Doral, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Doral enforces floodplain management regulations as a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The city's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance adopts the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) identifying Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) within the city. Significant areas along the SFWMD canal corridors are mapped in Zone AE (detailed study with BFE) and Zone AH (shallow flooding with BFE). New construction and substantial improvements in designated flood zones must elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation, providing freeboard above the minimum FEMA requirement. Substantial improvement is defined as any repair, reconstruction, or improvement where the cost equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement began. All development in SFHAs requires a floodplain development permit through the Building Division. Enclosed areas below the BFE must be used solely for parking, storage, or building access and must have flood openings to equalize hydrostatic pressure. Fill placed in flood zones must not reduce floodwater storage capacity and requires compensating storage analysis. The city coordinates with SFWMD for canal water level management during storm events. Flood insurance is mandatory for properties with federally-backed mortgages in SFHAs. Doral may participate in the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) which can reduce flood insurance premiums for policyholders through enhanced floodplain management activities.