Citizens Allows Flood Document Deferrals
Citizens is allowing policyholders to defer flood insurance paperwork after the federal shutdown paused the National Flood Insurance Program.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will temporarily allow new and renewing policyholders to defer submitting flood insurance documents because of the federal government shutdown, which has halted new and renewed policies under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The NFIP, operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), stopped processing applications and renewals when federal funding lapsed. Citizens will accept applications and defer the required proof of flood coverage and the Policyholder Affirmation Regarding Flood Insurance (CIT FW01). Once the NFIP resumes operations, policyholders will have 10 business days to submit the necessary documentation.
“Customers have the option to pursue and secure flood insurance in the private market, if desired,” the insurer said in a bulletin.
If a policy’s cancellation or nonrenewal effective date is October 1, 2025, or later, agents can submit a request to reinstate via the Flood and Affirmation Document Deferral Form. The form must be submitted prior to the cancellation or nonrenewal effective date.
The insurer said it would continue to monitor the situation and issue updates as needed. Citizens, the state-backed insurer, provides coverage to more than 760,000 policyholders across Florida.
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