What Can We Learn From Sydney Sweeney? Insights from Celebrities in the Florida Keys

The actress, Sydney Sweeney, is the latest celebrity to make the Florida Keys her home. Did you know the Keys were trending?

We all know that the Keys have been home to celebrities, authors, painters, presidents, songwriters, musicians, and actors such as the late Jimmy Buffett, Kathie Lee Gifford, Scott Baio, Jeff Bezos, Shakira, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Gisele Bünchden, to name a few (why am I craving a key lime pie right now??), but now younger celebrities are flocking to the Keys to enjoy some “tropical anonymity.”

What can we learn from the southern-most tip migration?

We can talk all about the new law for real property sellers to disclose flood damage.

Up until October 1, 2024, sellers were not required to disclose past flood damage. Thanks to House Bill 1049, homebuyers are entitled to information regarding the property they are considering buying. Sellers are now required to disclose any flood-related insurance claims or federal aid tied to the property, and the law makes clear that standard home insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Specifically, the new rules require:

• Form Title: Must be labeled “FLOOD DISCLOSURE.”
• Flood Insurance Policy Disclaimer: Must be provided stating, “Flood Insurance: Homeowners’ insurance policies do not include coverage for damage resulting from floods. Buyer is encouraged to discuss the need to purchase separate flood insurance coverage with Buyer’s insurance agent.”
• Flood Damage Claims: The seller must state whether he or she has filed a claim with an insurance provider relating to flood damage on the property.
• Federal Assistance: The seller must state whether he or she has received federal assistance for flood damage to the property.

So, there you have it. We learn that I need some key lime pie in my life and that given the increase in flooding in South Florida, sellers are on the hook for disclosing their flood experiences to the potential buyers.