Do I need a static IP address to upload my website to most web hosts?

I have designed a small website for a group I run. My trade union has kindly arranged for the site to be hosted free of charge by the same company that do their hosting.

The hosting company say that for security reasons I need a static IP address to upload my site from. My home broadband is with virgin.net, which I understand uses dynamic IP addresses. Would switching to another ISP give me a static IP address or do I need to try and find another web host that will let me upload from a dynamic IP address? Is it normal to need a static IP address to upload a website?

I%26#039;m a bit out of my depth here so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Do I need a static IP address to upload my website to most web hosts?

Sounds like you are getting the site hosted by someone who is not really an ISP or Internet Host. It is a business that is nice enough to get you use their server. They are requesting a static IP because that way they can open an FTP port and restrict to only accept traffic from you. This protects them from hackers. It is not an unreasonable request. I would probably do the same if it was one of the servers I support.

Talk to your ISP, because most of them do have a way to provide a static IP. There are many people who need one. If not, you will have to thank them for the offer, and then host it elsewhere.