Leon County Saves Residents Thousands on Federally Required Flood Insurance
Leon County Government’s continued work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help unincorporated County residents required to have flood insurance save thousands of dollars upon their policy renewal.
Such work is part of a voluntary, federal program called the Community Rating System (CRS), which has generated premium savings for nearly 1,300 flood insurance policies, equaling about $117,500 annually in community savings. The discount will be provided automatically, so property owners do not need to apply. The CRS also recognizes the County’s efforts to enhance public safety, reduce property and infrastructure damage, and better protect the environment.
“Anytime we can help our community save money and be more resilient, it is a win,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Nick Maddox. “Flood insurance is a vital asset for homeowners, especially for those who are required to have it. We are thankful for this great partnership with FEMA and the success of this program.”
At a time when home insurance premiums are increasing, Leon County was able to work with FEMA to successfully move up from CRS Class 6 to CRS Class 5 while placing in the top 25 percent of participating communities in the state of Florida. In unincorporated Leon County, flood insurance premium totals often exceed $700,000 annually. By participating in the CRS, unincorporated Leon County property owners who purchase flood insurance will save an estimated 25 percent annually.
The recent advancement to CRS Class 5 is in part due to the County’s comprehensive emergency management procedures and policies, the extensive training of the County’s Development Support and Environmental Management (DSEM) staff, and the County’s steadfast dedication to protecting floodplains.
“For years, Leon County has worked to enhance public safety, build communitywide resilience, and better protect the environment,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “This important work has saved insured residents thousands while making us all safer.”
Since 1982, Leon County has participated in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Since then, the County has permitted responsible development in flood hazard areas, which has resulted in minimized flood damage and costs for local companies, residents, and the entire community.
For more information about Leon County’s flood protection programs, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/FloodProtection. Specific questions regarding flood insurance policies and premiums to be paid should be directed to the property owner’s insurance agency.
For more information, contact Nawfal Ezzagaghi, Director of Environmental Services, at (850) 606-1328 / contact Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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