Periodically, the Department of Homeland Security provides funding to FEMA to reissue the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and execute new detailed studies in selected areas. The FIRM is used by insurance brokers and housing lenders to determine the risk of flooding and to set the premium for flood insurance. New FIRM maps are being developed for Alachua County, the City of Gainesville, and surrounding communities. The Ocklawaha basin study covering most of the South Western portion of the County is available for public review. FEMA has started a 90-day public comment and appeals period that ends October 10, 2018.
Two information meeting are being held on September 10, 2018, and September 24, 2018, at Alachua County Public Works Ready Room (5620 N.W. 120th Lane, Gainesville) from 9 AM to noon. Those wishing to appeal or make comments about the FIRM maps can obtain information on how to do so at this meeting.
Those who would like to look up their property and view the current FIRM maps, as well as the proposed changes, should visit the online map viewer.
The adoption of the new Risk Map FIRM for the Ocklawaha basin is not anticipated until the summer of 2019. Until they are adopted by the County Commission, the current FIRM, dated June 16, 2006, is still in effect (thus it is important to maintain current insurance coverage).
For more information on how to appeal and make comments on the FIRM maps, contact Alachua County Public Works at 352-374-5245 Ext. 1303.