Flood insurance discounts continue in unincorporated areas

Posted On: May 11, 2023

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides federally subsidized flood insurance to communities that continuously regulate floodplain development. As a result of Volusia County Government’s ongoing efforts listed in the Floodplain Management Plan Progress Report, residents and businesses in unincorporated areas of the county will continue to receive a 25% discount on their flood insurance policies purchased through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Residents and business owners within a city limit may contact their municipality for flood insurance information.

The Local Mitigation Strategy Committee developed the Countywide Integrated Floodplain Management Plan in 2013 to reduce the potential for personal property losses in flood-prone areas and ensure the lowest possible flood insurance premiums are available to residents. Currently, FEMA’s Community Rating System, which the agency’s NFIP oversees, classifies Volusia County as Class 5.

“As Hurricane Ian demonstrated, just because your property isn’t in a high-risk flood zone doesn’t mean you don’t need flood insurance,” said Emergency Services Director Jim Judge. “Approximately 40% of properties that flood are not in these zones.”

Residents should be aware that most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding; additional flood coverage is typically a separate policy. Also, most flood coverage policies take a month to become effective once the policy has been purchased. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to buy a flood policy, as that event will likely not be covered.

Volusia County Government’s 2023 Floodplain Management Plan Progress Report has been completed and may be found under the documents tab at https://www.volusia.org/emergency. A copy of the report may also be requested by calling 386-254-1500 or emailing alaustin@volusia.org.

For more information about FEMA’s NFIP, visit https://www.floodsmart.gov.