Flood Zones in Florida

Hurricane season brings a greater possibility of flooding for those in the higher risk Flood Zones in Florida. All eyes were on Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and then Irma caused more damage in 2017. We always want to hope for the best, yet prepare for the worst.

It is important for those relocating to Florida or perhaps buying their first home in Florida, to have an understanding of Flood zones. This is because flood insurance may be required in higher risk areas.

What are the Highier Risk Flood Zones in Florida?

FEMA has assigned a character from the alphabet to each zone to indicate the risks in different parts of the country. The most hazardous flood zones and therefore, where you will most likely have flood insurance as mandatory, are V (usually beach-front properties) and A (usually properties near water). V zones can be hazardous because of wave velocity – hence the V designation. The next area of high risk are the A zones, which can be subject to rising waters and are usually near a body of water; such as a river, stream or lake. Then you have the X zones, which are minimal-risk areas where flood insurance is not mandatory.

Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to locate your  flood map to help determine your flood risk.

Many homes in Florida are in flood risk zones. Especially, those that are located near Lakes, Rivers, the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. It is important that homeowners and home buyers have an understanding a community’s risk to floods.

According to FEMA, “The Elevation Certificate is one way for a community to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program requirement that the community obtain the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new and substantially improved structures and maintain a record of such information. The Elevation Certificate also is required to properly rate certain structures for flood insurance premiums.”

With this information in mind, contact your Erb and Young Insurance Agent to discuss your Homeowners and Commercial Insurance policies. Making informed decisions and taking responsible actions now will help you to maintain, protect and enhance the value of your personal and business properties. Your Erb and Young Insurance Agent will be happy to answer your flood insurance related questions. Get the peace of mind that you deserve by calling us now at 321-234-1690.