Flood zones determine a lot's flood risk, insurance requirements and building regulations. FEMA is the federal authority defining these zones. Here's how to verify them.
Go to msc.fema.gov. This is FEMA's official portal for flood maps across the United States.
Enter the Cape Coral lot address (e.g., "1234 NW 20th St, Cape Coral, FL 33993"). The system locates the parcel on the corresponding FIRM panel.
Codes: Zone AE = high risk with BFE. Zone A = high risk without BFE. Zone VE = coastal high risk. Zone X (shaded) = moderate. Zone X (unshaded) = minimal.
From the MSC, generate a downloadable/printable FIRMette — the official flood zone reference document for your address.
For an interactive view with more layers, use the FEMA NFHL Viewer.
FEMA flood zones are federal. Cape Coral may have additional requirements. Check with Cape Coral Permitting and GIS Maps.
1% annual chance of flooding (100-year flood). BFE determined. Mandatory insurance with federal mortgage. Construction must elevate to BFE or above.
Coastal zones with wave action plus flooding. Strictest construction: pilings, water-resistant materials, specialized engineering. Less common in interior Cape Coral.
0.2% annual chance (500-year flood). Insurance not mandatory but recommended. Many Cape Coral lots fall in this category.
Outside 0.2% flood zones. Minimal but not zero risk. 25% of FEMA claims come from low-risk zones. Insurance optional but prudent.
| Source | What it validates | Link |
|---|---|---|
| FEMA Flood Map Service Center | Official flood zones, FIRMs, FIRMettes | msc.fema.gov |
| FEMA NFHL Viewer | Interactive detailed National Flood Hazard Layer map | NFHL Viewer |
| FloodSmart.gov (NFIP) | National Flood Insurance Program, costs and options | floodsmart.gov |
A geographic area classified by FEMA based on flood risk, defined on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), determining insurance requirements and costs.
Enter the address at msc.fema.gov. Also use the NFHL Viewer for interactive detail.
High risk with determined BFE. Mandatory insurance with federal mortgage. Construction must be elevated above BFE.
Low to moderate risk. X (shaded) = moderate (0.2% annual). X (unshaded) = minimal. Insurance not mandatory but recommended.
Mandatory in zones AE/A/VE with federal mortgage. In Zone X, not required but 25% of FEMA claims come from low-risk zones.
A printable excerpt of the official FIRM map you can generate from the FEMA MSC for a specific address.
Yes. In zones AE/VE, elevation, special materials and engineering can add $10,000–$50,000+ to construction costs.