Some Bay County property owners could see impacts to their flood insurance rates

MEXICO BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Florida has seen twice as much rain so far this year compared to this time last year. With that comes a greater risk for flooding. Now, some Bay County property owners could see impacts to their flood insurance requirements and rates.

During Monday’s flood risk open house in Mexico Beach, people had the opportunity to review proposed changes to FEMA’s preliminary flood insurance rate maps. FEMA and the Northwest Florida Water Management District are updating their county flood insurance study. We’re told the study hasn’t been updated since the 1980s.

“This is an open house for the public to come and see if they’re in or outside of that flood zone and ask questions about insurance, or the engineering that went behind it,” Emergency Management Specialist Chris Perez said.

Perez said mostly coastal areas will be affected. You can also learn the process to appeal. Engineers who conducted the study were also available to discuss the findings that generated the proposed revisions.

“Technology has changed, so we’re using newer technology to really identify the actual risks and so that’s what’s changing. It’d really on a case by case basis when people come in based on their address,” said Perez.

Perez said FEMA really wants to stress the importance of flood insurance. Another open house will be held Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Bay County Government Center.

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