Getting Your Flood Map

Here are some very basic instructions on how to access your county’s flood maps:

Hillsborough County

1. Open this link and click “View your property on the current online searchable flood map viewer.”
2. Enter your address in the boxes, making sure to follow the on-screen directions exactly as the program is complex.
3. Once you’ve identified your map segment and opened the map, you’ll see a satellite image of your location. Click on the parcel closest to your home and a list of information about your property will come up. All of your flood data is in there.

Pinellas County

1. Open this link to be taken to Pinellas County’s Flood Maps Page. When there, click on “Flood Zones - Flood Insurance Rate Maps.”
2. Once at the FEMA Map Service Center, enter your address in the box on the left hand side of the page. Be sure that the “Product” dropdown says “Flood Maps.” (Your popup blocker must be off.)
3. In the new window, the map will zoom directly to your property with a link to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Click that link.
4. A window will open with that segment of the map. Click on the magnifying glass to view the map.
5. The interactive map will pop up, showing you the various classifications the land surrounding your property as well as your property. (Legend included at bottom of post.)

Pasco County

1. Pasco County’s website directs you to the FEMA Map Service Center.
2. Once at the FEMA Map Service Center, enter your address in the box on the left hand side of the page. Be sure that the “Product” dropdown says “Flood Maps.” (Your popup blocker must be off.)
3. In the new window, the map will zoom directly to your property with a link to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Click that link.
4. A window will open with that segment of the map. Click on the magnifying glass to view the map.
5. The interactive map will pop up, showing you the various classifications the land surrounding your property as well as your property. (Legend included at bottom of post.)

Polk County

1. Polk County’s website directs you to the FEMA Map Service Center.
2. Once at the FEMA Map Service Center, enter your address in the box on the left hand side of the page. Be sure that the “Product” dropdown says “Flood Maps.” (Your popup blocker must be off.)
3. In the new window, the map will zoom directly to your property with a link to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Click that link.
4. A window will open with that segment of the map. Click on the magnifying glass to view the map.
5. The interactive map will pop up, showing you the various classifications the land surrounding your property as well as your property. (Legend included at bottom of post.)

Manatee County

1. Manatee County’s website directs you to the FEMA Map Service Center.
2. Once at the FEMA Map Service Center, enter your address in the box on the left hand side of the page. Be sure that the “Product” dropdown says “Flood Maps.” (Your popup blocker must be off.)
3. In the new window, the map will zoom directly to your property with a link to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Click that link.
4. A window will open with that segment of the map. Click on the magnifying glass to view the map.
5. The interactive map will pop up, showing you the various classifications the land surrounding your property as well as your property. (Legend included at bottom of post.)

Hernando County

1. Hernando County’s website directs you to the FEMA Map Service Center.
2. Once at the FEMA Map Service Center, enter your address in the box on the left hand side of the page. Be sure that the “Product” dropdown says “Flood Maps.” (Your popup blocker must be off.)
3. In the new window, the map will zoom directly to your property with a link to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Click that link.
4. A window will open with that segment of the map. Click on the magnifying glass to view the map.
5. The interactive map will pop up, showing you the various classifications the land surrounding your property as well as your property. (Legend included at bottom of post.)

Highlands County

1. Highlands County’s website offers no links to mapping services. Therefore, the FEMA Map Service Center will be provided.
2. Once at the FEMA Map Service Center, enter your address in the box on the left hand side of the page. Be sure that the “Product” dropdown says “Flood Maps.” (Your popup blocker must be off.)
3. In the new window, the map will zoom directly to your property with a link to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Click that link.
4. A window will open with that segment of the map. Click on the magnifying glass to view the map.
5. The interactive map will pop up, showing you the various classifications the land surrounding your property as well as your property. (Legend included at bottom of post.)

FEMA Map Legend

Taken from Pasco County’s incredibly helpful website:

Zones designated as AE, A, AH or AO Zone. These properties have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year and a 26 percent chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

VE or V Zones. These properties also have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year and also face hazards associated with coastal storm waves.

High-risk areas are called Special Flood Hazard Areas, and flood insurance is mandatory for most mortgage holders.

Low or Moderate Flood Risk

Shaded X Zone. These properties are outside the high-risk zones. The risk is reduced but not removed.

X Zone. These properties are in an area of lower risk.

Lower-cost preferred rate flood insurance policies (known as Preferred Risk Policies) are often an option in these areas.