Flood Insurance
The appropriate annual premium for flood insurance is $400. The actual one will vary depending on the amount of
coverage and the degree of flood hazard. Residents can purchase policies up to $250,000 for their home and $100,000 for contents.
Nonresidential structures can be protected up to $500,000 for the structure and $500,000 for contents.
Renters can also purchase flood insurance up to $100,000 for their contents. We urge people who live or own property in the hazard
areas to purchase flood insurance to protect themselves from losses due to flooding. There is a 30-day waiting period before NFIP
coverage takes effect. In addition, flood insurance is required in certain instances, such as the purchase of a home with a federally
backed mortgage. It is also advised for all residents especially those who live close to a water body (canals, lakes) to buy flood
insurance regardless if whether their properties are in flood zones or not. The homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage from rising water.
If you are located in the red area shown on the above map depicting the AH Zone then you are located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
and need to take the necessary precautions and follow the rules and regulations associated with the SFHA. If you have any questions you
can call the Engineering Division at (954)973-6786.
The FIRM zone designations are based upon the 100-year flood, the 100-year flood is also referred to as the base flood.
The 100-year flood is used by the NFIP as the basis for insurance requirements nationwide. A brief description of the FIRM
zone designations and the flood insurance requirements are listed below.
Zone AH – Properties in these zones fall within the 100-year floodplain.
These zones are Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) and flood insurance is required on all properties with federally backed mortgages.
Zone X and X500 – Properties in Zone X fall outside the 100-year floodplain.
Properties in Zone X500 fall outside the 500-year floodplain. Flood insurance is not required by the federal government but
may be required by the mortgage lender.
Residents can file a LOMA (letter of map amendment) or LOMR (letter of map revision) to have their property removed
from a special flood hazard area. A LOMR can be filed when the lowest adjacent grade (the lowest ground touching the structure)
is at or above the base flood elevation. In addition, the natural elevation cannot be altered by the placement of fill.
On the other hand, a LOMR is filed when the natural elevation has been altered with the placement of fill.
The lowest adjacent grade to the structure also has to be at or above the base-flood elevation. For more information, please
call FEMA at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).
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