This means that using the outdated vertical datum, two different points measured at 0.0' NGVD 29 can have different actual elevations. The main assumption used to create NGVD 29 - water level is equal all along the coast and thus represents the same zero- later proved to be erroneous and was shown to create errors in the elevation data obtained using this datum. This datum was referred to as the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29). But where is that zero point? A vertical datum establishes a consistent zero point so elevations can be compared with one another even if the elevation measurements are taken by different people at different times or in different parts of the state.įor many years, the zero point used throughout the United States was based on “mean sea level” at 26 separate tidal stations in the US and Canada. If someone were to measure to measure the height of the ground you are standing on, they would need a point of reference, or a zero (0.0) point, to measure from. To ensure that all the elevations used are based on a common reference system, a FIRM must reference a single vertical datum.Ī vertical datum is a set of constants that defines a system for comparing elevations. One of the main goals of this effort is to more accurately define the boundaries of flood hazard areas, which are determined by comparing flood elevations with digital elevation data. The Federal Emergency Management Agency updated the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Broward County. In an effort to reduce the effects of flooding, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968. Flood Map will display on the screen below and contain a dropped pin showing where your property is located within the flood zone.Type in the address of your property in the area at center left and press Search.Or, if you prefer to access the FEMA maps directly, go to this website: It is located on Broward County’s Website at:ġ) Click on “Interactive Tool for Current Flood Zones Maps” on the left side of the page and follow the instructions below.Ī) Type in the address of your property in the area at the top right, above the map titled “Broward FEMA Flood Map Effective August 18, 2014”, and click on the magnifying glass to search.ī) Click on your property and the FEMA Flood Designations box will let you know your current FEMA flood zone designation. This map was created by Broward County to allow easy access to the information contain on the FEMA Maps. You can use the interactive map viewing tool to find out if your home or business is in a flood zone. Flood insurance purchase is not mandatory. Mandatory flood insurance requirements apply.įlood insurance rate zones that are outside the flood plain or the average flood depths of less than 1 foot. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.įlood insurance rate zone that corresponds to coastal areas that have additional hazards associated with storm waves. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.įlood insurance rate zone that corresponds to areas of shallow flooding with average depths between 1 and 3 feet. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.įlood insurance rate zone that corresponds with flood depths greater than 3 feet. The following flood zone designation determines whether or not flood insurance is mandated.įlood insurance rate zone determined by approximate methods, as no Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) are available for these areas. All areas are susceptible to flooding, although to varying degrees. Property owners should consider purchasing a flood insurance policy, even if it is not mandated for their location. Establish minimum finished-floor elevations for new construction and substantial improvements to existing structures.īy adopting the flood maps, Broward County is assured that FEMA will offer assistance during emergencies and provide flood insurance coverage for county residents.Ĭurrently, residents and businesses in Broward County are encouraged to view the flood maps to better understand their potential flood risk and to help identify steps they may need to take to protect against property damage and loss.Determine flood insurance purchase requirements.After the effective date, the finalized maps must be used by insurance companies for flood insurance purposes and the updated base flood elevations must be used for all new construction and substantial improvements to existing construction. FEMA established that the effective date for the new Broward County flood maps was August 18, 2014.

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