An aggressive, multi-year initiative (2004 - 2011) to update the nation's flood hazard maps, called Map Modernization, is under way in Florida and across the nation. Today, many of the nation's flood maps are outdated, severely limiting their usefulness. This partnership between state and local governments and FEMA is intended to transform the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which help outline a clear picture of local flood risks, into a more reliable, easier-to-use, and readily accessible product.
In Florida, the state's water management districts and the Department of Community Affairs are working in partnership with FEMA and county governments to achieve this goal.
As part of a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) agreement with FEMA, the SFWMD has the responsibility for the flood map modernization program for all the area it governs within the central and southern portion of Florida. SFWMD's mission is to manage and protect the water resources of the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems, and water supply. The management and regulation of flood control issues in this region directly correlate to the objectives of the National Flood Insurance Program.
Why Flood Maps Are Important
Flood maps are referenced an estimated 20 million times annually. Why? Close to 30 million Americans are at high risk from flooding, and almost every American faces some degree of flood risk. When hurricanes or major storms threaten Florida and other coastal communities, flood risks become very real. Florida averages 50 to 60 inches of rain a year, with most of it coming between the months of June and November. Most development is clustered along the coasts or near large waterways. And the bottom third of the peninsula is virtually flat, at or only slightly above sea level, so even moderate rains can accumulate quickly.
These facts mean that the State of Florida is by far the most "at risk" state in the country in terms of flood prone properties, with over 1.8 million flood insurance policies in the state (41% of US total), yet just 5.6% of the overall population. And the SFWMD is the most at risk water management district in the state. The 16 counties within the SFWMD represent:
43% of the population of Florida (2.5% of the US),
70% of the policies in Florida (29% of the US),
42% of the flood losses in Florida, and
35% of the total dollars paid historically in Florida
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