Old 1981/1984 FEMA Flood Maps
The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the North Port area were first created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1981 and 1984. However, these FEMA FIRM Maps have been revise and the new maps are effective November 4, 2016, and can be accessed on the FEMA site.
To download any of the old 1981/1984 FEMA FIRM maps, click on its name (geographic area) below. NOTE: The map files are large and will take some time to download.
These maps and other reference information are available at the North Port Public Library. They are also available at the City’s Department of Public Works.
The maps were created based on a Flood Insurance Study conducted by FEMA on March 2, 1981.
View the 1981 FEMA Flood Insurance Study(PDF, 2MB).
How to interpret the FEMA FIRM Rate Maps
Whatever the area shown on a FEMA FIRM map, it may include several (or only a few) types of floodplain zones, each designated by a letter or a combination of a leter and number(s). Please see the table below for explanations of these zones.
| Zone |
Definition
|
| Zone A |
The 100-year or base floodplain. Six types of 'A' zones are described below. |
| A |
Base flood elevations (BFE) are not determined. This is often called an unnumbered A Zone or an approximate A zone. |
| A1-30 |
Known as numbered A Zones (e.g., A7 or A14). BFEs are shown on a FEMA map that includes any of these zones. |
| AE |
On newer FIRMs, AE Zones are the same as A1-A30 Zones (i.e., BFEs are shown). |
| AO |
The base floodplain with sheet flow, ponding or shallow flooding. Base flood depths (feet above ground) are provided. |
| AH |
Shallow-flooding base floodplain. BFEs are provided. |
| A99 |
Area to be protected from base flood by levees or Federal Flood Protection Systems under construction. BFEs are not determined. |
| AR |
The base floodplain that results from the decertification of a previously accredited flood protection system that is in the process of being restored to provide a 100-year or greater level of flood protection. |
| Zone V |
The coastal area subject to a velocity hazard (wave action) where BFEs are not determined on the FIRM map. |
| Zone VE |
The coastal area subject to a velocity hazard (wave action) where BFEs are provided on the FIRM map. |
| Zone B and Zone X |
Area ofmoderate flood hazard, usually the area between the limits of the 100-year and 500-year floods. B Zones are also used to designate base floodplains of lesser hazards, such as areas protected by levees from the 100-year flood, or shallow-flooding areas with average depths of less than one foot or drainage areas less than 1 square mile. |
| Zone C and Zone X (unshaded) |
Area of minimal flood hazard, usually depicted on FIRMs as above the 500-year flood level. Zone C may have ponding and local drainage problems that don't warrant a detailed study or designation as base floodplain. Zone X is the area determined to be outside the 500-year flood and protected by levee from the 100-year flood. |
| Zone D |
Area of undetermined but possible flood hazards. |
Flood Elevation Information Requests
On a limited basis, the Department of Public Works will provide flood elevation information concerning specific parcels of land. Learn more on our Flood Information page.
The 'Special Flood Hazard Area'
As mapped by FEMA on September 1981 Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), the City’s Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is located primarily near the Myakkahatchee Creek as it flows north to south through the City. There are also SFHA areas along the Myakka River. In these areas, floodwaters can cover streets and yards with little warning. Past rain events have seen portions of major roadways such as Sumter Boulevard, and local roads in the Estates portion of the City being rendered impassable due to flood waters. Be advised, however, that flooding could possibly occur anywhere in the City, depending on the storm. The City continues to pursue options to upgrade the City’s stormwater system to better handle such situations.