For Builders

Hernando County uses the results of the most current set of Flood Insurance Rate Maps and its accompanying Flood Insurance Study to guide compliance and site planning. The new, revised Flood Maps will be considered the "best available data" and used for new construction when they illustrate more restrictive (higher base flood elevations) than the current effective flood maps. The unincorporated County's flood hazard data are based on the studies completed for 17 watersheds. The watershed master plans have all been adopted by SWFWMD and the County, and have been used for design purposes for the past two years. Now, the flood hazard maps are complete and will work in conjunction with the 100-year model output created by the 17 studies to illustrate special flood hazard areas. Use the Proposed Flood Map Viewer to locate property within Hernando County.

Watershed Master Plans

Information from and relating to the Watershed Master Plans can be obtained by contacting the John Burnett (johnb@hernandocounty.us ) Water Resource Coordinator, at the Environmental Services Division, Administration Building (Utilities Dept. ).

Changes to the Vertical Datum

Base Flood Elevations on the new maps are related to the North American Vertical Datum, 1988 (NAVD 88).

In years past, Hernando County would use the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29) as the base for vertical measurements. The Federal Government adopted the NAVD 88 as a more accurate vertical measurement in the early 1990's and requested local governments to follow suit. The County has used both measurements while transitioning to NAVD 88 as the official standard.

Request for Topographic Materials for Insurance Rating or Protests

While the new maps use the latest technology and information available at the time of risk modeling, the maps can be improved if better information is available. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will accept detailed topographic or hydrologic model information to support a change to the map during the 90-day Public Comment period. Residents may be requesting services of engineers, developers, surveyors, etc. to meet the requirements of insurance or to support a protest. More information is available on the Public Comment Period page.

View the FEMA fact sheet for Builders-Engineers-Developers ( PDF, 152KB ) .

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit http://www.hernandocounty.us/FloodMap/ to view the new digital flood maps, see the areas that are changing flood zones and learn how Hernando will be affected. Visit www.FloodSmart.gov for more information about how to protect against flooding and the steps local residents may need to take to ensure that they have proper insurance coverage to protect their investment.