One of the best ways to protect your home from flooding is to purchase a flood insurance policy.

You can also reduce flood risk by taking preventive steps, such as: elevating electrical outlets and equipment, installing dry or wet floodproofing, building a berm, or even elevating, relocating, or demolishing flood-prone structures.

Maintaining your property also helps reduce risk. This includes fixing sewer backup issues and keeping nearby ditches, streams, and storm drains clear of debris. According to Clay County Ordinance 2006-59, it is illegal to dump trash, debris, chemicals, or anything other than rainwater into stormwater systems or waterways.

To report a drainage issue, call Clay County Public Works at (904) 269-6335. To report an illicit discharge, call Clay County Engineering at (904) 269-6301.

Flood Damage is usually not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies.  Even if you do not live in a high flood hazard area, purchasing a flood insurance policy is highly recommended (this includes contents insurance for renters).  Clay County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, so most homeowners located in low or moderate risk flood areas are eligible for flood insurance at a preferred rate. 

Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-877-336-2627 for more information on flood insurance and how to obtain it. Remember that policies typically do not take effect until 30 days after purchase.

TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN. Never drive through floodwaters of unknown depth. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock down an adult, and 12 inches can carry away a car.

Sign up for emergency alerts—including flash flood warnings—on the Clay County Emergency Management website: www.alert.claycountygov.com. You’ll also find helpful information about evacuation routes, Black Creek water levels, and current disaster updates.

For Black Creek levels, visit the weather.gov website . The data is updated twice a day.

For information on the St. Johns River, visit the NOAA Tides and Currents website .

You can view or download a map of Clay County’s evacuation zones on the Emergency Management’s Evacuation and Flood Zones webpage .

Residential finished floor elevations, including basements and machinery and/or equipment which are in numbered A zones must have their lowest floors elevated to at least one foot above the base flood elevation or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher.  Residential finished floor elevations, including basements located in un-numbered A zones must be elevated to at least three feet above the highest adjacent grade (HAG).  All manufactured homes placed in the Special Flood Hazard Area shall be elevated such that the bottom of the lowest horizontal member is one foot above the Base Flood Elevation in numbered A zones or 3 feet above the HAG in an un-numbered A zone. 

These elevations must be substantiated through the submission of Elevation Certificates completed at appropriate stages of construction in order to substantiate elevation compliance.  

No development, including but not limited to site improvements and land disturbing activity involving fill or regrading, shall be authorized in the regulatory floodway unless a Floodway Encroachment Analysis (No-Rise Study) is submitted and approved by the county.  This Floodway Encroachment Analysis must be signed and sealed by a registered Professional Engineer and must demonstrate that the proposed development or land disturbing activity will not result in any increase in the base flood elevation.  No floodplain permit will be granted in the absence of an approved Floodway Encroachment Analysis. Where the Floodplain Administrator has determined that the development activity qualifies as a minor project or is demonstrated to be located within a floodway Conveyance Shadow, the submittal of an analysis may not be required.  

Any proposed development located in a designated wetland should be vetted through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, for review and any necessary permitting.

Sellers of the property you’re buying. When purchasing a new home or business, check the flood zone. If you’re in a high-risk zone, request that the sellers provide a copy of the EC. If they don’t have an EC, ask if they can provide one before closing on the home. 

Developer or builder. In a high-risk flood zone, the developer or builder may have been required to attain an EC at the time construction began. 

The EC is sometimes included with property deeds. 

Hire a licensed land surveyor, professional engineer, or certified architect. The purpose of these qualified professionals is to determine the elevation around the building and certify whether the area around the property is below or above the advised flood elevation. Before hiring one of these professionals, ensure they are authorized by law to certify elevation information.