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Floodplains

Floodplains are areas where water can collect to provide holding areas until the water has the opportunity to seep into the ground, replenishing our water table and creating natural habitat for wildlife and plant life. A floodplain includes wetlands, marshes, lakes and rivers.

Escambia County has floodplains on three sides from the Perdido and Escambia rivers and the Gulf of Mexico.  Because of the proximity of Escambia County to water, it is important to understand the severity of a storm and to heed any warnings and evacuation orders.

Flood Insurance

More than 13,300 Escambia County residents have flood insurance. In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.

You do not have to live near a body of water to be susceptible to flooding. Click here to see if your home is in or near a flood hazard area.

Flood damage at a home in the Newcastle neighborhood.

What Can You Do?

Escambia County relies on its residents for cooperation and   assistance for the following efforts:

  • Do not dump or throw anything into the ditches, streams, creeks, or rivers. Dumping is a violation of Escambia County Ordinance 42-154.  Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate, plug channels, creeks and streams. A blocked channel cannot carry rain or flood water.
  • If your property is next to a ditch or stream, please do your part and keep the banks clear of brush and debris.  Escambia County maintenance can assist to remove major blockages such as fallen trees.
  • If you see dumping or debris in the ditches, please contact Escambia County Public Works Department, (850) 937-2130, or in the City of Pensacola, (850) 435-1755.
  • Always check with the building inspections division before you build, alter, re-grade or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure projects do not cause problems on other properties. Escambia County Building Inspections Division, (850) 595-3550.
  • If you see building or construction without a county permit sign posted, contact the building inspections division, (850) 595-3550.
 
 Local Services

For assistance with flood zone determination or an elevation certificate:

  • Escambia County: (850) 595-3553 (elevation certificate (850) 595-3550)
  • City of Pensacola: (850) 436-5600
  • Pensacola Beach: (850) 932-2257

To determine if you live in a storm surge area, visit myescambia.com/knowyourzone or call Escambia County’s Emergency Management office at (850) 471-6400.

 Property Protection

  • Wet flood proofing: Making uninhabited areas of your home resistant to flood damage when water is permissible to the building.
  • Dry flood proofing: Sealing the home to prevent waters from entering.
  • Levee and flood wall: Constructing barriers to prevent floodwaters from entering the home.
  • Elevation: Raising the home so the lowest floor is above the flood level.
  • Relocation: Moving the home to higher ground where the exposure to flooding is eliminated.

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