FEMA flood zone rules in Jacksonville, FL — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Jacksonville's floodplain management is governed by Jax Ord. Code Ch. 652 (Floodplain Management Ordinance). A Floodplain Administrator enforces provisions that meet or exceed FEMA requirements. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and encourages best practices to remove properties from flood zone designations. Post-hurricane flood prevention is a major priority, with substantial areas of Duval County in FEMA-designated flood zones along the St. Johns River and Atlantic coast.
Jacksonville participates in the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) at Class 6, providing 10% flood insurance discount for non-SFHA properties and 20% for SFHA properties. The city has extensive FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) along the St. Johns River (a tidal river), Atlantic Ocean coast, Intracoastal Waterway, and numerous tidal tributaries and creeks. Storm surge and river rise can combine during hurricanes. Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Irma (2017) caused major flooding across San Marco, Riverside/Avondale, and Downtown. Properties in flood zones require flood insurance. Elevation Certificates for structures built in the floodplain since 1992 are available at the Development Services Section, Room 2100, Edward Ball Building. FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 has updated pricing methodology. New construction in floodplains requires elevation certificates and permits. See FEMA MSC for official flood maps.
Building in flood zones without proper permits and elevation carries fines of $500–$5,000. Structures may be ordered removed or brought into compliance. NFIP violations can affect the community's flood insurance eligibility.
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