Can this form be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures meet ESIGN and UETA requirements where parties consent. For consumer-facing transactions, provide the ESIGN consumer disclosure and ensure records are reproducible.

Is notarization required for every state?

Not necessarily. Notarization depends on state practice and whether the disclosure is attached to a deed or recorded instrument. Confirm requirements with the closing attorney or state notary rules.

What happens if a seller omits prior flooding?

Omitting known flooding can lead to buyer claims, rescission, or indemnity demands. Accurate and documented disclosure helps mitigate post-closing disputes.

How should FEMA maps be attached?

Attach an official FEMA map excerpt or lender flood determination as a PDF. Include date and map panel number to support the listed flood zone.

Who retains the signed form after closing?

The title company and closing attorney typically retain the executed disclosure in the closing file; parties should keep copies per retention rules outlined earlier.

Can lenders require additional documentation?

Yes. Lenders may request an elevation certificate, flood insurance declarations, or an engineering report depending on the zone and loan program.

Flood Disclosure Form

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FLOOD DISCLOSURE FORM

Recitals

WHEREAS, Seller Name: is the owner of the real property described below; and

WHEREAS, Buyer Name: is the prospective purchaser or transferee of such property and requests disclosure of flood-related conditions and history; and

WHEREAS, Seller desires to make a full and accurate disclosure regarding the property's flood exposure, flood history, insurance, and mitigation measures in order to inform Buyer prior to closing.

Property Identification

Property Address Parcel / Assessor ID Legal Description

Flood Hazard Determination

Has the property been identified by a recognized flood hazard determination as being located in a flood hazard area?

Flood Hazard Status

Located in Special Flood Hazard Area (high risk)
Located in moderate to low risk flood zone
Unknown or undetermined

History of Flooding and Water Intrusion

Has the property experienced any flooding, repeated water intrusion, or required flood-related repairs in the past 10 years? If yes, provide a brief description, dates, and extent of damage below.

Most Recent Flood or Water Intrusion Date

Flood Insurance

Indicate whether the property is covered by flood insurance, and provide policy information if available.

Flood Insurance In Force?

Yes No Unknown

Insurer / Policy Carrier Policy Number Coverage Amount

Mitigation Measures and Repairs

Describe any flood mitigation, elevation, drainage improvements, or repairs undertaken to reduce flood risk, including dates and contractors if known.

Scope of Disclosure

The Seller hereby discloses the flood-related information known to Seller concerning the property identified above. The disclosures made herein are limited to Seller's actual knowledge and records in Seller's possession at the time this form is executed.

Additional Disclosures

Payment Terms

If any fee, consideration, or service charge is associated with preparation or delivery of additional flood records or reports, the terms are set forth below. If no fee applies, indicate zero.

Amount Payable for Additional Reports Payment Schedule Late Fee

Term and Termination

This disclosure is effective as of the date of Seller's signature and remains binding on Seller with respect to the disclosed information until closing of the transaction identified by the parties or until superseded by a subsequent written disclosure. Either party may terminate or request amendment of this disclosure by written notice to the other party as set forth below.

Effective Date Termination Date (if any) Notice Period for Termination

Confidentiality

The parties acknowledge that certain elements of this disclosure and any accompanying reports may contain information of a confidential nature. Except as required by law, by a governmental agency, or as necessary to effectuate the transaction, neither party shall disclose confidential information to third parties without prior written consent.

Governing Law

This Flood Disclosure Form shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state where the property is located. Any dispute arising from or related to this disclosure shall be resolved in the state and county in which the property is situated.

Entire Agreement

This document constitutes the entire written disclosure of flood-related matters by Seller to Buyer with respect to the property identified herein. Any prior oral or written statements inconsistent with this disclosure are superseded unless incorporated by written amendment signed by both parties.

Acknowledgement and Certification

By signing below, Seller certifies under penalty of perjury that the information provided herein is true and correct to Seller's actual knowledge, and Buyer acknowledges receipt of this Flood Disclosure Form prior to execution of any purchase agreement.

Buyer Initials: Seller Initials:

Seller

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Buyer

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What the Flood Disclosure Form Covers

A Flood Disclosure Form is a written statement used in real estate and lending to disclose whether a property is located in a designated flood zone, whether the seller or owner has knowledge of past flooding, and whether flood insurance is required or in place. Lenders often require the form during underwriting, insurers use it to assess risk, and buyers rely on it to evaluate property condition and long-term costs. The form documents material facts about flood risk to support disclosure obligations and to reduce post-closing disputes.

Why completing a Flood Disclosure Form matters

Completing a Flood Disclosure Form clarifies flood risk for buyers, supports lender underwriting and insurance placement, and documents seller representations for closing. Accurate disclosure reduces post-closing liability and helps ensure compliance with lender and insurer requirements.

Who typically completes or reviews this form

Several parties interact with Flood Disclosure Forms during a real estate transaction, each with distinct responsibilities.

