Reduced cost of flood insurance in the city

The city of Fernandina Beach participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides flood insurance access to property owners, renters and businesses of participating communities. In addition, the city participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), which provides a discount to NFIP flood insurance for communities that conduct activities focused on reducing flood damage and resiliency. Currently, all NFIP flood insurance policies within the city receive a 20% discount based on the city's CRS Class 6 rating.

The city recently completed the required CRS five-year audit and received notification that it will improve to a CRS Class 5 with a 25% discount. The new rating is based on the efforts of city staff and its Program for Public Information Committee members, including realtors, insurance agents, mortgage brokers, builders and local nonprofits. This results in a combined savings of $459, 000 in flood insurance premiums for citizens. All NFIP policies that renew on or after Oct. 1, 2024, will automatically receive this discount. The city is continuing efforts to improve its CRS class and increase the discount even more, and just launched a program working with Amelia Island Nassau County Association of Realtors to train realtors on communicating flood riskto prospective buyers. For questions about the CRS Program or t he city's overall floodplain management program, contact Fernandina Beach CRS Coordinator Angie Lester at [email protected].