CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – FEMA is updating Clay County’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps and officials are offering resources to help residents understand how they may be impacted.
Recommended Videos
The county said some residents may be required to carry flood insurance due to the changes, while others may not be required to do so.
Residents can ask questions and learn more at the FEMA Flood Map Update Open House on Sept. 12 from 4-7 p.m. at the Clay County Emergency Operations Center, 2519 State Road 16 West, Green Cove Springs.
A 90-day appeal and comment period to follow, allowing property owners to submit scientific or technical data if they believe the maps are incorrect. The official start date for this period will be announced later.
Anyone with questions or appeal submissions can email floodteam@claycountygov.com.
Click here for the county’s website for FAQs and more information.
Clay County property owners are asked to review the maps and learn how the changes will affect them.
Click here to see an interactive map to find out if your property is affected.
Officials said the anticipated effective date of the maps is spring 2027.
Flood Zone 101
In Clay County, the primary flood zones are X, X(shaded), A, AE & Floodway.
- High-risk areas (Special Flood Hazard Areas, or SFHAs) are designated as Zones A, AE and AE Floodway, and are required to have flood insurance if a federally-backed mortgage is involved.
- Flood Zone X -The area of minimal flood hazard and is generally not required to have flood insurance. No flood permits are required for development.
- Flood Zone X Shaded – (500 year floodplain) An area of moderate flood hazards which has a 0.2% chance of annual flooding and is generally not required to have flood insurance. No flood permits required for development.
- Flood Zones A & AE – (100 year floodplain) These areas have a 1% annual chance of flooding. Flood Zone A does not have a measured Base Flood Elevation. Flood Zone AE does. Flood insurance is required for mortgaged structures in these zones, as are flood permits for development and elevation certificates for new structures or substantial improvements.
- Floodway – This area is defined as the channel of a river, creek or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be preserved to safely discharge the base flood without causing increases in water elevation. Flood insurance is required for mortgaged structures in this zone, as are No-Rise Studies for any new development, flood permits and elevation certificates for new structures or substantial improvements.