FEMA Flood Map Update

A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is a risk assessment tool used to help determine the different flooding risks in a community. The highest risk mapped, a Special Flood Hazard Area, is the area having a 1 percent chance of flooding in any given year (also referred to as the 100-year floodplain). The FIRM’s are used by lenders, insurance agents and local government for flood risk assessment, floodplain management, land use and emergency planning. In support of the National Flood Insurance Program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has undertaken a national effort called Flood Map Modernization to produce more reliable flood risk data. Advances in geographic information systems, surveying and mapping will be utilized to convert the existing FIRM’s to a more accurate and reliable digital format that will revise the limits of the Special Flood Hazard Area in portions of the incorporated and unincorporated County.

The new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for St. Lucie County will become effective February 16, 2012.  To view these new maps please visit : http://gis.stlucieco.gov/floodmapper .  Changes to the maps could cause your flood zone designation and elevation requirements to change.  These changes could affect the cost to purchase flood hazard insurance.  Please review the quick links on the page to learn more about the new maps and savings on flood insurance that may be available.