Replacing furniture, carpet, appliances and personal items damaged by water can be a serious financial burden on a homeowner without flood insurance.

Tip: see our Flood Insurace Rate Map!

Homeowner's insurance policies do not generally cover damage from floods. However, because Broward County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy from an insurance agent. This insurance is backed by the federal government and is available to everyone, even for properties that have been flooded previously.
Please note that unless there is a special condition of the mortgage, there normally is a 30 day waiting period between the time flood insurance is purchased and the time coverage is in force.

More information can be obtained at the Broward County Main Library or through Broward County's web site under the Emergency Management Division, http://www.broward.org/disaster/, or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) web site at http://www.fema.gov.

The success of the drainage system in your neighborhood depends on proper maintenance of the system. The swales that are commonly located between your yard and your street are part of the storm water management system for your neighborhood.

Gutters, storm drain pipes, lakes, wetlands, swales and canals should be kept free of debris. It is against County Code to dump trash in waters of the County.

The drainage system may provide both water quality and flood control benefits. Lakes, wetlands, swales and canals filter pollutants from runoff or allow pollutants to settle out. Check with the Water Resources Division at 954-519-1267 or the SFWMD at 561-686-8800 before paving, regrading or altering swales.

Strict regulations govern substantial improvements to structures in the flood plain. According to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), "substantial improvement" means the cost of any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure either before the improvement is started or if the structure has been damaged and is being restored.

Please be advised that any new development or improvement on a property will be subject to current County regulations and may also be subject to state and federal regulations. Please contact the Water Resources Division or the Broward County Building Code Services Division at 954-765-5041 for specific information and to report un-permitted construction or activities.

Furniture, appliances, clothing, and other movable items can be elevated within the structure or relocated away from potential flooding if time permits. You should also, make an itemized inventory of your belongings including costs, dates of purchase and serial numbers.

There are several ways to protect a building from flood damage if feasible. One way is to make sure your lot is graded in a manner that will direct runoff away from your building. Another approach is to make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over the doorways. This method is not recommended if water will rise to a depth of two feet or greater. A third approach is to raise the house above flood levels. Prior to making these modifications, consult with a certified contractor.

If you would like to know if your property is in a special flood hazard area (and, if so the specific zone) please telephone 954-519-1267 and provide your address and zip code.

Elevation certificates for buildings constructed since October 1992 are on file and may be obtained by contacting the Building Code Services Division at 954 765-5041, ext. 267.