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Effects on Homeowners
How New Flood Hazard Maps Affect Homeowners
Mapping the Risk
Floods can - and do - occur throughout Volusia County. Areas of high risk are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA's). They have at least a 1% chance of flooding in a given year. Other areas have low to moderate risk, meaning that the risk in these areas is reduced, but not removed. Flood risks vary from property to property, even in the same neighborhood. The County has completed a major effort to develop reliable, digital flood hazard maps that will replace the outdated, paper maps. All residents can use the New Flood Map Viewers to learn their risk, and decide the steps to take to protect against damage and loss.
Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is an important first step in protecting your financial investment. For homes in a high risk zone, there is a 26% chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 9% chance of a structure fire. In accordance with the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, flood insurance is required for all structures located in a SFHA that carry a home mortgage loan backed by a federally-regulated lender or servicer. Remember, flood insurance is available for all properties, regardless of risk designation, and that homeowners insurance does not typically protect you from flood damage. More information is available on the Insurance Information page.
Flood Safety
Floods are the most common natural disaster in Volusia County (and the United States for that matter). Being flood smart includes protecting your property before floods occur. Be sure that major appliances, electric switchboxes, outlets, and heating equipment are well above potential flood levels. Learn more by visiting the Are You Ready? Website.
Hurricane Evacuation Zones
Though there is some similarity between the County's hurricane evacuation zone lettering and the flood map zone lettering (e.g. A, B, C), they are not the same as they are determined very differently and have different meaning. Flooding can occur all throughout the county because of low areas, bodies of water and the way water runs off land. But all of these areas might not be in a hurricane evacuation zone because of their distance from the coast and other factors. To view what evacuation zone you are in, visit the County's Hurricane Storm Surge Information website.
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Flood Statistics
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As little as one foot of (moving) water can move most cars off the road. |
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Just six inches of fast-moving flood water can sweep a person off his or her feet. |
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Most flood-related deaths occur at night and are vehicular. |
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Urban and small stream flash floods often occur in less than one hour. |
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Tropical cyclones pose significant risk well inland due to fresh water flooding. |
Map Changes and Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance: A Quick Primer
Other Volusia County web pages with Flood Information
PDF Map of Current 100yr Flood Zones