Floodplains
Floodplains are areas where water can collect to provide holding areas until the water has the opportunity to seep into the ground, replenishing our water table and creating natural habitat for wildlife and plant life. A floodplain includes wetlands, marshes, lakes and rivers.
Escambia County has floodplains on three sides from the Perdido and Escambia rivers and the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the proximity of Escambia County to water, it is important to understand the severity of a storm and to heed any warnings and evacuation orders.
Flood Insurance
More than 13,300 Escambia County residents have flood insurance. In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.
You do not have to live near a body of water to be susceptible to flooding. Click here to see if your home is in or near a flood hazard area.