What you need to knowClick here to download Fact Sheet in printable PDF document Jacksonville enters a new era
This year, a multi-year project to re-examine flood zones and develop detailed, digital flood hazard maps began. When completed, the new maps will reflect current flood risks and areas of recent growth, replacing maps that are more than 20 years old. As a result, property owners throughout Duval County will have up-to-date, reliable, Internet-accessible information about their flood risk — on a property-by-property basis. And, owners of approximately 300,000 properties in Duval County (total, not just those in flood zones) will learn that their risk is higher, or lower, than they thought. As someone with a stake in Jacksonville’s future, you should be aware of how the maps are changing and why — and how the changes will affect residents and business owners alike.
Flood Maps: 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 Jacksonville. By showing the extent to which areas of the community – 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. To ensure that everyone in Jacksonville has access to the most accurate and up-to-date information about flood hazards, the preliminary new maps will be made available for public view and review. 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, riverine and coastal flooding in certain areas has changed along with these factors. New digital mapping techniques will provide more detailed, reliable and current data on county flood hazards.
The result: a better picture of all the Duval County areas most likely to be impacted by flooding and a better foundation from which to make key decisions. The flood map modernization project is a joint effort between the City of Jacksonville and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with community government association and private sector partners. 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 |
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| 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 (higher) 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 to 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from low-risk 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. |
Flood Risks and Flood Zones
Flood maps refer to areas of high, medium or low risk as “flood hazard zones” and the zones of highest risk as “Special Flood Hazard Areas.”
| Risk Level | Flood Hazard Zone |
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| High Flood Risk | AE, A, AH or AO Zone. These properties have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year — and a 26 percent chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. VE or V Zone. These properties have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year and also face hazards associated with coastal storm waves. Insurance note: High-risk areas are called Special Flood Hazard Areas, and flood insurance is mandatory for most mortgage holders.* | | Low or Moderate Flood Risk | Shaded X Zone. These properties are outside the high-risk zones. The risk is reduced but not removed. X Zone. These properties are in an area of overall lower risk. Insurance note: Lower-cost preferred rate flood insurance policies (known as Preferred Risk Policies) are often an option in these areas. |
* Required for loans provided by federally regulated lenders as well as Government Sponsored Enterprises such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
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