What is a Flood Zone, and am I in one?
If you are new to the area and looking to buy a home, you will see the term flood zone and flood insurance during your home search. But what exactly is a flood zone and does that mean to you?
What is a Flood Zone?
Flood zones are geographic areas that FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has defined according to levels of flood risk. Flood hazard areas identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) are identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area or SFHA. SFHA are defined as the area that will be inundated by the flood event having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 1-percent annual chance flood is also referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood.
Each property is labeled with a zone according to its risk factor. The common zones we see are A, AE, VE, and X. These zones are rated from high risk to minimal risk.
Will I need Flood Insurance?
It is important to know your flood zone when purchasing a property, as some of these zones will require you to carry flood insurance when there is a federally backed mortgage on the property. It is also important to know that all homes with a specific zone are not created equal in the eyes of the cost of flood insurance. The age of the home, and base line elevation of the home are a huge factor when it comes to the rate you will pay for that insurance policy.
Most all policies are written through FEMA, and can be purchased through any insurance provider. There is a also a private market for flood insurance if you are looking for more coverage than FEMA Provides. However, always speak with your agent regarding a flood policy to see if the current owner has one, as some are transferable and could save you some money.
You can learn more about flood insurance on FEMAs website here https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance
What is my Flood Zone?
In 2022 FEMA updates the flood zone designations, the map below shows the current zones. This change was due to studies conducted prior to Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian.
To find your specific zone by address, click here to visit the Lee County Website. https://www.leegov.com/gis/maps/printable-maps/firm
FEMA flood zone designations currently found within the City of Cape Coral
Flood zones are geographic areas that the FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk. These zones are depicted on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard Boundary Map. Each zone reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area.
Moderate to Low Risk Areas
High Risk Areas
High Risk – Coastal Areas
Federally backed mortgages require flood insurance for those properties having structures located in an A, AE, or VE zone.
Definitions
Base Flood Elevation: The computed elevation to which floodwater is anticipated to rise during the base flood. Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) are shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and on the flood profiles. The BFE is the regulatory requirement for the elevation or floodproofing of structures. The relationship between the BFE and a structure’s elevation determines the flood insurance premium.
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM): The official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): The federal agency under which the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is administered. In March 2003, FEMA became part of the newly created U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): The program of flood insurance coverage and floodplain management administered under the Act and applicable Federal regulations promulgated in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subchapter B.
For more information on FEMA and flood zone guidelines, visit FEMA directly.