Broward County Disaster Risk
Broward County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
99th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
99th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very High
Higher than 100% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Broward County, Florida
Broward faces the nation's highest risk
Broward County's composite risk score of 99.46 ranks in the "Relatively High" category and represents nearly the maximum possible exposure to natural disasters. This South Florida coastal giant faces extreme, multifaceted hazards that few U.S. counties match.
Florida's riskiest county by composite score
Broward's 99.46 score is the highest in Florida, far exceeding the state average of 75.74 and representing an unparalleled concentration of disaster risk. The county's dense population amplifies the stakes of this extreme exposure.
Most vulnerable in South Florida
Broward County (99.46) ranks only marginally higher than neighboring Brevard (98.41), and both dwarf the risk of inland counties like Calhoun (44.94). Broward's exposure to Atlantic hurricanes and coastal flooding is the most acute in the region.
Hurricanes dominate all other hazards
Hurricane risk scores 99.83—the highest in the nation—making tropical storms Broward's defining threat, while flood risk (99.43) represents a secondary but equally critical concern. Wildfire and tornado risks (97.01 and 96.28) complete a hazard quadruple.
Comprehensive, redundant insurance is essential
Broward County residents must obtain homeowners insurance with maximum hurricane coverage and mandatory separate flood insurance; this is not discretionary. Invest in structural hardening (impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs), maintain comprehensive evacuation plans, and keep emergency supplies year-round.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Broward County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Broward County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard exposure in Broward County is notably high, placing it at the 99th percentile among all U.S. counties. Broward County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Broward County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 99th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (97th percentile), tornado (96th percentile), earthquake (41th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 100th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Broward County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Flood at the 99th percentile nationally is Broward County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For Broward County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
A composite score 23.7 points above the Florida state average puts Broward County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Broward County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Broward County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect Broward County?
How does Broward County risk compare to the Florida average?
Is Broward County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Broward County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.