Hundreds of Clearwater homes may soon be reclassified into flood zones that require insurance, according to preliminary maps recently released by FEMA.

The city’s Floodplain Administrator, Gene Henry, stated that the updated flood maps are based on more accurate data collected over the past five years, including LiDAR and improved elevation information.

“This is very similar to what we currently have, but there are going to be changes on people’s properties,” Henry said, pointing to areas shaded in blue that mark special flood hazard zones.

In the Alligator Creek Watershed alone, 369 buildings would be added to FEMA’s high-risk category, while 203 would be removed. Homeowners whose properties are added and who have federally backed loans or mortgages will be required to purchase flood insurance.

Henry noted that even homes outside the high-risk areas could benefit from low-cost coverage, especially in neighborhoods that have recently experienced flooding despite not being on previous maps.

Residents will have an opportunity to review and challenge the changes. A 90-day public comment period will be held later this year, and the city has launched a website where property owners can check to see if their address is affected.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

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