Winter Haven, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Polk County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 2021, building on prior ordinances) regulates development in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) consistent with NFIP minimum standards in 44 CFR 60.3. Polk County participates in the FEMA Community Rating System, earning a Class 6 rating that translates to a 20% reduction on flood insurance premiums for SFHA policies and an average savings of approximately $132 per policy per year, per Polk County Floodplain Management. To qualify for and maintain CRS Class 6, Polk County exceeds NFIP minimum standards by requiring at least one foot of freeboard above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for new residential buildings and substantially improved/repaired residential buildings. The Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage rule (the '50% Rule') requires that any improvement, addition, or repair that equals or exceeds 50% of the structure's pre-improvement market value brings the entire structure into compliance with current floodplain construction standards, including elevation. Polk County FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) were last comprehensively updated effective December 20, 2000, with subsequent Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs); inland floodplains include the Peace Creek, Itchepackesassa Creek, and Gator Creek watersheds, plus the chains of lakes around Winter Haven and Lakeland. Development in SFHAs requires a Floodplain Development Permit from Polk County Land Development. Free flood zone determinations and elevation certificate review are available from Polk County Floodplain Management at (863) 534-6765. Florida Statute 553.73 requires compliance with the Florida Building Code, which incorporates ASCE 24-14 flood-resistant construction standards.