The updated FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps are being released by the Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD), in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and communities throughout Escambia County. The new maps reflect current flooding risks, replacing maps that are based on outdated studies, some of which are more than 30 years old.  Revisions to these mapping products may affect residents and business owners in Escambia County.
Residents and businesses will want to be aware of how the maps are changing, and how the changes may affect new construction and rebuilding decisions, as well as requirements for flood insurance. Property owners are encouraged to visit Northwest Florida‚ Virtual Flood Risk Open House to better understand the project and changes (link below):
https://voh.nwfwmdfloodmaps.com
Northwest Florida‚ Virtual Flood Risk Open House provides information relevant to the proposed changes in flood risks in your community, as well as an opportunity to connect with floodplain management experts from your local jurisdiction, NWFWMD, and FEMA.
In-person virtual meetings are available by appointment only and can be reserved on the website, via the ‚Connect with Us‚ page of the Virtual Flood Risk Open House (link above). Appointments will be held between May 18th ‚ June 3rd, 2021. Please reserve your appointment between May 3rd‚ May 14th, 2021.
A 90-day Public Comment period will soon be open to address any submitted appeals and/or comments.  After all appeals and comments are addressed, the maps are expected to become effective in mid-2022. At that time, the new insurance requirements will take effect.
To learn more about the preliminary maps, see what areas will change, learn what the insurance options are, and find the schedule for related community meetings, visit https://portal.nwfwmdfloodmaps.com. For general information about the upcoming map changes, you can contact Juan C. Lemos, SRIA Floodplain Administrator at 850-932-2257.