Bradenton, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Appendix A to the Bradenton Code of Ordinances, adopted by the City Council, covers all development that sits wholly or partly inside a flood hazard area in the City of Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida. Section 101.2 spells out what counts as development: subdivision of land, filling, grading and utility installation, construction, alteration, repair, relocation or demolition of buildings and structures, placement of manufactured homes and recreational vehicles, installation of tanks and swimming pools, and any other development.

Section 102.3 supplies the maps. The Flood Insurance Study for the City of Bradenton dated August 10, 2021, the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps and all later amendments are adopted by reference as the minimum basis for the flood hazard areas. The studies and maps are on file at the Planning and Community Development Department, Building Division, 101 12th Street West, Bradenton FL 34205. Under Section 102.3.1 the Floodplain Administrator can demand more data. If ground surveyed by a Florida licensed professional surveyor sits below the closest applicable base flood elevation, the area is treated as flood hazard area even when the FIRM does not show it. Ground above the base flood elevation is still regulated as special flood hazard area until the applicant obtains a Letter of Map Change.

Section 103.1 designates the Building Official as Floodplain Administrator. Section 104.1 requires the owner or the owner's authorized agent to apply to the Floodplain Administrator, and to the Building Official where applicable, and to hold the permit before work starts. A floodplain development permit becomes invalid if the work is not commenced within 180 days after issuance or is abandoned for 180 days, and extensions run for not more than 180 days each and must be requested in writing. Section 104.7 adds a permit condition that outside approvals be obtained first, including the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Health for septic systems and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for coastal work. Where this ordinance and another Bradenton ordinance conflict, Section 102.5 says the more restrictive one governs.