Natural Disaster Risk in Tampa
Florida
Risk Summary for Tampa
Tampa scores 7.5/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Tampa, Florida
Located in the Deep South in Hillsborough County, Tampa is a city of 74,844 residents. The tropical climate that characterizes this part of Florida — marked by warm temperatures year-round and high humidity — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Tampa a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Tampa's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.5/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. Secondary hazards include hurricane and lightning.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Tampa's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 5.7/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by cold wave and hurricane, as measured by FEMA across Hillsborough County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Tampa's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Tampa: Cold Wave preparedness
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
Local Factors for Tampa
These city-level factors differentiate Tampa from other communities in Hillsborough County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
74,844
UrbanGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Warm Subtropical
Latitude 28.1°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 9.6/10
Coordinates
28.1340° N, 82.3602° W
Hillsborough County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Tampa
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Tampa
Other cities in Florida
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.