Understanding Central Florida Flood Zones

 Realtors must learn to understand flood zones.

Flood Zone Questions

Definition of a Flood:

• A flood is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow.

What is a Flood Zone?

• According to FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program, any building located in an A or V zone is considered to be in a Special Flood Hazard Area, and is lower than the Base Flood Elevation. V zones are the most hazardous of the Special Flood Hazard Area. 

What is BFE flood?

• BFE = Base Flood Elevation.
• The computed elevation to which floodwater is anticipated to rise during the base flood. Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) are shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and on the flood profiles. The BFE is the regulatory requirement for the elevation or floodproofing of structures.
• 100-year floodplain means there is a 1% annual chance of flooding at or above the base elevation.
• FEMA states there is a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30 year mortgage for structures within the 100-year floodplain.

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Flood Zone Definitions Zone Description V 100-year floodplain with wave action, no BFEs determined. VE 100-year floodplain with wave action, with BFEs determined. A 100-year floodplain, no BFEs determined. AE, A1-30 100-year floodplain, with BFEs determined. AH 100-year floodplain, with ponding, with BFEs determined. AO 100-year floodplain, with sheet flow, with BFEs determined. AR 100-year floodplain, previously protected by flood control structures and being restored. A99 100-year floodplain, that will be protected by a flood control project under construction. IN 100-year floodplain, no BFEs determined. B, X500 500-year floodplain (0.2% annual chance of flooding) C, X Outside 100-year and 500-year floodplain.

Flood Insurance Quotes

In order for us to do a flood insurance quote outside the B, C, & X Zones, we will need a copy of the FLOOD ELEVATION CERTIFICATE which is done by a surveyor.

Shaded Zone X are areas that have a 0.2% probability of flooding every year (also known as the "500-year floodplain"). Properties in Shaded Zone X are considered to be at moderate risk of flooding under the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is not required for properties in Zone X

According to FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program, any building located in an A or V zone is considered to be in a Special Flood Hazard Area, and is lower than the Base Flood Elevation. V zones are the most hazardous of the Special Flood Hazard Areas