Real estate agents and brokers — Complete the seller-facing sections, collect seller answers, and attach supporting documents for the transaction file.
Lenders and mortgage underwriters — Request disclosure early, verify flood-zone status, and require flood insurance if the property is in a floodplain.
Buyers and title companies — Review disclosures during due diligence and use them to evaluate insurance needs and title exceptions.

Understanding who completes, reviews, and signs the form helps assign tasks and avoid delays at closing.

Step-by-step: completing the Flood Disclosure Form

Use this sequential checklist to gather information and finish the form in order to minimize follow-ups and lender holds.

01

Gather documents: Collect deed, tax records, and any previous flood reports.
02

Determine zone: Check FEMA maps or lender flood determination for the zone.
03

Answer questions: Provide factual responses and attach supporting evidence where indicated.
04

Sign and submit: Have all parties sign, date, and send to lender and title company.

How the disclosure integrates into transaction workflow

The form typically moves from seller to agent to lender and title; each handoff validates information and triggers next steps.

Seller completes: Seller provides answers and supporting documents to the agent.
Agent reviews: Agent checks for completeness and uploads to transaction folder.
Lender verifies: Underwriter confirms flood zone and insurance requirements.
Title finalizes: Title prepares exceptions based on disclosure and flood status.

Typical digital workflow settings for eSubmission

Configure these fields when preparing the form for electronic completion to ensure security and routing behave as expected.

Field	Configuration
Signer Sequence	Set order: Seller → Agent → Lender
Authentication	Use email link or SMS code for signer verification
Required Fields	Make address, flood zone, and signature mandatory
Attachments	Allow PDF upload for FEMA maps and insurance policies

Platform and integration considerations

Choose an eSignature platform that supports secure routing, attachments, and the integrations you need.

Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365
File formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML
Authentication: Email link, SMS code, KBA

Security and compliance essentials for eSubmission

Encryption in transit: TLS 1.2/1.3

Encryption at rest: AES-256 encryption

Regulatory compliance: ESIGN and UETA

Healthcare support: HIPAA (BAA required)

Auditability: Complete audit trail

Access controls: SSO and role permissions

Key risks from incorrect or missing disclosures

Loan denial: Underwriting can stop

Closing delays: Title exceptions or reviews

Insurance gaps: Policy issuance delayed

Contract disputes: Buyer/seller claims possible

Regulatory fines: Local penalties may apply

Rescission risk: Contracts may be rescinded

Common mistakes when preparing a Flood Disclosure Form

Using a mailing address instead of the legal property address can cause title mismatches and delay lender clearance for flood insurance.
Failing to attach or reference the FEMA flood map excerpt or official lender flood determination often results in Requests for Clarification from underwriters.
Vague descriptions of past flooding—such as omitting dates, extent, or repairs—trigger additional inspections and can affect insurability or closing timelines.
Allowing only initials or unsigned sections instead of full signatures for required signers can render the disclosure incomplete for title and lender review.

When to provide the Flood Disclosure Form during a transaction

Timing varies by transaction, but deliver disclosure early to avoid underwriting or title exceptions near closing.

Listing stage:

Provide seller disclosure when listing the property

Offer/escrow:

Include disclosure with offer and inspection contingencies

Loan application:

Submit to lender at initial application or upon request

Pre-closing:

Resolve outstanding flood issues before closing

Record retention:

Keep signed copy in transaction file post-closing

Comparison: eSignature vendors for flood disclosure workflows

Key vendor pricing and feature availability to consider for eSigning and routing Flood Disclosure Forms; signNow appears first for consistency in comparison.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Practical examples of Flood Disclosure use

These scenarios show how the form affects typical transaction outcomes and the kinds of follow-up actions it can trigger.

Example 1

A seller discloses prior basement flooding in 2018

Lender requests elevation certificate to confirm risk
The buyer negotiates a repair credit and the transaction closes with flood insurance in place.

Example 2

A listing agent attaches FEMA map showing AE zone

Underwriter flags lender-required flood insurance
Title company adds exception but closing proceeds once policy is bound.

Frequently asked questions about Flood Disclosure Forms

Answers to common questions about completion, eSigning, notarization, and how the form interacts with lender and title processes.

Need help? Contact support

Can this form be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures meet ESIGN and UETA requirements where parties consent. For consumer-facing transactions, provide the ESIGN consumer disclosure and ensure records are reproducible.
Is notarization required for every state?
Not necessarily. Notarization depends on state practice and whether the disclosure is attached to a deed or recorded instrument. Confirm requirements with the closing attorney or state notary rules.
What happens if a seller omits prior flooding?
Omitting known flooding can lead to buyer claims, rescission, or indemnity demands. Accurate and documented disclosure helps mitigate post-closing disputes.
How should FEMA maps be attached?
Attach an official FEMA map excerpt or lender flood determination as a PDF. Include date and map panel number to support the listed flood zone.
Who retains the signed form after closing?
The title company and closing attorney typically retain the executed disclosure in the closing file; parties should keep copies per retention rules outlined earlier.
Can lenders require additional documentation?
Yes. Lenders may request an elevation certificate, flood insurance declarations, or an engineering report depending on the zone and loan program.

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