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1. Is my property located in a flood zone?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency governs the designation of flood zones also known as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). SFHAs within the City are identified on Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by FEMA. In September 2007, after a community map modernization process, new FIRMs were issued for the City of Altamonte Springs. These maps can be accessed three ways:

1. Through FEMA's website
2. By calling the City’s Public Works Department at (407) 571-8331.
3. By visiting the City’s library located on Maitland Avenue. Flood materials are located in the reference section of the library.

The Map Service Center website can be difficult to navigate. City personnel are available to assist you with using this website or providing mapping information to you. Please call (407) 571-8331 for assistance.

2. Where can I obtain flood insurance?

FEMA makes federally guaranteed flood insurance available to property owners in communities that voluntarily adopt and enforce the National Flood Insurance Program’s floodplain management requirements. Nationwide, almost 20,000 communities have joined the Program. The City of Altamonte Springs has adopted many of the practices recommended by the NFIP and is rated as an 7 through the Community Rating System (CRS). As a result, Altamonte Springs homeowners are entitled to a discount on federal flood insurance. Listings of flood insurance providers can be found at www.FloodSmart.gov

3. Is it ok to blow leaves and grass clippings into the street or storm drain?

No. Doing so is considered an illicit discharge and is prohibited by City Ordinance. Only rain should be flowing into the storm drain. Storm drains are built to move stormwater away from roads and structures. Debris blown into the street or intentionally placed in the storm drain can block flow and cause localized flooding. Please bag leaf litter and grass clippings, or better yet, use them in your yard for mulch. To report an illicit discharge to a storm drain, call
(407) 571-8331.

4. How do I know if my property is located in the floodplain?

Determination of whether your property is located in a floodplain is based on the most recent Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The FIRM is the official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated the special hazard areas applicable to the community. In September 2007, after a community map modernization process, new FIRMs were issued for the City of Altamonte Springs.

5. Who uses the FIRM?

Private citizens and insurance brokers use the FIRM to locate properties and buildings in flood insurance risk areas. Community officials use the FIRM to administer floodplain management regulations and to mitigate flood damage. Lending institutions and federal agencies use the FIRM to locate properties and buildings in relation to mapped flood hazards, and to determine whether flood insurance is required when making loans or providing grants following a disaster for the purchase or construction of a building.

6. Where can I view the FIRMs?

• Through FEMA’s Map Service Center website.


• By calling the City’s Public Works Department at (407) 571-8331.


• By visiting the City’s Library located at 281 Maitland Avenue.

7. How do I read a FIRM?

FEMA provides the How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Tutorial on their website. This tutorial educates users on the use and application of FEMA FIRMs. Each component of the FIRM is explored. The tutorial includes a section that contains examples of getting specific information from FIRMs. If you experience problems navigating FEMA’s Map Service Center, please call our office at (407) 571-8331. City personnel are available to assist you with using the website or provide map information to you.

8. How can I change or correct a FIRM?

FEMA has established administrative procedures for changing effective FIRMs based on new or revised scientific or technical data. To learn more about the process for changing a FIRM, visit the FEMA website.