Mayor Suarez Announces FEMA's Downgraded Flooding Score for the City

Published on August 24, 2022

City of Miami seal

Mayor Francis Suarez alongside Chairwoman Christine King and District 4 Commissioner Manolo Reyes announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially downgraded the flooding risk for the City of Miami.

 “FEMA's decision to downgrade the flooding risk for our city is proof that Miami is on its path to becoming the most resilient city in America,” Mayor Francis Suarez said. “This is good news on its own. But, even better, it means that flood insurance premiums for Miami residents will go down. During a period of high inflation combined with a recession, we continue to save money for our residents while keeping them safe.”

The Community Rating System takes place every 5 years and points are awarded under 19 categories which encompass Public Information, Mapping and Regulations, Flood Damage Reduction, and Flood Preparedness.  Miami is among the best qualified cities in the country placing at a class 6 which means flood insurance premiums for Miami residents will go down.

City of Miami residents now qualify for a 20 percent discount on flood insurance premiums on most policies. Residents must be issued an National Federal Insurance Program (NFIP) policy or renew their existing one on or after October 1st for the reduction to take effect.
 
The risk downgrade is a result of an updated storm water master plan and improved storm water operations. Through our Miami Forever Bond and funds coming from the State and Federal Levels, we are investing more than $195 million dollars on 62 storm water infrastructure projects.