The first visual representation of the property of interest is displayed at an extent that allows the user to gain a better understanding of the flooding situation in general. The property is identified by the parcel boundary, which is symbolized as a red polygon with a bold, white border. Local streets along with the current, effective FEMA floodplains are displayed and symbolized with understanding and visual appeal in mind. Best-available watershed modeling floodplains are also displayed with a light-pink symbology.

The second visual representation of the property provides additional details and potentially a more localized understanding of the flood risk. In the image below, all parcel boundaries for the surrounding area are displayed while the property of interest is symbolized with a bold, red border. At this extent, the structural footprint of the property is displayed with a dark blue border. In this situation, the property is located in the high-risk, FEMA flood zone, Zone AE. The best-available data, however, depicts a more desirable situation. See the remainder of the report for more information.

Two pie charts are used to represent the percent of area impacted by the FEMA effective floodplain. In the example below, 100% of the parcel and building structure are impacted by the floodplain. This graphic appears directly below the detailed aerial view of the property, allowing the user to gain a precise understanding of the potential floodplain impact from an area standpoint.

The Floodplain Summary table provides an overview of the important floodplain information, including the flood zone designation, the established Base Flood Elevation (BFE), an estimated Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) of the building structure, and the date for which the represented floodplains became effective under FEMA regulations. In the example below, the property is located in the high-risk floodplain, Zone AE; however, we can see that the estimated Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) is actually higher than the BFE. This property may qualify for a Letter of Map Amendment or LOMA.

A graphic is provided to help the user visualize the potential flooding impact on the building structure. The chart compares the elevation of the structure’s estimated Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) of the FEMA floodplain. In the example below, the building structure is actually estimated to be higher than the effective BFE. This often occurs due to the accuracy of the underlying terrain the floodplains were mapped at the time of delineation. When the structure elevation is above the floodplain, a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) can be submitted to FEMA to officially adjust the flood zone designation.

A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) is an official amendment, by letter, to an effective National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) map. In situations where the estimated Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) is within one foot of the established Base Flood Elevation (BFE), No Flood Florida will recommend for the homeowner to look into the LOMA process. If the BFE is substantially higher than the estimated FFE, no recommendation will be made.

Flood Insurance estimations are provided based on the interpretation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program establishes rates for building and content coverage. Overall insurance premiums are most influenced by the flood zone designation (X, AE, VE, etc.) as well as the floodplain elevation impact – how many feet of water are expected to impact the building structure? Typical residential insurance premiums are quoted based on a maximum building coverage of $250,000. Additional coverage must be handled through private insurance where rates may not reflect that of the NFIP program.

Although the example property was impacted by the high-risk floodplain, Zone AE, the flood insurance premium remains relatively low, ~$450/year. This is directly related to the fact that the building structure is approximately 2.9 feet higher than the established FEMA Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Insurance rates through the NFIP for this property are quite low and affordable policies are available.