New FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps in Effect as of July 31, 2024

It is important for everyone to understand how these revisions impact your property, insurance coverage and rates, and plans for new construction and/or renovations to existing buildings.

Expanded Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

While some properties no longer require insurance since they are outside the SFHA, over 11,000 properties in Hollywood have been included as part of the Special Flood Hazard Area. This expansion means more structures will need to comply with additional minimum elevation requirements to mitigate flood risks, and those with federally backed mortgages are mandated to carry flood insurance.

Increased Base Flood Elevations (BFEs)

The FEMA FIRM indicates higher base flood elevations in some of the SFHAs for new construction and buildings with substantial improvements planned (i.e., renovations that exceed 50% of the existing building value). Florida Building Code requires buildings in the SFHA to be elevated to ensure the Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) is at BFE plus one foot, at a minimum.

To learn more about these changes, and to see the new requirements for your property, visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home