For buyers weighing a Pennsylvania home's potential costs, a new law will make more flood-related information available before purchase — sellers will be required to disclose past flood damage and other details about flooding, according to Beinsure.
July 2028 is the scheduled start date for the expanded disclosure requirements.
Here's what to know
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 1704, broadening the flood information sellers must provide in residential transactions.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's 100-year and 500-year flood-zone classifications are part of the required disclosures, and sellers must disclose whether either applies to the property.
Buyers may need to factor flood insurance into their budgets.
Sellers will be required to report whether coverage is required and whether the property has carried it before, along with any past flood damage.
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Any government aid received following flood damage must also be disclosed to buyers, as well as any past flood insurance claims.
More background
Flood damage can leave homeowners facing costly repairs, but ordinary homeowners policies typically do not cover flood losses.
The legislation codifies a recommendation in the task force's 2024 final report on flood insurance premium assistance.
Democratic state Rep. Perry Warren of Bucks County sponsored it.
Education and outreach were among the report's four priorities, alongside incentives, risk mitigation, and making coverage affordable.
The task force urged increased participation in flood insurance, recommending better consumer education and expanded access to coverage.
What's being done?
The new law points consumers toward the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's website to learn about flood-zone designations, insurance options, and ways to reduce a property's flood risk, Beinsure noted.
A property does not need a high-risk classification to be at risk of flooding, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys cautioned.
To make information easier to access, PID has refreshed its flood insurance resources and linked to an interactive tool for residents and homebuyers to evaluate the flood risk they face.
Since 2024, PID's flood insurance ombudsman has worked to expand access to flood insurance.
Pennsylvania established the position within the department, with responsibilities that also include coordinating education and outreach with FEMA, state emergency management agencies, and other stakeholders.
According to state figures cited by Beinsure, roughly 1 in 100 households in Pennsylvania currently carries flood insurance.
Where can I learn more?
Flood coverage and flood-zone rules matter for homeowners outside Pennsylvania, too. These stories cover insurance gaps and flood policies in Florida, New Jersey, California, and Texas.
• In Florida, most homeowners policies still don't cover flooding, as hurricane season peaks.
• New Jersey environmental groups say Gov. Mikey Sherrill's flood rule delay leaves residents exposed to flooding.
• A Kern County broker urged homeowners to check their flood coverage before El Niño hits California.
• In Wichita Falls, Texas, a new LiDAR study could remove homes from FEMA's floodplain rules.
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