Flood insurance discounts continue in unincorporated areas of Volusia County.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Volusia County Government's unwavering commitment to floodplain management has paid off, for residents and businesses in unincorporated areas of the county to continue to receive a 25% discount on their flood insurance policies through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federally subsidized initiative, ensures that communities diligently regulate floodplain development in exchange for affordable insurance coverage.

Thanks to the diligent efforts listed in the Floodplain Management Plan Progress Report, residents, and business owners in unincorporated areas of Volusia County will benefit from the discounted flood insurance policies. However, those residing within city limits should contact their respective municipalities for information regarding flood insurance options.

The Countywide Integrated Floodplain Management Plan, developed by the Local Mitigation Strategy Committee in 2013, aims to mitigate personal property loss in flood-prone areas and provide residents with the lowest possible flood insurance premiums. Volusia County holds a Class 5 rating in FEMA's Community Rating System, which falls under the purview of the NFIP.

"As Hurricane Ian demonstrated, just because your property isn't in a high-risk flood zone doesn't mean you don't need flood insurance. Approximately 40% of properties that flood are not in these zones," said Emergency Services Director Jim Judge, emphasizing the importance of flood insurance. 

Residents must recognize that flood coverage is generally separate from homeowners' insurance and must be purchased as an additional policy. Moreover, most flood insurance policies require a waiting period of approximately one month before becoming effective. Therefore, it is strongly advised not to postpone purchasing flood insurance until a storm is imminent.

The recently completed 2023 Floodplain Management Plan Progress Report by Volusia County Government is now available under the documents tab on the official website: https://www.volusia.org/emergency. Individuals can also request a copy of the report by contacting 386-254-1500 or emailing alaustin@volusia.org.

For further information on FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), residents are encouraged to visit the official website at https://www.floodsmart.gov.