Flood Zones: Seminole vs St. Petersburg
How do flood zones rules compare between Seminole, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Seminole and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Seminole, FL
Pinellas County
The City of Seminole administers floodplain management through its Land Development Code consistent with FEMA National Flood Insurance Program rules and the Florida Building Code, requiring elevation, freeboard, and substantial improvement compliance in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas.
View full Seminole rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg enforces FEMA flood zones and a substantial improvement 49 percent rule under Section 16.40.050, requiring elevation or floodproofing of substantially damaged or improved structures.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Seminole | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Local authority | Land Development Code Subpart B | - |
| Federal program | FEMA NFIP | - |
| Substantial improvement | 50% market value rule | 49% of market value |
| Required document | Elevation certificate | - |
| CRS | Community Rating discounts | - |
| Code section | - | Sec. 16.40.050 |
| Map source | - | FEMA FIRM |
| Required cert | - | Elevation Certificate |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Seminole FAQ
How do I know if my Seminole property is in a flood zone?
Check the city's FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels through the Seminole Building Division or FEMA's Map Service Center. Properties near Long Bayou, Lake Seminole, and tidal canals are commonly in AE zones.
What is the 50 percent rule in Seminole?
If repairs or improvements to a structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area exceed 50 percent of its market value, the entire building must be elevated and brought into compliance with current floodplain standards.
St. Petersburg FAQ
What is the St. Petersburg 49 percent rule?
If improvement or repair costs reach 49 percent of a structure's pre-work market value, Section 16.40.050 requires the full structure to be brought up to current flood standards including elevation.
How do I find my St. Petersburg flood zone?
FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps adopted under Section 16.40.050 set the zone. The City Floodplain Manager and the FEMA Map Service Center can confirm the zone and Base Flood Elevation.
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