Coastal Flood Risk Study for Southeast Florida
In 2014, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued updated digital
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and associated Flood Insurance Study reports for Broward County. However, the FEMA studies included analyses for rivers, streams, and creeks and did not include a coastal analyses.
In May 2014, FEMA began a multi-year coastal analysis and mapping effort. Through the analysis and mapping effort, FEMA will better identify, assess, and communicate hazards and risks associated with coastal flooding in the Southeastern United States.
FEMA’s coastal flood study in South Florida includes:
- Review of historical coastal flood events and dates to validate flood, wave and erosion analyses
- Determination of the flood level with a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year including the effects of tides, storm surges and waves
- Designation of the
Limit of Moderate Wave Action, also known as Coastal A Zones.
One of the outcomes of the Coastal Flood Risk Study that may affect future construction requirements will be the designation of a new Coastal A Flood Zone. FEMA adopted a policy to identify these coastal areas that may be subject to moderate wave heights between 1.5 feet and 3 feet by delineating the limit of moderation wave action (LiMWA).
The Florida Building Code defines these moderate wave height areas as
Coastal A Zones. In accordance with the Florida Building Code new buildings, certain building additions and certain modifications to existing buildings within Coastal A Zones may be subject to new construction requirements.
For further information visit FEMA's Coastal Study
or contact your community’s Floodplain Manager.
Learn
more about the Coastal Flood Risk Analysis and Mapping Process.
