Boca Raton, Florida: natural disaster risk
How exposed Boca Raton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Palm Beach County.
Boca Raton is a city of 100,234 people in Palm Beach County, Florida. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Palm Beach County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and heat wave, with about $519 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 960 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 198 tornadoes and 102 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 38 hurricanes and 41 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 13 of them major. About 13% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Palm Beach County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Boca Raton
Full Palm Beach County report ›- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $287M | |
| Inland flooding | $179M | |
| Heat wave | $13M | |
| Lightning | $9M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Coastal flooding | $8M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Wildfire | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Hail | $176K | |
| Earthquake | $173K |
Homes in Boca Raton
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Palm Beach County
More cities in Palm Beach County
Common questions about Boca Raton
Is Boca Raton safe from natural disasters?
Boca Raton is in Palm Beach County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Boca Raton?
By expected yearly losses in Palm Beach County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (High), heat wave (High). Palm Beach County has been part of 38 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Boca Raton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 198 tornadoes in Palm Beach County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on October 19, 1958. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Boca Raton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Palm Beach County, about 13% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.