Clay County, FL
Home MenuMaria Haney
Floodplain Manager
904-541-3825
Government » Planning and Zoning
Clay County flood/FEMA information – floodplain resources, maps, and risk guidance
FEMA is updating Clay County’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps, which may affect whether some residents are required to carry flood insurance. Use our interactive map to check your property.
Open House with FEMA
📅 Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 | 🕓 4–7 p.m.
📍 Clay County Emergency Operations Center, 2519 State Road 16 W, Green Cove Springs
Review the maps, ask questions, and speak with FEMA and Clay County staff. For more information, please visit the Flood Zone Changes website.
The following sources were used to prepare this web page:
- Flood Smart
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency
- The United States Environmental Protection Agency
- The Florida Department of Community Affairs, Division of Emergency Management
- The American Red Cross
- The Clay County Health Department
- The Clay County Fire and Rescue Department, Division of Emergency Management
Other areas of the county are subject to flooding from stormwater runoff in areas with local drainage problems. These areas may not be shown in the SFHA on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
It is also important to keep potential wind damage to structures in mind. Keep in mind that hurricane shutters and reinforced garage doors can significantly reduce wind damage.
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. For many people, their home and its contents represent their greatest investment. There is a 26% chance that property in the SFHA will experience a flood 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 all residents and property owners. This flood insurance is required for properties in the SFHA purchased with federally-backed mortgage programs or other federal financial assistance. There is usually a 30 day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect. Residential buildings may be covered for up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for the contents. Non-residential structures may be insured for up to $500,000 on the building and $500,000 on the contents. Contents-only coverage is available for renters.
The 21st century rating system, Risk Rating 2.0 — Equity in Action, provides actuarially sound rates that are more equitable and easy to understand. It transforms a pricing methodology that has not been updated in 50 years by leveraging improved technology and FEMA’s enhanced understanding of flood risk. For more information on Risk Rating 2.0, please click on the links below.
Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action
Risk Rating
Clay County Emergency Management may also use the following methods to inform residents of emergency conditions and necessary action:
• Automated telephone system
• Mobile loudspeaker systems
• Door-to-door visits
Radio
| WPLA 107.3 FM |
WJCT 89.9 FM |
WXXJ 106.5 *Online only |
| WJBT 93.3 FM |
WOKV 690 AM - 104.5 FM |
WKSL 97.9 FM |
| WUFT 89.1 FM - WJUF 90.1 FM |
WXJZ 100.9 FM |
WEAG 106.3 FM |
| WAPE 95.1 FM |
WEJZ 96.1 FM |
WQIK 99.1 FM |
| NOAA Weather Radio 162.475 MHz |
NOAA Weather Radio 162.550 MHz |
WGNE FM 99.9 |
| WJGL 96.9 FM | WBOB 101.1 FM - 600 AM |
TV
WJXT-Independent 4
Jacksonville WJCT-PBS 7
Jacksonville WTLV-NBC 12
Jacksonville WJXX-ABC 25
Jacksonville WAWS-FOX 30
Jacksonville WTEV-CBS 47
Gainesville WUFT-PBS 5
Gainesville WCJB-ABC 20
Before a Flood
• Purchase flood insurance.
• Prepare a family emergency plan and survival kit for your family and pets.
• Protect property to prevent damage (don’t forget to reinforce garage doors, reinforce roof connections, purchase storm shutters).
• Clear yard and gutters of debris.
• Remove dead branches from trees.
• Register for special needs or pet shelter space, if needed.
• Sign up for emergency alerts to be sent to your phone: ALERT Clay County
When a Flood Threatens
• Place sandbags to protect property.
• Elevate furniture above flood protection levels.
• Seal off sewer lines to prevent backflow.
• Install shutters.
• Protect important documents in waterproof containers.
• If your disaster plan includes evacuation, prepare to leave with your pets.
• Secure your home.
During a Flood
• Evacuate if told to do so, take your pets with you.
• Once you have reached your area of refuge, be it your home or a shelter, stay inside!
• Turn off all utilities at the main connection.
• Do not walk through flowing water.
• Do not drive through a flooded area.
• Stay away from power lines.
• Have electricity turned off by the power company.
• Look out for stranded animals.
• Be alert for unstable stream banks.
• Be alert for gas leaks.
After a Flood
• Return home only when authorities advise it is safe.
• Do not drive unless you must.
• Treat all non-operating traffic lights as 4-way stops.
• Do not strike matches to prevent fires from gas leaks.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Stay out of heavily damaged areas.
• Listen for drinking water safety news reports.
• Decontaminate and test private wells.
• Check food and water for contamination.
• Service damaged septic systems.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
• Wear boots and thick gloves when cleaning up to avoid contamination or injury.
• Beware of displaced wildlife.
More information on flood safety is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FloodSmart.gov, American Red Cross, Florida Division of Emergency Management, and Clay County Emergency Management Division.
Call the Clay County Public Works Department at (904) 269/284-6335 to report local drainage problems. Call Clay County Code Enforcement at (904) 269/284-6310 to report illegal dumping.
