Flood Zones Changes FAQs

Quick Facts

What's Changing?

FEMA is updating Clay County's Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Some properties may be assigned a different flood zone.
Some property owners may be required to carry flood insurance.
Check your property's flood zone using the Clay County Flood Zone Interactive Map .

Why It Matters

Flood zone changes may affect mortgage requirements for flood insurance.
Property owners should review their flood zone designation.

Key Dates

September 12, 2025 – FEMA Flood Map Update Open House.
90-day appeal period – Begins after FEMA's official announcement (date to be determined).
Spring 2027 – Anticipated effective date of the updated flood maps.

Questions or Appeals

Email the Floodplain Management Team at floodteam@claycountygov.com.

Flood Zone Changes: What homeowners and businesses need to know

Check Your Flood Zone

Enter your property address in the Clay County Flood Zone Interactive Map to see whether your property may be affected by FEMA's updated flood insurance rate maps.

FEMA is updating Clay County's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which determine flood risk and may affect whether some property owners are required to carry flood insurance.

The updated maps use improved science and technology to provide more accurate flood risk information than the current 2014 maps. While most properties will not change, some may be added to or removed from Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). If a property is added to an SFHA, mortgage lenders may require flood insurance.

Clay County encourages residents and business owners to review the proposed maps and learn how the updates may affect their property.

FEMA hosted a Flood Map Update Open House on September 12, 2025, where residents could review the proposed maps, ask questions, and speak with FEMA and Clay County staff.

Following the release of the preliminary maps, FEMA will open a 90-day appeal and comment period. During this time, property owners may submit scientific or technical data if they believe a map designation is incorrect. The official appeal period will be announced once it is available.

Current Schedule: The updated flood maps are anticipated to become effective in Spring 2027.

Flood Zone 101

Clay County's primary flood zones include X, X (Shaded), A, AE, and Floodway.

High-Risk Areas (Special Flood Hazard Areas) – Flood Zones A, AE, and Floodway require flood insurance for properties with federally backed mortgages.
Flood Zone X – Areas with minimal flood risk. Flood insurance is generally not required, and flood permits are not required for development.
Flood Zone X (Shaded) – The 500-year floodplain with a 0.2% annual chance of flooding. Flood insurance is generally not required, and flood permits are not required for development.
Flood Zones A and AE – The 100-year floodplain with a 1% annual chance of flooding. Zone A does not include a Base Flood Elevation (BFE); Zone AE does. Flood insurance is required for mortgaged structures, and flood permits and elevation certificates are required for new construction and substantial improvements.
Floodway – The channel of a river, creek, or other watercourse and adjacent land needed to safely carry floodwaters. Flood insurance is required for mortgaged structures. New development requires a No-Rise Study, flood permits, and elevation certificates where applicable.

Questions?