Town of Fort Myers Beach notified of FEMA decision to retrograde the CRS classification

The Town of Fort Myers Beach was notified November 21, 2024, that FEMA placed the Town on probation from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on November 18, 2024, and will retrograde the Town's Community Rating System (CRS) classification. The Town of Fort Myers Beach remains committed to continuing to work with FEMA to regain good standing in the NFIP and the discounts earned through participation in the CRS classification.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach has worked diligently with FEMA since receiving notice in March 2024 that participation in NFIP and the community's rating would be retrograded, which would remove discounts on NFIP premiums that allow residents to save up to 25%. This prompted months of work by the Town to submit documentation requested by FEMA. The Town submitted a corrective action plan prior to the November 18, 2024, deadline.

Town Manager, Andrew Hyatt stated, "I am disappointed that FEMA has made the decision to put the Town on probation. Town staff is committed to following our FEMA approved plan and will continue to collaborate with FEMA and FDEM to regain our NFIP discount and CRS classification."

The Town of Fort Myers Beach has enjoyed the working relationship held with FEMA for over 25 years. Since joining the CRS program in 1999, the Town has completed studies projects to mitigate the risks of flood damage and obtain a favorable rating for our residents and taxpayers.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach has demonstrated continuous compliance with CRS requirements through various Town initiatives, including enforcement of building codes and implementation of local floodplain management regulations, as well as during Hurricanes Ian, Helene, Debby, and Milton.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach feels that through extensive discussions between the Town, FEMA, and the State, we have identified gaps in the disaster recovery policies and procedures that also were not designed for an event such as Hurricane Ian. In these discussions, FEMA has acknowledged areas in which the communication and framework broke down and has worked with the Town to fill these gaps.

For more information on the Town of Fort Myers Beach's efforts and to view documentation, go to www.fmbgov.com/NFIP.