Beginning today, August 24, 2021, most counties throughout Florida, are implementing the new flood maps updated by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).
“Homeowners should be educated on flood prone areas in our state,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency.
In a study by First Street Foundation, a nonprofit research group focused on climate impacts on property value, they found the majority of Floridians face a higher flood risk than their insurance costs would currently indicate.
Flood insurance rates are determined using the FEMA flood maps. New maps could impact a property owners existing flood insurance policies and premiums. Some property owners will experience an increase in flood insurance premiums while others will have their properties downgraded.
Several factors are taken into consideration regarding the maps including flood zone, base flood elevation as well as how properties are built. They are not determined by city limits or property lines.
The FEMA mapping process is designed to help home and business property owners, along with the community understand flood risk and make informed decisions on how to reduce or manage that risk. FEMA collaborates with local experts and community members when making their determinations.
“Homeowners are encouraged to find out if their property is in a flood zone or if the base flood elevation for your property changes,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency.
FEMA reports, “There is no such thing as a ‘no-risk zone,’ but some areas have a lower or moderate risk.”
By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties located in high-risk flood areas. Standard homeowners insurance and renters insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. A flood insurance policy must be purchased separately.
If you are looking to purchase flood insurance or just trying to better understand the new flood maps, give GreatFlorida Insurance a call. Our knowledgeable agents can help make sense of the new information and make sure you have the flood insurance you need to stay protected.
