FEMA and local officials are holding Flood Risk Open Houses in Jacksonville in advance of flood zone changes:
Wednesday, January 25 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Edward Ball Building 214 North Hogan Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
The national coastal study requested by Congress has not been updated in 40 years, says Sr. Engineer for FEMA Region IV, Mark Vieira.
Once the flood map changes are finalized, designated Special Flood Hazard Zones may shift, affecting flood insurance rates for Florida communities.
For most federally backed mortgages (FHA, VA, Freddie Mac, reverse mortgages, home equity loans, etc.) flood insurance is a requirement and costs an average $700 a year.
To find out if your zone has changed, specialists at FEMA open houses will find the changes for your individual address. Each county's floodplain manager can also provide information on the preliminary FEMA maps.
Danon Lucas with FEMA public affairs says current insurance rates can be grandfathered in after the changes as long as the policyholder keeps continuous coverage. This applies even if the map change would mean a higher insurance rate for the homeowner. If the home is being sold, Lucas says, the lower rate could be rolled over to the new owner as well.
Renters should also consider 'contents coverage' for flood insurance. A landlord's flood insurance would typically protect the structure but not the items inside. Renters insurance does not usually cover flood damage caused by mother nature.
To search for your flood zone on the preliminary maps that will go into effect in 2018, click here.
Lucas also encourages owners who live in a low-risk zone to keep flood insurance.
"Low-risk doesn't mean no risk, especially in our coastal communities," Lucas says.
FEMA estimates 20 to 25 percent of its annual claims due to flood damage are made by people in low-risk areas.
The new maps can be appealed but are expected to become permanent in February 2018.