(Florida Today) - Wondering if you're in a flood zone or need flood insurance?
You can get a glimpse at early drafts of new federal digital flood insurance rate maps at three public open houses Feb. 6-8.
Officials urge property owners to review the new maps, which may reflect changes in flood risk classifications and mortgage loan requirements.
Link: Enter your zip code here to find out if your map has been updated
Some homeowners could qualify for low-cost flood insurance if they're in moderate- to low-risk areas. Lenders aren't required to let customers know about these changes.
"The coastal areas along the barrier island didn't change that much. There are substantial changes to north Merritt Island, north of the Barge Canal," said Brevard County Floodplain Administrator Frank Skarvelis
Local officials expect plenty of angry people who find they now need flood insurance.
"But hopefully they'll eventually come to the realization that this arms them to take better care of themselves" and to make better informed decisions, said Public Works Director John Denninghoff.
"One of the things I hear from people is 'I didn't know I was in a flood zone,' " Denninghoff said. "This analysis is not done with a political motive in mind."
Citizens can challenge the maps, but only on a technical and scientific basis.
The new maps are based on a study the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently completed using updated flood models and flood elevation data.
The maps are "preliminary" until an appeal process concludes and the maps are adopted, expected within six to nine months.
The open houses give property owners the chance to see the early versions of the maps, learn about flood risks and ask questions about what the new maps mean.
Residents can meet one-on-one with specialists to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and any other issues. They also can visit their local planning and zoning office to review the maps.
FEMA has been updating flood maps nationwide. Brevard's current flood hazard maps are about 22 years old.
Most homeowners policies don't cover flooding, but property owners can buy a separate flood insurance policy.
Congress mandates that federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance in high flood-risk areas.
If the new maps show a property has moved from a high-risk to a lower-risk flood zone, county officials suggest owners talk with an insurance agent.
"They are going to be much more accurate than they were in many areas," Denninghoff said of the new maps.
Jim Waymer, Florida Today
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