Overview
Escambia County updated its flood hazard maps through the Flood Map Modernization Program beginning in 2003, also adopting a Geographic Information System layer and new Digital Flood Rate Insurance Maps on September 29, 2006. These updated digital flood maps allow property owners to make better financial decisions about protecting themselves and their property. The maps also help community officials, engineers, builders and others make important determinations about where and how new structures and developments should be built, making Escambia County a safer place to live.
After reviewing the maps, if you feel the flood map boundaries are incorrect on your property, you can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment. A Letter of Map Amendment is a federal document that identifies that there should be no flood insurance requirement placed on the mortgage holder's property because the primary structure and all attached areas (screen enclosures, garages, etc.) are out of the high-risk area. Elevation certificates or other documents may be used to demonstrate that the structure and the lowest adjacent grade are above the flood elevation or that the footprint of the structure is not within the horizontal boundary of the high-risk area. To learn more about the LOMA process, you can contact FEMA’s Map Assistance Center at 877-336-2627 or visit the FEMA website.
