Flood Facts & Natural Disaster Information 

NEWS RELEASE

FEMA Announces New Flood Risk Maps

The new Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) are effective beginning Dec. 15, 2022.

A new flood zone called the Coastal A Zone (CAZ) will be incorporated into these new maps. The CAZ flood zone is also known as the Limits of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) and will depict the areas where properties may be impacted by wave crests of 1.5-foot- 3-foot during a 1% chance flood event.

Structures built in the CAZ will need elevations and foundations similar to those located in the coastal high hazard area V/VE flood zones. The V/VE flood zone are areas that have impacts from wave crests 3-foot and higher.

FOR FLOOD INSURANCE COMPANIES:
For insurance purposes, the community number and new suffix code for the panels are indicated on the FIRM and must be used for all new policies and renewals starting Dec. 15, 2022.

FOR FLOOD INSURANCE COMPANIES:

For insurance purposes, the community number and new suffix code for the panels being revised are indicated on the FIRM and must be used for all new policies and renewals starting Dec. 15, 2022. To view your flood zone Charlotte County GIS (charlottecountyfl.gov).

• FEMA-FEMA Flood Map Service Center | Welcome!
• What’s this LiMWA thing? FEMA LiMWA Fact Sheet
• Call FEMA With Questions 1-(877) FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) 

Download FEMA FIRM Panels for City of Punta Gorda – Index Map and Full Size PDF Maps - Index Map

Hurricane Season : June 1st - November 30th

The City has received notification of the changes that FEMA/National Flood Insurance Program have been implemented. A significant highlight of the changes includes premium changes for both residential and commercial properties. FEMA will no longer extend the Pre-Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) properties a subsidized flood premium rate. Properties will now be required to pay the true actuarial rates. The effects to City residents are as follows:

• There are 153 non residential buildings and 1,593 residential buildings that will see a 25% premium increase each year until they reach the True Rate for the flood insurance.
• There are at least 4,389 homes that are considered non primary residences that will see a 25% premium increase each year until they reach the True Rate for the flood insurance.
• All of the properties listed above will move to the True Premium, if the policies lap or the properties are sold. See attached spread sheet analysis of the number of properties and their taxable values. FEMA recommends property owners consult with their insurance agents regarding fiscal impacts of the legislation.

to view the FEMA Memorandum for - "Write your Own (WYO)Principal Coordinators and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Servicing Agent"

LOCAL FLOOD HAZARD:

Flooding in Punta Gorda is caused by heavy rainfall that occurs in short periods of time, as is common during summer thunderstorms. However, the greatest flood threats come from the excessive rainfall that accompany coastal storms, tropical storms and hurricanes.

FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM:

The City works closely with the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor storms and flood threats and advises the community accordingly by posting updates on the City’s main website, www.pgorda.us, the use of the City’s emergency call-out system called Alert Punta Gorda  The Charlotte Alert notification system is another way to receive timely information about Charlotte County news, events, bulletins, newsletters, and more.

FLOOD SAFETY MEASURES: 

Protect yourself from flood hazards by taking measures to ensure the safety of life and property before during and after a flood occurs. If evacuation becomes necessary turn off all utility connections.

Some personal safety tips are:

• Do not walk through flowing water
• Do not drive through a flooded area
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires
• Carbon monoxide exhaust kills
• Look before you step
• Learn how to turn off your gas and electricity
• Take good care of yourself
• Clean everything that got wet
• Watch for animals, especially snakes

FLOOD INSURANCE:

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Federal Insurance Administration makes federally guaranteed flood insurance available at a reasonable rate to property owners and renters in communities that voluntarily adopt and enforce the NFIP’s floodplain management requirements.

As a result of activities conducted by the City of Punta Gorda, the City has been designated a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) community. Based on the Community Rating System, Punta Gorda is rated as a Class 6 Community therefore; making flood insurance available at a reduced rate to the residents and businesses of Punta Gorda. You are eligible for flood insurance, regardless of whether your property has never flooded or has flooded several times in the past. There is usually a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect, so don’t wait until a storm threatens before you secure flood insurance you need.

Remember that standard homeowner’s insurance policies DO NOT cover losses due to flooding.

The biggest threat of general flooding is during the Hurricane Season (June 1 - November 30). Residents should tune to TV and Radio weather broadcasts and be alert to special local advisories. These local TV and radio stations will carry advisories for our area.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Besides flood insurance, you should protect your structure by ordinary preventive measures. For example, do not sweep or blow yard clippings or soil into the street or storm water system. This clogs up the pipes and prevents water from draining. If this happens, flooding occurs more frequently and reaches higher elevations, subjecting properties otherwise protected to unnecessary risk of damage. To request maintenance of drainage facilities or to report illegal dumping into the canals, storm drainage system, please contact the Right-of-Way Division of Public Works at 941-575-5050.

NATURAL AND BENEFICIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE FLOODPLAIN:

Floodplain's in their natural state provide several beneficial functions. They can spread flood waters over a large area thus reducing the velocity of the water; they act as a buffer between the flood waters and developed areas to reduce potential damage to buildings; they can improve water quality by filtering water before it reaches our underground water supply; and the can provide habitat for flora and fauna.

MAP DETERMINATIONS & ELEVATION CERTIFICATE:

If an elevation certificate is on file you may search for it under “Public Records” if no results are found it indicates that on is not on file with the City of Punta Gorda. Requests for maps should be submitted to the City of Punta Gorda, Building Division, 326 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, Florida, 33950 or call 941-575-3324 or email pgpermittech@cityofpuntagordafl.com

SITE VISITS:

Upon request, a representative from the City of Punta Gorda will visit your property to review flooding problems and to explain possible ways to alleviate and prevent flood damage.

PERMIT FOR FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT

The City of Punta Gorda, as a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, requires a permit for floodplain development. All new construction of buildings and structures within the floodplain are required to meet specific criteria to minimize risk to flood events.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements for new construction, there are requirements for substantial improvements to existing structures within the floodplain in Punta Gorda. Substantial improvements include any construction, rehabilitation, additions, repair of damaged buildings or other improvements to a building which equals or exceeds 50% of the assessed tax value of the structure before the improvement is started. If you would like additional information on substantial improvement requirements in the City of Punta Gorda please contact the Building Division at 941-575-3324 or pgpermittech@cityofpuntagordafl.com.

If you would like additional information on flooding, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program website: www.floodsmart.gov; the Federal Emergency Management Agency, www.FEMA.gov; or contact the City of Punta Gorda Building Division at 941-575-3324 or pgpermittech@cityofpuntagordafl.com.


Questions or comments regarding the flood facts should be directed tothe Building Officials office at 941-575-3344 or pgpermittech@cityofpuntagordafl.com

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