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Clearwater, FL · Pinellas County

Water Risk Profile — ZIP 33755

Flood risk, local cost data, climate factors, and insurance context for your ZIP code.

Flood Risk

Very High

Cost Range

$3,000–$17,500

Avg Response

36 min

NFIP

State participates

Local Climate & Risk Factors

Clearwater Beach is one of the most flood-exposed coastal communities in Florida. The city sits at the mouth of Tampa Bay with Gulf of Mexico beach exposure. Storm surge from a direct Gulf hurricane strike would put much of the beach barrier island under 10–20 ft of water. Mainland Clearwater faces stormwater flooding from flat terrain with limited drainage gradient. High year-round humidity (80%+) means any building envelope failure quickly leads to mold — restoration windows are 24–48 hours before mold becomes a secondary remediation issue.

Flood-prone areas: Clearwater Beach and Sand Key are extreme storm surge risk — evacuation zone A. Harbor Oaks and Coachman Ridge are mainland with lower surge risk. East Clearwater near US-19 has better drainage and lower flood risk.

Insurance tip: Clearwater Beach and Sand Key are FEMA VE zones — the highest coastal flood hazard designation. Mandatory flood insurance at these locations costs $8,000–$15,000+/year. Mainland Clearwater AE zones are lower cost but still mandatory for federally-backed mortgages.

Water Category Cost Table — Clearwater, FL

Extraction & drying cost per square foot by IICRC water category

Water Category$/sq ft
Category 1 — Clean

Burst supply line, clean appliance overflow

$5.1–$13.3
Category 2 — Gray

Dishwasher, washing machine, toilet bowl (no feces)

$13.3–$16.1
Category 3 — Black

Sewage backup, floodwater, toilet overflow with feces

$18.9–$24.2

Estimates exclude reconstruction (drywall, flooring replacement). National benchmarks: Cat 1 $3.75–$4.25, Cat 2 $4.10–$6.50, Cat 3 $7–$7.50/sq ft — adjusted for Clearwater market (622/sq ft range).

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