe or extreme risk of flooding.

These findings place Cape Coral-Fort Myers second in the nation for combined flood and wind threats to residential properties. The report draws on data from flood maps, insurance trends, and recent hurricane impacts to assess the vulnerability of housing markets across the country. For example, the impact of Hurricane Milton and associated tornadoes on the Treasure Coast has provided recent, real-world evidence of how severe weather can devastate Florida communities and affect property risk assessments.

Billions in Home Value at Risk Across Southwest Florida

Realtor.com estimates that 77.5 billion dollars in residential property value in Cape Coral-Fort Myers is at severe or extreme risk from flooding. For wind damage, the total value of homes at risk in the area reaches 168 billion dollars.

Statewide, Florida leads the nation in the number of homes threatened by climate-related hazards. The report states that nearly 6 million homes across the state—valued at $3.4 trillion—are likely to experience severe or extreme flooding over the next 30 years. This estimate is about 2 million more homes than are currently designated in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)‘s Special Flood Hazard Areas, due in part to outdated maps and the increasing effects of climate change.

Recent Hurricanes Amplify Local Risks

According to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), recent hurricanes have caused unprecedented damage in Florida. In 2024, Hurricane Milton resulted in $34.3 billion in damages, primarily in Florida. Hurricane Helene earlier that year caused $78.07 billion in losses nationwide, destroying up to 95% of structures in several coastal towns.

Drone footage and aerial surveys after these storms revealed widespread debris, flooding, and structural damage in communities including St. Lucie, Siesta Key, St. Petersburg, Punta Gorda, and Fort Myers. Residents in nearby areas, such as Port St. Lucie, have also faced significant challenges, as detailed in reports about Port St. Lucie residents bracing for potential flooding from Tropical Storm Milton.

Florida Metro Areas Dominate National Risk Rankings

The Realtor.com report identifies three Florida metro areas among the top five in the U.S. for the percentage of homes at severe or extreme flood risk:

• Cape Coral-Fort Myers: 46.1% of homes, $77.5 billion in value
• North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota: 29.3%, $59.7 billion
• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: 25.6%, $117.7 billion

New Orleans-Metairie, Louisiana, tops the list with 88.9% of homes at risk, followed by Cape Coral-Fort Myers. The data indicate that Florida’s west coast communities are especially vulnerable to both flooding and hurricane-force winds.

All Homes in Cape Coral-Fort Myers at Severe Wind Risk

In 14 major U.S. metro areas, every home is considered at severe or extreme risk for wind damage. More than half of these metros are located in Florida. Cape Coral-Fort Myers is among them, with the entire housing stock exposed to high wind threats.

Other Florida metros with 100% of homes at risk include Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, and Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville.

Home Insurance Premiums Soar in Cape Coral-Fort Myers

The elevated risk of flood and wind damage has driven up home insurance costs throughout Florida. According to Realtor.com and Insurify data, Cape Coral-Fort Myers ranks among the top ten most expensive markets for home insurance in the United States.

The estimated annual insurance premium for a typical home in Cape Coral-Fort Myers is $8,649. This is more than double the average for the 100 largest U.S. metro areas, which stands at $3,485. The median premium-to-market value ratio in Cape Coral-Fort Myers is 2.2%, based on a median home value of $393,147.

Comparison with Other High-Risk Florida Markets

• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach: $22,718 average premium, 3.7% premium-to-value ratio
• Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville: $6,172 average premium, 1.7% ratio
• North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota: $7,657 average premium, 1.7% ratio
• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: $6,645 average premium, 1.7% ratio

These high insurance costs reflect the increased likelihood of property damage from hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms in Florida’s coastal regions. In fact, many local residents have voiced their concerns as flood concerns mount and Milton residents speak out about the ongoing challenges posed by rising insurance rates and recurring storm threats.

Insurance and Housing Market Challenges

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, stated that climate risks are now a present reality for U.S. housing markets. The gap between perceived and actual risk, especially for flooding, can create significant challenges for homeowners, buyers, and insurers.

Many properties in Cape Coral-Fort Myers and other Florida metros may not be fully covered by federal flood maps, leaving residents exposed to losses that are not reflected in insurance requirements or pricing. This situation underscores the importance of up-to-date risk data and disaster preparedness for all homeowners in the region.

Impacts on Homeowners and Buyers

With insurance premiums rising and the threat of severe weather growing, residents face difficult choices about where to live and how to protect their investments. The report suggests that buyers and current homeowners in Cape Coral-Fort Myers should review their insurance coverage and consider flood mitigation measures.

According to official sources, the situation remains dynamic as climate patterns evolve and new storms develop. Details may be updated as further assessments are completed and as the 2025 hurricane season progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Coral-Fort Myers Homes Flood and Wind Risks

What makes Cape Coral-Fort Myers homes so vulnerable to flood and wind damage?

According to Realtor.com, Cape Coral-Fort Myers is located in a region with high exposure to hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and storm surge. These factors increase the risk of both flooding and wind damage to homes in the area.

How much is the average home insurance premium in Cape Coral-Fort Myers?

The estimated annual insurance premium for a typical home in Cape Coral-Fort Myers is $8,649, according to data from Realtor.com and Insurify. This is among the highest in the United States.

Are all homes in Cape Coral-Fort Myers at risk for severe wind events?

Yes, Realtor.com reports that 100% of homes in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area are at severe or extreme risk of wind damage. This is due to the area’s frequent exposure to hurricanes and strong storms.

Can you find flood insurance for homes in Cape Coral-Fort Myers?

Flood insurance is available for most homes in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, but premiums can be high due to the area’s risk level. Homeowners should check both federal and private insurance options to ensure adequate coverage.

Where are the highest concentrations of at-risk homes in Florida?

According to official sources, the highest concentrations of homes at risk for flood and wind damage are in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater. These metro areas have large numbers of properties exposed to extreme weather threats.

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