Lakeland, Florida: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lakeland is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Polk County.
Lakeland is a city of 119,961 people in Polk County, Florida. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Polk County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and strong wind, with about $213 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 878 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 165 tornadoes and 34 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 26 hurricanes and 37 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 4 of them major. About 2.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Polk County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lakeland
Full Polk 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $92M | |
| Inland flooding | $65M | |
| Strong wind | $25M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Wildfire | $7M | |
| Lightning | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Hail | $596K | |
| Drought | $533K | |
| Earthquake | $281K | |
| Landslide | $3K |
Homes in Lakeland
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 Polk County
More cities in Polk County
Common questions about Lakeland
Is Lakeland safe from natural disasters?
Lakeland is in Polk County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Lakeland?
By expected yearly losses in Polk County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (High), strong wind (Very High). Polk County has been part of 40 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lakeland get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 165 tornadoes in Polk County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 4, 1966. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Lakeland?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Polk County, about 2.6% 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.