Flood Risk Information for Clay County

The primary cause of flooding in Clay County is heavy rainfall from tropical systems and afternoon thunderstorms. Many areas of the County are low-lying and subject to flooding from rising water.

The majority of these areas lie along the St. Johns River, the North and South Forks of Black Creek, Little Black Creek, Governors Creek, Peters Creek, Doctors Inlet, and other creeks in the County, as well as along the shores of Kingsley Lake, Lake Asbury, Lake Brooklyn, and Lake Geneva.

Some areas of the County along the St. Johns River, Doctors Lake, and the Black Creek system are also subject to storm surge from hurricanes.

Areas shown on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Clay County as flood zones “A” or “AE” will be inundated by the 1% annual chance storm. These areas are also called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) or high flood risk areas.

If you live in unincorporated Clay County, you may contact the Clay County Planning and Zoning Division to determine whether your property is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area.

Other areas of the County are subject to flooding from stormwater runoff in locations with local drainage problems. These areas may not be shown within the Special Flood Hazard Areas on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

Flood Protection and Flood Insurance

Every year, flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other type of natural disaster. While recent construction practices and regulations have made new homes less prone to flooding, many existing structures are still vulnerable, and flooding can occur outside high-risk areas.

The best way to prevent loss is to know your flood risk and protect your property to minimize the possibility of floodwaters damaging your structure.

Common protection measures include:

• Elevating buildings and utilities above flood levels
• Relocating structures to higher ground
• Installing wall openings in non-habitable areas to allow floodwaters to enter and exit safely
• Constructing flood barriers such as berms or floodwalls

It is important to avoid endangering neighboring properties when implementing flood protection measures.

It is also important to protect structures from wind damage. Hurricane shutters and reinforced garage doors can significantly reduce damage caused by high winds.

Flood Insurance

Purchasing flood insurance is one of the most important ways to protect against financial loss caused by flooding. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

For many people, their home and its contents represent their greatest investment. Properties located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) have a 26% chance of experiencing flooding during the life of a 30-year mortgage.

Clay County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program , which makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and property owners.

Flood insurance is required for properties located within the SFHA that are purchased using federally backed mortgage programs or other forms of federal financial assistance.

Most flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.

Coverage limits include:

• Residential buildings: up to $250,000 for the structure and $100,000 for contents
• Non-residential buildings: up to $500,000 for the structure and $500,000 for contents
• Contents-only coverage is available for renters

FEMA Risk Rating 2.0

FEMA is updating the National Flood Insurance Program’s pricing methodology to communicate flood risk more clearly so policyholders can make more informed decisions about purchasing adequate insurance coverage and taking mitigation actions to protect against flooding.

The 21st century rating system, Risk Rating 2.0 — Equity in Action, provides actuarially sound flood insurance rates that are designed to be more equitable and easier to understand.

This updated system modernizes a pricing methodology that had remained largely unchanged for more than 50 years by using improved technology and FEMA’s enhanced understanding of flood risk.

For more information about Risk Rating 2.0, visit the resources below:

• Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action (PDF)
• FEMA Risk Rating Information

Emergency Notifications and Weather Information

Clay County Emergency Management works with local municipalities, the State of Florida , the National Weather Service , and the National Hurricane Center to monitor storms, flooding, and other hazardous weather threats and to provide timely information to the community.

When severe weather threatens Clay County, watches, warnings, evacuation notices, and emergency updates may be announced through:

• Local television stations
• Local radio stations
• NOAA Weather Radio

Clay County Emergency Management may also use the following methods to notify residents of emergency conditions and necessary actions:

• Automated telephone notification systems
• Mobile loudspeaker systems
• Door-to-door notifications

Flood Safety Information

Before a Flood

• Purchase flood insurance.
• Prepare a family emergency plan and survival kit for your family and pets.
• Protect property to prevent damage by reinforcing garage doors, reinforcing roof connections, and purchasing storm shutters.
• Clear yards and gutters of debris.
• Remove dead branches from trees.
• Register for special needs shelter assistance or pet shelter space if needed.
• Sign up for emergency alerts through ALERT Clay County .

When a Flood Threatens

• Place sandbags to help protect property.
• Elevate furniture above anticipated flood levels.
• Seal sewer lines to prevent backflow.
• Install storm shutters.
• Protect important documents in waterproof containers.
• If evacuation is part of your disaster plan, prepare to leave with your pets.
• Secure your home.

During a Flood

• Evacuate immediately if instructed to do so and take your pets with you.
• Once you reach a safe location, remain indoors until conditions improve.
• Turn off utilities at the main connection if instructed and safe to do so.
• Do not walk through flowing water.
• Do not drive through flooded areas.
• Stay away from power lines.
• Have electricity turned off by the power company if necessary.
• Watch for stranded animals.
• Be alert for unstable stream banks.
• Be alert for gas leaks.

After a Flood

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Do not drive unless necessary.
• Treat all non-operating traffic lights as four-way stops.
• Do not use matches or open flames due to the risk of gas leaks.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Avoid heavily damaged areas.
• Listen for updates regarding drinking water safety.
• Decontaminate and test private wells .
• Check food and water for contamination.
• Service damaged septic systems.
• Clean and disinfect everything that became wet.
• Wear boots and thick gloves during cleanup to reduce risk of injury or contamination.
• Be aware of displaced wildlife.

Additional flood safety information is available from:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• FloodSmart.gov
• American Red Cross
• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Clay County Emergency Management Division

Benefits of Natural Floodplains

Floodplains in their natural state provide many important environmental and community benefits.

Floodplains are highly productive natural areas that provide habitat for diverse plant and animal communities, including Clay County’s freshwater swamps and marshes, which often support wading birds and bald eagles.

Local floodplains also provide open space with aesthetic, recreational, and educational value for public enjoyment.

During flooding events, floodplains help spread floodwaters over a larger area. This reduces water velocity, helps minimize structural damage, and decreases soil erosion.

Floodplains also act as natural buffers between floodwaters and developed areas, helping reduce potential damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

In addition, floodplains can improve water quality by filtering impurities and nutrients from stormwater runoff, helping reduce pollution and prevent algae blooms.

Floodplain Development Requirements

Any development within the floodplain, including filling, grading, paving, or building construction, requires a permit in accordance with Clay County’s Flood Hazard Prevention Code .

Residential structures, machinery, and equipment serving a building, including ductwork, must be elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation.

Clay County has maintained elevation certificates for all buildings constructed within the floodplain since 1997.

Copies of elevation certificates are available through the Clay County Planning and Zoning Division.

To report potential illegal floodplain development, contact Clay County Code Enforcement.

Substantial Improvement and Damage Requirements

If the cost of improvements or repairs to an existing structure exceeds 50% of the structure’s market value, the building must be brought into compliance with current floodplain management standards.

For residential structures, these requirements generally include elevating the living area and all machinery and equipment, including ductwork, to at least one foot above the base flood elevation.

Stormwater Drainage System Maintenance

Clay County can lose drainage system carrying and storage capacity due to dumping, debris accumulation, soil erosion, sedimentation, and overgrowth of vegetation.

When stormwater systems lose capacity, flooding can occur more frequently and at higher elevations, placing additional properties at risk of flood damage.

Residents can help reduce flooding by keeping grass clippings, yard waste, and other debris out of stormwater drainage systems.

In accordance with Clay County Ordinance 2006-59, it is illegal to dump trash, debris, chemicals, or discharge any material other than rainwater into stormwater systems, streams, or other surface waters.

To report local drainage problems, contact the Clay County Public Works Department.

To report illegal dumping, contact Clay County Code Enforcement.