For additional information about the new preliminary coastal flood maps and the FEMA process to publish the final FIRMs, Please visit Monroe County Flood Maps. Once the final FIRMs are effective, they will be used to determine the minimum elevation needed for construction to reduce the chances of flooding as well as the construction methods required in certain zones. When all appeals have been resolved, FEMA will give the Village six months advance notice before the new maps become effective. The new FIRMs may assist individuals to make informed decisions about maintenance or modification to existing structures on their property as well for making decisions concerning potential new construction.įollowing staff review of the maps, technical consulting firm Woods Hole Group was hired by Monroe County and Islamorada to analyze how flood risks are changing based on studies and the best available science and technology. Property owners are advised to be aware of the potential for a change in flood risk and required flood elevations for their property. Once effective, the FIRM and FIS report will be used by insurance agents and others to calculate appropriate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings and the contents of those buildings. These flood hazard determinations are used to meet the floodplain management requirements of the NFIP and are used to calculate the appropriate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings built after the FIRM and FIS report became effective.

The new maps are based upon the best and most recent available data as well as the most advanced possible modeling software. The release was followed by Public Flood Risk Open Houses throughout Monroe County in January 2020 to ensure all Monroe County residents had the opportunity to review and discuss the Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) with coastal mapping experts.Ĭoastal Flood Maps, otherwise known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are used to determine the minimum elevation needed for construction to reduce the chances of flooding, as well as construction methods required in certain zones. The Preliminary Coastal Flood Maps for Florida Keys municipalities and Monroe County were released in late 2019. In the coming months, FEMA will complete its review of all comments and appeals and publish the final Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

When all appeals have been resolved, FEMA will give the Village six months' advance notice before the new maps become effective. Currently, the preliminary maps are in FEMA’s review and comment period. All appeals were submitted prior to June 17, 2021, which was the last day of the 90-day appeal period. Islamorada and individual property owners had the opportunity to appeal the preliminary maps in the 90-day appeal period that began on March 19, 2021.

Islamorada engaged the technical consulting firm Woods Hole Group to analyze FEMA's work and appeal the preliminary maps. The preliminary flood maps FEMA proposed will replace the current Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Periodically, these maps are updated and changes made to them could effect your flood insurance costs.FEMA published preliminary flood maps. The information on these maps is utilized by insurance companies to determine flood insurance rates. The official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

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