Flood and Floodplain Information
Floodplain management
Floods are the most common natural disaster, damaging public health and safety, as well as economic prosperity. Based on the Volusia County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Mitigation Strategy, out of the thirteen individual hazards identified, flooding is the most frequent and costly natural hazard in the Volusia County area.
Proactive preparation helps minimize risk for personal safety and property damage during a hurricane or during rising waters due to heavy downpours and sheet flow. Below are some strategies and tips to help with preparations to protect your property and personal safety.
Follow proper safety precautions
You can protect yourself from flood hazards by taking measures to ensure the safety of life and property before, during, and after a flood.
- Monitor the NOAA weather radio. Listen for instructions from Volusia County Emergency Management; consult their social media (Twitter/Facebook).
- Watch and listen for updates through various media sources.
- Sign up for Code Red alerts.
- When walking, do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
- Know your evacuation routes before flooding occurs.
- Find a place where your family can safely meet up after an evacuation order is issued.
- Turn around, don't drown - Don’t drive through flooded roads and don’t drive around road barriers. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else.
- Special needs citizens should preregister for evacuation assistance with Volusia County Emergency Management at 386-258-4088.
- Stay out of any building surrounded by floodwaters, avoid areas with electrical lines and avoid trees.
- Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated and electrically charged. Clean and disinfect everything that gets wet as floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
Know your risk of flooding - finding out is easy!
Flooding can happen anywhere. To find out what flood zone your property is located in use the FEMA mapping center’s interactive website for flood zones at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search.
To learn about historical flooding, localized drainage issues, repetitive loss areas, topographic issues, please contact Building and Code Administration at 386-626-6591.
If you live in unincorporated Volusia County and have a flooding problem, please call Public Works, Road and Bridge (386) 822-6422. Upon request, site visits are made to review the drainage and flooding problems. One-on-one advice can be provided to the property owner.
Build responsibly - use only licensed contractors
If you are planning substantial improvements or repairs to your home – that are equal to or greater than 50% of your home’s market value - then you must meet current Florida Building Code standards and comply with your local floodplain ordinance.
Make sure you get a permit before you build, and work with a licensed contractor who knows the codes. An Elevation Certificate may be on file in the Building and Code Administration division.
Keep natural areas undisturbed
Wetlands, open space, and the Coastal Barrier Resources System areas are important for many reasons, one of which is storage of stormwater. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect these areas. The house you flood could be your own. Here’s what you can do to keep natural areas clean and healthy.
- Don’t dump lawn trash or anything else in storm drains.
- Keep creeks, streams, and ditches clean and free of debris.
- Scoop the poop, keep pet waste from entering waterways.
- Use a car wash.
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.
- Adhere to Volusia County fertilizer ordinance. Limit use of fertilizers and pesticides and do not apply fertilizers closer than 15’ to a water body.
- Report illegal dumping or clearing.
Protect yourself and your property from the next flood
Flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other type of natural disaster. While recent construction regulations have reduced the risk of flooding, many older structures remain susceptible. There is a growing interest by property owners to develop practical and cost-effective methods for reducing the likelihood of flooding
- Redirect downspouts away from your home.
- Grade your yard so water drains to a catchment area.
- Use a rain barrel and use the water for your landscaping.
FEMA’s library offers information about elevating and floodproofing structures. Visit http://www.fema.gov/protecting-homes
You can protect your home investment by purchasing flood insurance
The cost of flood insurance is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost from flood damage. Just a few inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. To see projections of costs associated with flooding, go to the Flood Calculator.
Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding from rising water. All property owners can purchase flood insurance for structures and contents within Volusia County. Renters can purchase insurance for their belongings too. Do not procrastinate, most flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before they become effective.
When buying and selling a home, some flood insurance policies are transferable, which can save you money in a home purchase and sales transactions. To find out more about flood insurance, speak to an insurance professional to understand your flood insurance needs and to see if you are fully insured. Inquiring about flood insurance is especially important if you are in a condominium association because, a master policy does NOT usually cover the inside of the unit or contents. More information is available on www.floodsmart.gov website. Contact Building and Code Administration at 386-626-6591 for more information.
Other local jurisdictional flood and floodplain links
Daytona Beach: https://www.codb.us/327/Flood-Protection
Daytona Beach Shores: https://www.dbshores.org/196/Flood-Insurance-Information
Deltona: https://www.deltonafl.gov/planning-development-services/pages/flood-prepardeness
Edgewater: https://www.cityofedgewater.org/ds/page/flood-information
Holly Hill: https://www.hollyhillfl.org/cd/page/flood-information
New Smyrna Beach: https://www.cityofnsb.com/1325/Flood-Protection
Ormond Beach: https://www.ormondbeach.org/243/Floodplain-Management
Ponce Inlet: http://ponce-inlet.org/154/Flood-Management-Information
Port Orange: https://www.port-orange.org/289/Flood-Information
South Daytona: https://www.southdaytona.org/egov/apps/action/center.egov?view=form;page=1;id=8
