The Coastal Barrier Resources System

A Coastal Barrier is a unique landform that provides protection for diverse aquatic habitats, and serve as the mainland's first line of defense against the impacts of coastal storms and erosion. Coastal Barriers are naturally occurring islands, sandbars, or other strips of land, including coastal mainland, that protects the coast from severe wave wash. Congress recognized the vulnerability of coastal barriers to development by passing the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) in 1982. The purpose of this Act is to minimize the loss of human life, wasteful expenditure of Federal revenues, and damage to fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with coastal barriers along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. The CBRA restricts Federal expenditures and financial assistance that have the effect of encouraging development of coastal barriers. The CBRA, while not prohibiting privately financed development, prohibits most new Federal financial assistance, including Federal flood insurance, within a designated Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS).

In 1990, Congress passed the Coastal Barrier Improvement Act (CBIA). The CBIA tripled the size of the System established by the CBRA. The CBIA also prohibits the issuance of new Federal flood insurance within "otherwise protected areas" on buildings constructed after November 16, 1991, unless the building is used in a manner consistent with the purpose for which the area is protected. Otherwise Protected Area's (OPA's) are generally used for certain activities such as fish and wildlife research and refuges.

CBRA/OPA Zones: Land areas designated as undeveloped coastal barriers. These areas are shown on appropriate flood insurance map panels and have certain coverage restrictions. There are two CBRA zones within the City of Hollywood, FL-20P and P14A.

If you need assistance in determining whether or not you are located within a CBRA in the City of Hollywood, you can call (954) 921-3939, and leave a message, or you can download and complete the Request for Flood Determination Form (.PDF) and return it to the ECSD Office for processing. This is a no cost service for properties within the city limits.

The request form may be downloaded and printed at your convenience. It is provided in "Adobe^© Acrobat" Format. You will need Acrobat Reader to view and print the form. Alternatively you may call the ECSD Flood Determination Line at (954) 921-3939. And leave your name, phone number, and the address to be checked, and a representative will get back to you as soon as possible.