[ckissick]

As far as I know, you are required to have flood insurance if you have a mortgage, but it can be either gov't insurance, or private. And the premiums are skyrocketing right now. What was recently a few hundred dollars per year will soon be up to $8K per year.

Because of this, I have been hired by lots of people in nearby flood zones to certify that their bottom floor is at least 1 foot above the 100-year flood elevation. (I'm an engineer with surveying equipment) Some houses are above the flood zone, some are not. Many houses have been raised a few feet to be safe.