Is your Flood Insurance about to get more expensive? Property owners may soon see changes in their flood insurance requirements.

The preliminary Flood Insurance Risk Map (FIRM) was released in June. It was last updated in 2009. The map designates what property is considered in high, moderate, or low flood risk areas. These designations determine the premiums you pay for your flood insurance, as set by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Homeowners who currently hold flood insurance should check if their designation has changed by viewing the new map here.

FEMA stated that it has created the new map because of improved technology that more accurate reflects risk data. The county is hosting meetings from September 25th to September 27th to answer questions about the maps new data. These meeting times and locations are as follows:

September 25th, 6 - 9pm
YMCA Lealman Community Campus, 5175 45th Street N, St. Petersburg

September 26th, 6 - 9pm
Countryside Recreation Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater

September 27th, 10am - 1pm
Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th Street N, Seminole

September 27th, 6 - 9pm
Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th Street N, Seminole

Homeowners who plan on attending these meetings are encouraged to bring an elevation certificate for their property, but is not required for attendance.

If you are having issues finding the flood risk data for your property, or just have questions about the changes and how it could affect your flood insurance premiums in the future, give us a call! We are always here to answer your queries.