Sarasota adopts updated flood insurance promotion plan to maintain community discount

The City of Sarasota is taking significant steps to enhance community awareness and access to flood insurance, as discussed in the recent City Commission meeting on February 18, 2025. A key highlight was the approval of the updated Flood Insurance Promotion Plan, which is part of the Community Rating System (CRS). This initiative allows residents to benefit from a 25% discount on their flood insurance policies, a crucial financial relief given the increasing importance of flood coverage in the area.

The Flood Insurance Promotion Plan, originally adopted in March 2023, requires annual updates to maintain the city’s CRS credit. This year’s update includes a comprehensive document that will be made available both online and in local libraries, ensuring that residents have easy access to vital information about flood risks and insurance options. The document is designed to educate the community, particularly emphasizing that 31% of residents outside designated flood zones do not have flood insurance, highlighting a significant gap in coverage.

Commissioners expressed their commitment to promoting this information, encouraging residents to review the document for its valuable insights. The automatic 25% discount applies to all national flood insurance policies for Sarasota residents, making it essential for homeowners to understand how to take advantage of this benefit.

In addition to the flood insurance discussions, the meeting also touched on other topics, including a request for a report on costs related to a project with Stellar Development, indicating ongoing efforts to manage city projects effectively.

As Sarasota continues to address flood risks and insurance accessibility, the city’s proactive measures aim to safeguard residents and enhance community resilience against potential flooding events. The next steps will involve further public outreach to ensure that all residents are informed and prepared.