Flood maps are a useful tool for assessing a property’s flood risk

Flood maps, also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are a useful tool for assessing a property’s flood risk, and also are a factor in flood insurance and building requirements. Most homeowners insurances do not cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need additional coverage.

To view the effective flood zone for a property or area, visit Hillsborough County’s Effective Flood Zone Viewer.

Moderate to low risk areas

  • Zone X - Floodplain area with a 0.2% (or 1 in 500 chance) or less annual chance of flooding. Includes areas of moderate flood hazard, such as base floodplains and shallow flooding areas, and minimal flood hazard, which may still have ponding and local drainage problems.

High risk areas (Special flood hazard area)

  • Zone A - 100-year floodplain, areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding and a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30‐year mortgage. Because detailed analyses are not performed for such areas, no base flood elevations are shown.
  • Zone AE - 100-year floodplain, the base floodplain where base flood elevations are provided.

High risk - coastal areas

  • Zone V - coastal areas with a 1% or greater chance of flooding and an additional hazard associated with storm waves. These areas have a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30‐year mortgage. No base flood elevations are shown within these zones.
  • Zone VE - coastal areas with a 1% or greater chance of flooding and an additional hazard associated with storm waves. These areas have a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30‐year mortgage. Base flood elevations derived from detailed analyses are shown at selected intervals within these zones

If you think the flood map boundaries are incorrect, you can apply for a Letter of Map Change. This is a formal determination by FEMA of a property's location and/or elevation relative to the Special Flood Hazard Area. If FEMA grants the map amendment or revision request, the property owner may no longer be required to pay flood insurance.

For more information on the County’s flood maps, call Public Works at (813) 635-5400 or email floodplainadmin@hcfl.gov.

Resources

Last Modified: 1/3/2024, 7:41:10 PM

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