Florida Lawsuit Targets Flood Risk Scoring Company Over Insurance and Home Value Claims

November 1, 2026 - 05:29

Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against First Street Technology, accusing the company of misrepresenting flood risk data in a way that drives up insurance premiums and depresses property values across Florida. The suit centers on the company's flood risk scores, which are widely used by insurers, lenders, and real estate platforms to assess a property's exposure to flooding.

According to the complaint, First Street Technology's modeling produces risk scores that overstate the actual danger for many Florida homes, leading insurers to charge higher premiums and buyers to negotiate lower prices. Uthmeier argues that the company's methods lack transparency and that homeowners have no practical way to challenge the scores attached to their properties. The lawsuit contends that these ratings carry significant weight in financial decisions despite what the state describes as questionable accuracy.

The case adds to a broader debate over how flood risk is measured and who bears responsibility when those measurements affect housing costs. Florida's real estate market is particularly sensitive to flood concerns, given the state's exposure to hurricanes and rising sea levels. Industry observers note that private risk modeling has grown increasingly influential as public flood maps lag behind actual conditions.

First Street Technology has defended its methodology in the past, stating that its models rely on peer reviewed science and are designed to give consumers a clearer picture of risk. The company has not yet issued a detailed response to the filing. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and changes to how the company presents its risk data to the public.