Contact: Lucia Bonavita 561-233-5583 • [email protected]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released updated flood zone maps. Consequently, thousands of more Palm Beach County residents have been added to high or higher-risk flood zones (aka Special Flood High Hazard Areas).

The county's Planning, Zoning and Building Department (PZB) has created an informational page for the public on its website, New FEMA Flood Maps, which includes a countywide property search tool for residents to determine their flood zones. The pending maps become effective Dec. 20, 2024, requiring Palm Beach County property owners' immediate attention.

Additionally, the website provides other important related information, including links to FEMA, the pending FEMA flood maps, municipalities affected and tips on how the county can help.

Property owners required to have new flood insurance policies are encouraged to obtain them as soon as possible. Anyone with an existing National Flood Insurance Program policy is urged to maintain their current policy. For additional information, visit FEMA.gov.

PZB has partnered with the Palm Beach County League of Cities and scheduled an open house on Nov. 7, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Jupiter Community Center - Auditorium, 200 Military Trail, Jupiter.

The following municipalities will be participating: Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet, Lake Park, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Riviera Beach, Tequesta and Juno Beach.

The open house will include representatives from FEMA, the county and municipalities. Residents are urged to attend to obtain more information on this important topic. Regardless of a flood zone, the county continues to recommend that all property owners have flood insurance since flooding can occur anywhere. Windstorm insurance does not cover flood damage. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their insurance agent or call FEMA Insurance Exchange at 1-877-336-2627 to find an agent to protect your property.

The QR code on the side links the new informational page on PZB's website.