Jacksonville, Florida: natural disaster risk
How exposed Jacksonville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Duval County.
Jacksonville is a city of 977,670 people in Duval County, Florida. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Duval County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and cold wave, with about $264 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,737 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 77 tornadoes and 162 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 21 hurricanes and 50 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 6 of them major. About 6.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Duval County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Jacksonville
Full Duval County report ›- 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.
- 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $134M | |
| Hurricane | $65M | |
| Cold wave | $26M | |
| Heat wave | $9M | |
| Tornado | $8M | |
| Coastal flooding | $7M | |
| Earthquake | $5M | |
| Lightning | $4M | |
| Hail | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $12K |
Homes in Jacksonville
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 Duval County
Common questions about Jacksonville
Is Jacksonville safe from natural disasters?
Jacksonville is in Duval County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Jacksonville?
By expected yearly losses in Duval County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), cold wave (High). Duval County has been part of 39 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Jacksonville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 77 tornadoes in Duval County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on February 2, 1996 near Jacksonville. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Jacksonville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Duval County, about 6.3% 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.