Flood Maps & Zones

Flood zones and evacuation zones are different. They measure different conditions that may not occur at the same time.

The flood zones and evacuation zones are determined by different methods and have different purposes. A home may be located in a non-evacuation zone, yet still be located in a flood zone because of a nearby stream or pond.

• Evacuation Zones
  Evacuation zones are based on the hurricane storm surge zones determined by the National Hurricane Center using ground elevation and the area’s vulnerability to storm surge from a hurricane. The evacuation zones are marked from A through E, plus non-evacuation zones.
• Flood Zones - Flood Insurance Rate Maps
  Flood zones are areas mapped by FEMA for use in the National Flood Insurance Program. Each flood zone designation, represented by a letter or letters, tells homeowners exactly what the risk is for flooding at their property over a period of years, regardless of the cause. By law, all homes in high-risk zones carrying a mortgage must be covered by flood insurance.

An important thing to remember is that flood losses are not covered by homeowners’ insurance policies. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners. Any flooding damage covered under the policy – whether or not a federal disaster declaration is made – will be reimbursed per the policy limits, which can include structural damage or the loss of contents.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for viewing at Pinellas County Building & Development Review Services, 310 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Those who live in the unincorporated areas of Pinellas County can contact Building & Development Review Services at (727)464-3471 to determine whether a building is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. In case the attendant is assisting other customers, citizens are asked to leave their name, phone number, address or parcel ID number (from their tax bill) on the phone mail when prompted to do so.

Copies of FEMA elevation certificates on all buildings in the unincorporated area constructed in the floodplain since 1992 are available for review at Building & Development Review Services.

If you live in one of the Pinellas County municipalities, please contact your city directly for flood map information.

For more information on flood zones, visit the National Flood Insurance Program or call (888) CALL-FLOOD (225-5356).