Flood Information – City of Satellite Beach, FL

Staying informed about flood risk helps protect your family, home, and business. Satellite Beach is a coastal community—storm surge, king tides, heavy rain, and hurricane events can all contribute to flooding. Below you’ll find tools to check your flood zone, understand insurance, and learn how to build and rebuild safely.

Check Your Flood Zone (FEMA Maps)

Use FEMA’s official mapping tools to look up your address and print map panels:

• FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) – search by address, view/print your Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panel, create a FIRMette:
  
  

• National Flood Hazard Layer (Interactive Map Viewer) – turn layers on/off to see Zone AE/VE, Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), and coastal features:

• Map Change Viewer – check recent/effective flood map changes:
  
  

Tip: Most of Satellite Beach is in coastal flood zones (often AE or VE). Properties outside the high-risk zones are usually Zone X (shaded/unshaded). Always confirm your zone on the FEMA tools above.

Flood Insurance (NFIP) & Risk Rating 2.0

• Flood insurance is available to owners and renters, whether inside or outside a mapped high-risk area.

• Premiums are now calculated using Risk Rating 2.0, which considers distance to water, first-floor height, and other factors.

Learn more:

• NFIP Information

• Risk Rating 2.0 Overview

Even if you’re in Zone X, flooding can still occur. A preferred-risk policy is usually affordable.

Elevation Certificates & Base Flood Elevation (BFE)

If you’re building, substantially improving, or seeking an insurance quote, you may need an Elevation Certificate (EC) prepared by a Florida-licensed surveyor. The EC documents the height of your lowest floor relative to BFE.

• Ask your insurer or lender if an EC will reduce your premium.

• Many past ECs are on file with the City; contact us to check.

Development & Permitting in Flood Zones

Any development (new structures, additions, substantial improvements, fill, grading, fences, decks, sheds, mechanical equipment, pools, etc.) requires review/approval to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code and the City’s floodplain regulations.

• Apply Online (BS&A Permitting):

• Key Requirements (general):

• Lowest floor elevation: Must meet or exceed the applicable BFE + freeboard (as adopted).

• Coastal High Hazard Areas (Zone VE & Coastal A Zones): Require open foundations/pile systems, breakaway walls, and special construction details.

• Mechanical/utility equipment: Must be elevated or flood-protected.

• Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage (SI/SD): If the cost of improvements/repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the structure’s market value (excluding land), the building must be brought into full compliance as if new construction.

Please contact us before you design or build. Early guidance can save time and cost.

After a Storm: Damage Assessments & Permits

• Do not place debris in swales where it can block drainage.

• If your structure was damaged, the City will help determine whether it meets the Substantial Damage threshold (SI/SD rules apply).

• Permits are required for most repairs, especially in flood zones or where structural, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work is involved.

Protecting Our Dunes & Natural Floodplain

Dunes and native vegetation help reduce erosion and storm surge impacts.

• Observe dune protection rules; avoid cutting native dune plants or altering dune profiles.

• For questions about dune repair/planting or post-storm sand placement, contact Community Development.

Preparing Your Property

• Elevate or relocate critical utilities and A/C compressors.

• Install flood vents (where applicable) to reduce hydrostatic pressure.

• Keep swales and storm inlets clear; maintain positive drainage.

• Consider elevating valuables and using flood-resistant materials for lower areas.

Helpful Links

• FEMA Map Service Center (MSC): 

• National Flood Hazard Layer Viewer

• FloodSmart 

• Ready.gov: Floods & Preparedness

Local Assistance & Contacts

City of Satellite Beach – Community Development Department
1390 South Patrick Drive, Satellite Beach, FL 32937
Phone: 321-773-4409
Email: CDD@satellitebeach.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM

We’re happy to:

• Confirm your flood zone and discuss BFE/freeboard.

• Check for existing Elevation Certificates on file.

• Guide you through permitting and SI/SD requirements.

• Provide printed FIRM panels or a FIRMette upon request.