Tallahassee, Florida: natural disaster risk
How exposed Tallahassee is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Leon County.
Tallahassee is a city of 201,875 people in Leon County, Florida. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Leon County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and cold wave, with about $143 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,290 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 37 tornadoes and 127 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 19 hurricanes and 49 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 4 of them major. About 2.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Leon County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Tallahassee
Full Leon 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 | $47M | |
| Hurricane | $43M | |
| Cold wave | $24M | |
| Tornado | $19M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $718K | |
| Lightning | $618K | |
| Hail | $225K | |
| Winter weather | $75K | |
| Drought | $22K |
Homes in Tallahassee
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 Leon County
Common questions about Tallahassee
Is Tallahassee safe from natural disasters?
Tallahassee is in Leon County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Tallahassee?
By expected yearly losses in Leon County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (High), cold wave (High). Leon County has been part of 35 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Tallahassee get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 37 tornadoes in Leon County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on March 3, 2019 near Baum. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Tallahassee?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Leon County, about 2.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.