We now know which Southwest Florida county suffered the most flooding after the 2024 hurricanes.
Southwest Florida experienced significant flooding last hurricane season, prompting a deep dive into flood claim numbers.
From Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, 2024, Charlotte County topped the list for flood claims, showcasing the widespread impact of the storms.
Hurricane Debby passed close to Southwest Florida as a tropical storm in August, causing damage despite making landfall to the north. Helene followed in late September, bringing catastrophic inland flooding and storm surges from the Panhandle to Collier County.
Early October saw Hurricane Milton's devastating effects, leaving Manasota Key flattened and Punta Gorda underwater, with Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach also hit hard.
More than 78,000 flood claims were submitted in Florida during this period. In Southwest Florida, Charlotte County led with 4,885 claims, followed by Lee County with 4,344 and Collier with 1,063.
Punta Gorda had the highest number of claims by city at 1,311, with Sanibel close behind at 1,175.
Here's a closer look at other areas in Southwest Florida:
- Fort Myers Beach: 916
- Naples: 611
- Bonita Springs: 457
- Fort Myers: 157
- Marco Island: 102
- Cape Coral: 81
- Everglades City: 14
- DeSoto County: 13
- Village of Estero: Less than 20
- LaBelle, Clewiston, Arcadia: Less than 10 each
The City of St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Hillsborough counties lead in total flood claim numbers throughout the state of Florida.
You can see the specific breakdown of claims in the PDF attached to this article.
To check if you live in a flood zone, FEMA's Flood Map Service Center provides an easy-to-use resource.
