County seeks to improve flood insurance rating — it could lower rates, so provide input

Osceola County is seeking public feedback on a report to help improve the community’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) rating — which could make that insurance more affordable in Osceola County.

The latest effort began in 2021 with a Repetitive Loss Area Analysis that includes recommendations for mitigating future flood losses. The analysis reviewed the flood potential of properties located near structures that have historically experienced repetitive losses from flooding.

The approach to reducing repetitive flooding in these areas requires a combination of floodproofing techniques, education, and drainage improvement projects. Actions taken by the County include promotion of the NFIP, information on protecting at-risk properties and encouraging the elevation of mechanical equipment that is below grade.

Improving its NFIP rating by following recommendations in the analysis has the potential to make flood insurance more affordable for Osceola property owners by up to 25 percent.

The analysis was conducted by Wood Environmental, and the report was adopted by the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners in November 2021. The analysis and a report on the County’s progress toward implementing the recommended actions, are available to review online at Flood.Osceola.org.  Comments can be sent to Flood@osceola.org.