Flood Zones, FEMA, and the Barrier Island

FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
Hollywood participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and is considered a Class 6 community through the Community Rating System (CRS) program.  This classification allows Hollywood NFIP policyholders to receive a 20% discount on their flood insurance premiums. 

Mitigate the potential impacts of flooding from rain events, sea level rise, and storm surge by taking the below steps.

  • KNOW YOUR FLOOD ZONE.  Many portions of Hollywood lie within floodplains.  Hollywood staff can help you understand your local flood maps, Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), Coastal High Hazard Areas (CHHA), Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) zones, elevation certificates and other important flood-related information.  Elevation certificates can usually be found with closing or mortgage documents.  Post-1991 flood elevation certificates may be obtained from Archives and Records, if available, for a small fee by calling 954.921.3585.   FEMA FIRM Flood Zone Maps are available online at:  https://msc.fema.gov/portal/homeFor additional information on a Hollywood property, please email your street address to averea-feria@hollywoodfl.org or call 954.921.3930.  You can also visit Public Utilities Staff on the 3rd Floor of City Hall, Room 308, Monday thru Thursday 7 AM to 6 PM.

  • PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY.  Flood damage is not covered by homeowner policies.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends everyone obtain NFIP flood insurance.   Flood insurance can cover damage to your structure but contents coverage is separate.  Whether you rent or own, make sure to ask your insurance agent about contents coverage.  There is usually a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect.   Plan ahead! To find out more about obtaining flood insurance call your insurance agent or visit Flood Insurance | FEMA.gov.

    There are also several ways to minimize or prevent property damage before a flood. 
                      • Elevate and secure electrical appliances
                      • Place low-lying electrical fixtures on separate circuits
                      • Use flood-resistant materials on exterior surfaces
                      • Elevate or cover furniture and valuables 
    • For additional ways to protect your property, visit:  Reduce Flood Rick
  • PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY.  Be aware of flood dangers and other potential disasters.  Local weather and flood warnings are available through a variety of radio, TV, online, text messaging, email blasts, and phone application (“app”) sources.  The City of Hollywood provides critical emergency information via ALERT Hollywood, Public Access Cable Channel 78, and Reverse 911. Sign up online at Alert Hollywood | Hollywood, FL - Official Website (hollywoodfl.org) Regardless of apparent conditions, depth of flood waters can be very difficult to determine. 
                  • Never walk or drive through flowing or standing water! 
                  • Avoid skin contact with storm flood waters as sewage from overflowing lines could be present in the puddles. 
                  • Be alert for small animals that are flushed out by flooding conditions and may bite when disturbed.
                  • Avoid downed power lines and electrical wires.
                  • Turn off the power in your house if it becomes flooded.  This includes all gas tanks and lines. 
                  • Ventilate areas if gas may be present.
                  • Do not smoke or use candles or open flames until you are sure no gas leak exists. 
                  • For additional Flood Safety tips visit http://www.hollywoodfl.org/692/Flood-Safety
                  • Annual hurricane planning guides are available on the City's Hurricane Season Preparedness Page.
                  • You can also call Broward County’s Emergency Management Hurricane Hotline at 954.831.4000 or Dial 311.  For non-emergency safety concerns or questions, call the Hollywood Police Department's non-emergency number: 954.764.4357.
  •  BUILD RESPONSIBLY.  Planning to make improvements or major repairs to your home? Make sure to get the proper permits and advice.   Poor planning can cause big problems later.  Homes in designated flood or coastal high-hazard areas (V-Zones) may be required to include special flood protection measures such as raising the elevation of the structure or repairing a seawall repair if damages or the cost of improvement are ≥ 50% of the structure's market value. For more information on seawall permitting, see the left menu option Sea Walls + Flood Barriers.  Please contact the City of Hollywood Drainage Engineer or Floodplain Administrator at 954.921.3930 for more information or to schedule a free site visit. 

  •  PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT.  It is illegal to throw anything in lakes, canals, Intracoastal, the ocean, or other waters.  Dumping, spilling, or discharging any non-stormwater material to any surface area or stormwater management system is also prohibited.  A clean drainage system basin is essential to a safe and healthy environment.  Hollywood cleans all catch basins at least annually.  You can help by keeping your yard and swale free of leaves, brush, paper, and other debris.  Swales are the strips of land between the sidewalk and the street, usually in front of the property.  Swales should always be lower than the pavement to allow proper drainage from the roadway.  Homeowners are required to maintain their swales to help protect our waterways and prevent flooding.  Help us keep the waters and streets of the City of Hollywood clean.   If you witness any dumping of material into storm drains or waterways, please call the Regulatory Compliance Office at 954.921.3414.

Other Resources:  COH Emergency Management Flood Safety