Putnam County, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Putnam County's floodplain management ordinance, codified at Sections 45-421 through 45-434 of the Land Development Code, applies to every development wholly or partially within a flood hazard area, covering subdivision of land, filling, grading and site improvements, building alteration or demolition, manufactured home placement, tank installation, recreational vehicle placement and swimming pool installation. Section 45-429(a) requires any owner or authorized agent who intends to undertake such development to first apply to the floodplain administrator, and to the building official when the work is also subject to the Florida Building Code, and to obtain the required permits and approvals; no permit or approval may issue until the applicant satisfies this division and every other applicable code.

The building official doubles as the floodplain administrator under Sec. 45-428(a), coordinating applications, plan review and inspections, and determining whether proposed work counts as a substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage that triggers full flood-resistant construction compliance. Certain buildings and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code, such as agricultural structures, temporary construction sheds, and utility facilities, still need a separate floodplain development permit under Sec. 45-429(c) if they sit in a flood hazard area. Variances go to the zoning board of adjustment, which under Sec. 45-432 may not grant a variance in a floodway if it would raise base flood elevations.