In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant updates to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance maps, which became effective on July 31, 2023. The presentation highlighted the importance of understanding these maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which reflect current flood risks in Broward County, Florida.

The meeting emphasized that flooding risks in the area stem from two primary sources: rainfall and storm surges from hurricanes. The maps categorize flood zones into various designations, including Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) where there is a 1% annual chance of flooding, and other zones indicating lower risks. Notably, the maps now show that approximately 50% of parcels in the county are located within these special flood hazard areas, a significant increase from 30% in previous assessments.

Officials also discussed the Community Rating System (CRS), a FEMA program that offers discounts on flood insurance premiums for communities that engage in flood risk reduction activities. Currently, 27 out of 31 communities in Broward County participate in this program, with discounts ranging from 5% to 20%. The total premium collected for flood insurance in the county is around $62 million, which would have been approximately $73 million without these discounts.

The meeting further addressed the implications of the updated FEMA maps, which have resulted in about 90,000 parcels being newly designated as flood-prone. This change has particularly impacted cities like Miramar and Pembroke Pines, where a substantial percentage of properties have been added to the floodplain.

Additionally, the presentation underscored the necessity of flood insurance, especially for properties in designated flood zones. Homeowners are reminded that standard homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage unless it is wind-driven. As such, flood insurance is mandatory for properties in SFHAs, particularly for those with federally backed mortgages.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for residents to utilize the county's website to check their property's flood zone status and to stay informed about the evolving flood risk landscape in Broward County.