Floodplain Community Rating System

If you think your property may be flood prone, talk to your insurance agent and check the links at left for your best course of action.

If you need flood insurance, you'll receive a 25% discount on your premium thanks to Orange County's class 5 Community Rating System rank.

Regulated floodplains are illustrated on inundation maps called Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). It is the official map for a community on which FEMA has delineated both the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. SFHAs represent the areas subject to inundation by the 1-percent-annual chance flood event. Structures located within the SFHA have a 26 percent chance of flooding during the life of a standard 30-year mortgage. FEMA FIRM maps are available for free public viewing online at msc.fema.gov/portal. You can also use Orange County's online Property Appraiser and/or InfoMap service to see your property in relation to the existing 1 percent annual chance flood (100-year flood). You can also contact the Stormwater Management Division at 407-836-5612 where a technician will help determine whether or not your property is located within a floodplain. It is critical to note that properties located outside of the SFHA are not guaranteed to be safe from flooding.

Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Flood insurance is available to homeowners, condo owners, commercial owners, and all renters. Renters are encouraged to purchase flood insurance for their contents. Homeowners can get up to $250,000 of coverage and businesses up to $500,000. Renters can obtain up to $100,000 of coverage. Note that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. That means now is the best time to buy flood insurance! Contact your preferred insurance agency for more information. Additional information can be found online at www.floodsmart.gov or by calling 1-888-379-9531. Elevation Certificates that have been submitted in the past are available for review. Copies of the Elevation Certificates can be obtained from the Stormwater Management Division or at the Orange County Administration Center-One Stop Permitting.

Various methods may be used to minimize flooding. If the lowest finished floor elevation of your property is lower than the base flood elevation (BFE) established by FEMA, consider elevating your structure. If a flood is imminent, protect your property by sandbagging areas vulnerable to the entry of water. Valuables and furniture may also be moved to higher areas of the dwelling to minimize damage. Orange County will provide technical assistance and one-on-one advice to interested property owners regarding flooding and drainage issues on private property. For more information, please contact the Stormwater Management Division at 407-836-5612.

A floodplain permit is issued by the Stormwater Management Division to those who want to build a structure or otherwise develop on a property located within a 100-year floodplain. The Orange County Floodplain Management Ordinance also states that if your structure is damaged or improved to an amount greater than or equal to 50 percent of the structure’s market value, it will then have to comply with the current floodplain requirements. The County’s ordinance requires that all new construction and substantially improved buildings be built to a finished floor elevation of at least 1 foot above the BFE. Before you build, fill, or otherwise develop in a floodplain, contact the Orange County Public Works Department at 407-836-7900 to discuss county regulations. Any development in a floodplain, without a permit, should be reported to the Orange County Building Department at 407-836-5550 or 311.

Floodplains are a natural component of the County’s environment. Understanding and protecting the natural functions of floodplains helps reduce flood damage and protect resources. When flooding spreads out across the floodplain, its energy is dissipated, which results in lower flood flows downstream, reduced erosion of the streambank and channel, deposition of sediments higher in the watershed and improved groundwater recharge.

Floodplains are scenic, valued wildlife habitat. Poorly planned development in floodplains can lead to streambank erosion, loss of valuable property, increased risk of flooding to downstream properties and degradation of water quality. Did you know that it is illegal to throw anything– ANYTHING AT ALL! – into the lakes, canals, or other waters of the County? Do you know that nothing but stormwater is allowed to go into the storm drains located in streets, rights-of-way and parking lots? Dumping of materials into our waters or drains pollutes those waters, clogs our storm drains and leads to flooding in our neighborhoods. For questions, or to report obstructions or violations, call the Public Works Department at 407-836-7900 or 311.

Orange County employs many methods of communicating important information to you before, during and after emergencies or disasters. Many communication tools are available for us to use and for you to have available to receive such messages. These tools include television, radio, cell phones and smart phones, email and dedicated radio receivers. The methods we use include the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Orange County TV (OTV), OCAlert and OCFL Alert, NOAA Weather Radio and Amateur (Ham) Radio. Visit Ready.gov to learn what actions to take in the event of a hurricane watch or alert in your area.

• Inventory and photograph your home’s contents, and put important papers and insurance policies in a safe place.
• Keep an emergency supply including non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, manual can opener and a battery-operated radio
• If possible, place the washer, dryer, furnace and water heater above potential flood waters. They should be placed on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation, moved to inside a floodwall or moved to a higher floor. All work must conform to state and local building codes.

Additional information is available online at www.orangecountyfl.net/EmergencySafety and www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php.

As an Orange County resident you need to be aware of other hazards that could impact your property, one of which can be sinkholes. If you witness any sinkholes occurring in County streets or in County-owned property, please contact the Public Works Department at 407-836-7900 or 311. Sinkholes can be a dangerous hazard for traffic and residents. Although the County is not authorized to fix sinkholes on private property, we can try to assist home and business owners with options they can use to resolve this issue.

Flood insurance is not just for properties located in the SFHA. Did you know that more than 25-percent of flood insurance claims are for structures outside the 100-year floodplain? Even if your home or business is located outside the SFHA, it may still be at risk of flooding. Homeowners, renters and business owners located outside the SFHA can purchase standard policies or reduced-rate “preferred risk” policies. Anyone can purchase a residential flood insurance policy; you don’t have to be a homeowner to get flood insurance. Homeowners can get building and contents coverage, and renters can get contents coverage.

For more information about flood safety or the NFIP, please note the following: www.floodsmart.gov, www.ready.gov/floods or 1-888-379-9531.