Great news for Clay County homeowners! After years of hard work and collaboration by the county, homeowners with flood insurance policies will now save between 15 and 20 percent on their annual premiums.

The policy savings come after county staff successfully improved our overall Community Rating System Score from class seven to class six. This score reduction will increase savings on individual flood insurance premiums by an average of 15 to 20 percent in all unincorporated areas of Clay County, effective October 1, 2023.

The Community Rating System, or CRS, is a voluntary program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency that allows communities to earn flood insurance discounts for conducting eligible floodplain management activities above the minimum national flood insurance program requirements.

Credible activities include public information concerning flood risk, effective flood mapping and floodplain regulation, flood damage reduction, and effective flood warning and response. 
Clay County’s improved score is expected to increase total community flood insurance savings to an estimated $357,926 annually. That’s an average individual flood insurance policy savings from $59 to $93 per flood policy.

Every year, flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other type of natural disaster. The best way to prevent loss is to know your flood risk and protect your property to minimize the possibility of floodwaters damaging your home. Make sure you know if your home is in a flood zone. You can view the county’s flood maps and learn about flood safety measures on our website.

The second most important protection measure against flood damage is to purchase flood insurance to prevent financial loss if your property floods. Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover losses due to flooding. Clay County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which makes federally backed flood insurance available to all residents and property owners. If you are interested in learning more about flood insurance, visit FEMA FloodSmart or reach out to your insurance agent.  

Stay informed, sign up for Clay County emergency alerts sent to your mobile device or home phone through Alert Clay. These alerts include evacuation notices, flash flood warnings, tornado warnings, and severe thunderstorm warnings. Stay informed, know your risk, and take measures to protect your home and family before flood water threatens.