The U.S. Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. The U.S. Congress then passed the NFIP Reform Act of 2012, to make a number of changes to the way the NFIP is run. As the law is implemented, some of these changes have already occurred, and others will be implemented in the coming months. The Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 Fact Sheet identifies the specific sections of the legislation that have been change.

Walton County is responsible for verifying compliance with the NFIP through the following:

* Maintaining our Flood Prevention Ordinance
* Reviewing development orders
* Inspecting buildings for compliance
* Reviewing Substantial Damage and Improvement Projects
* Being involved in any watercourse alterations
* Participating in variance requests
* Actively participating with FEMA regarding Map Changes
* Public Outreach Projects

The Floodplain Manager is available to provide map determinations, and answer any questions pertaining to Areas of Special Flood Hazard within Walton County.
The current Flood Prevention Ordinance is 2010-08.
Click here for the 2010 Local Flood Information Guide.

Check flood stages for local rivers here: 

NOAA River Flooding Map.

Coastal Study
Walton County is currently undergoing a Coastal Study that will provide better modeling and data for the Walton County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The previous study dates back to the 1980’s, and may not reflect the current conditions of Walton County’s coastline and topography. Northwest Florida Water Management District is working in conjunction with URS, Dewberry, UCF, and FEMA to complete the study. The projected date for the preliminary FIRM is July of 2012, and a projected final map date of  2013. For more information on the Coastal Study please visit the NWFWMD Map Modernization Program webpage.

* FEMA's REVISED Elevation Certificate (EC) was approved for use, effective March 16, 2009, through March 31, 2012.

* Walton County's current Flood Insurance Rate Map, dated March 7, 2000, has been revised by FEMA.  The effective date for the new map is September 29, 2010.  Development Orders and Building permits submitted on or after September 29, 2010 will need to meet the elevations of this map.

NFIP Extended through September 30, 2011
Yesterday afternoon the House of Representatives passed a one year extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, extending the current program through September 30, 2011.  The Senate passed the bill, S. 3814, on September 21 and the House passed it by voice vote on September 23.  The measure now goes to the White House for the President's signature, which is expected to happen quickly.  This is a clean extension, with no other provisions in the bill.  (Full details can be found by searching for bill number S. 3814 on http://thomas.loc.gov)