Violations of Floodplain Management
Buildings constructed in violation of local floodplain management regulations cannot obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These structures typically include those built within designated floodways—the channel of a river and adjacent land areas that must be reserved to discharge flood waters. Buildings constructed after a community joined the NFIP that don't meet elevation requirements or other building codes specific to Special Flood Hazard Areas are similarly ineligible. While private market insurance might be available for some of these properties, coverage would come at substantially higher premiums if available at all.
Structures Over Water
Buildings constructed entirely over water or seaward of mean high tide are explicitly excluded from NFIP eligibility. This includes structures like boathouses, fishing piers with living quarters, houseboats, and buildings on stilts with their lowest floor below water level. While these structures face obvious flood risks, they fall outside the program's scope, which was designed primarily for traditional land-based buildings. Certain grandfathered exceptions exist for some historic structures in this category that were constructed before specific cutoff dates, but these represent rare cases requiring special documentation.
Temporary Structures
Temporary or semi-permanent structures generally cannot obtain flood insurance coverage. This includes travel trailers, campers, and recreational vehicles unless they're permanently attached to a foundation. Shipping containers not permanently affixed to foundations with utilities typically remain ineligible. Temporary construction site buildings, seasonal vendor structures, and portable storage units also fall outside NFIP eligibility. This limitation reflects the program's focus on permanent residential and commercial buildings rather than transient or temporary structures.
Land and Landscaping
While not structures themselves, it's important to note that land, landscaping, and most outdoor features remain ineligible for flood insurance coverage. Septic systems, wells, sidewalks, decks, patios, fences, seawalls, and swimming pools receive no protection under NFIP policies. Trees, shrubs, plants, and crops similarly remain uninsurable against flood damage. This limitation often creates coverage gaps for property owners who may not realize that significant portions of their property value remain unprotected even with flood insurance in place.