Flood Hazards and Flood Protections

Flood Hazards

Heavy seasonal rains in Florida can cause flashfloods, lakes and rivers to rise and overtop their banks, and localized flooding. The City of Oviedo contains natural surface waters that can flood during a major storm event or hurricane.

For many people the purchase of a home is one of the largest investments they will make. Ensuring your property and home are covered for damages during natural disasters is very important. Standard homeowner’s insurance may not cover flood damage or related issues. The City of Oviedo participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS), which affords both business owners and residents to receive a discount on their flood insurance policy premium if the structure is within a special flood hazard area. Flood insurance must be procured at least thirty (30) days prior to the occurrence of a major storm event or hurricane. 

Areas with potential flood hazards are sensitive lands, wetlands, conservation areas, and low-lying areas. The flood map for our area can change depending on natural lands, changes in elevations, and development. Some of the dangers of floodwaters are:

• The force of moving water can destroy a building.
• Slow moving floodwaters, or even attempting to drive through shallow flooding is extremely dangerous. Cars can float in as little as twelve inches of water. Even driving in a few inches of water can cause loss of control.
• Water soaked belongings can harbor dangerous mildew.
• The impact of post flood cleaning can cause stress and tremendous financial loss. Some belongings can never be replaced.

Flood Protection

For information about flood protection or floodproofing older homes that were built prior to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), please contact the City of Oviedo Floodplain Manager at 407-971-5682. For construction or elevation certificates, please visit the FEMA Document Check at Map Gallery | Oviedo, FL.