Floodplain Management Plan Study

In many communities, flood protection decisions are often made hastily and based on outdated or insufficient information. This study aims to provide a comprehensive, community-wide approach for allocating resources and identifying effective measures to reduce the impacts of flooding.

The plan may be credited toward the city’s Community Rating System (CRS), which provides a reduction of flood insurance costs for city residents and business owners.

Study video

What is the city doing?

The city is completing a FEMA-designed activity to develop a comprehensive strategy for reducing the impacts of natural hazards on the community.

What is the FEMA activity?

It is a 10-step Community Rating System (CRS) planning process that outlines four phases of hazard mitigation:

1. Planning Process
2. Risk Assessment
3. Mitigation Strategy
4. Plan Maintenance

To receive credit, the City of Orlando must complete all 10 steps described by FEMA. The City is currently on Step 2 of 10 – “Involve the Public.”

What is the goal of the FEMA program?

This effort supports the city’s work to improve its FEMA Community Rating System (CRS) score. A higher score could move Orlando from a Level 6 to a Level 5 rating.

What is the difference between Level 6 and Level 5?

A Level 5 rating provides an additional 5% discount on flood insurance premiums for properties located in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

How will the city achieve this?

By better identifying and addressing flood risks, the city will strengthen its local flood management strategies.

Who will benefit from this?

This citywide study will benefit all residents of the community.

What does the city need from the community at this stage?

Residents are encouraged to share local knowledge with the consultant team by completing the linked questionnaire.

The federal grant has local cost share component, which is 84 percent federal and 16 percent local (city) match. $126,000 Federal grant and $24,000 City of Orlando match.

Why did we apply for the grant?
The city is proactively seeking for strategy to assess and mitigate flooding due to the aging public infrastructures and projections of rainfall intensity and other impacts of climate change.

What areas will be assessed under the Floodplain Management Plan Study?
The project is a citywide study conducted under FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS).

Will the study impact insurance rates in our neighborhood?

This study supports the City’s efforts to improve its FEMA Community Rating System (CRS) score, which could help lower flood insurance premiums for residents. By better identifying and addressing flood risks, the City aims to strengthen local flood management strategies. Any impact on insurance rates will depend on the study’s findings and the actions taken by both the City and FEMA.

Will the study involve any changes to existing drainage systems or infrastructure in our neighborhood?

The study provides insight into flood risk throughout the community and will point to specific strategies and targeted remedies, including future infrastructure improvements and initiatives.