Flood Maps are Changing …
What You Should Know
Flood Maps: A Risk Management Must
Flood hazard maps, also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRMs), are important tools in the effort to protect lives and properties in the Sarasota County area by showing the extent to which areas — and individual properties — are at risk for flooding. Flood maps help business and property owners make better financial decisions about protecting their property. These maps also allow community planners, local officials, engineers, builders and others to make important determinations about where and how new structures and developments should be built. Sarasota County Partners have teamed up with community leaders and residents to ensure that everyone within the Sarasota County community has access to the most accurate information about flood hazards, upcoming meetings and the progress of this extensive federal process.
A Better Picture of Flood Hazards
Over time, water flow and drainage patterns have changed dramatically due to surface erosion, land use and natural forces. The likelihood of inland, river and coastal flooding in certain areas has changed along with these factors. New digital mapping techniques provide more detailed, reliable and current data on flood hazards. The result: a better picture of the areas most likely to be impacted by flooding and a better foundation from which to make key decisions.
Visit http://www.scgov.net/floodmapupdates for progress, meetings and other important announcements.
For General Information Call
The Sarasota County Call Center at 941.861.5000
Sarasota Countywide Map including the Cities of North Port, Sarasota, Venice and the Sarasota County portion of Town of Longboat will be digital in 2011*
A multi-year project is nearing completion that includes jurisdictional paper maps updated and transferred to a county-wide digital map. Led by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) our flood zone areas will be re-examined to develop detailed, digital flood hazard maps. The digital map will reflect current flood risks and areas of recent growth, replacing older paper maps produced many years ago. Once adopted, everyone will have up-to-date, reliable, Internet-accessible information about their flood risk — on a property-by-property basis.
The first draft digital map is projected for May 31, 2010* and will tell property owners if their flood risk is higher, or lower, than they thought.
Flood Insurance Requirements and Options
When the new maps are adopted, flood insurance requirements will change. However, options exist that will allow property owners to save money while still protecting their property.
| IF MAPS SHOW… | THESE REQUIREMENTS, OPTIONS AND SAVINGS APPLY |
| Change from low or moderate flood risk to high risk | Flood insurance is mandatory. Flood insurance will be federally required for most mortgage holders.* Insurance costs may rise to reflect the true (high) risk.
Grandfathering offers savings. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has “grandfathering” rules to recognize policyholders who have built in compliance with the flood map or who maintain continuous coverage. An insurance agent can provide more details on how to save. |
| Change from high flood risk to low or moderate risk | Flood insurance is optional, but recommended. The risk has only been reduced, not removed. Flood insurance can still be obtained, at lower rates. Twenty-25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from low- to moderate-risk areas. Conversion offers savings. An existing policy can be converted to a lower-cost Preferred Risk Policy. |
| No change in risk level | No change in insurance rates. Property owners should talk to their insurance agent to learn their specific risk and take steps to protect their property and assets. |
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