Flood Information
Flood Protection
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, and Historical Ian the City of Cape Coral's Development Services Department is actively working to assist residents and businesses affected by the storms.
All repairs of structures in the Special Flood Hazard Area require a permit, including the submission of a Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage application from the City of Cape Coral.
If you had work done without a permit you will need to apply for the applicable permit to put your structure back into compliance. A remodel permit is required for repairs that include any of the following: drywall, baseboards, flooring, cabinets, electrical, plumbing, etc. Please click the Document Center link where you will find what documents are required for the permit.
To apply for the required permits online please click the CSS link.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE/SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
If your home or business is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and is not flood compliant (i.e. structure is below Freeboard, which is FEMA BFE + 1 foot), the City of Cape Coral has flood damage prevention regulations that may affect how you remodel, renovate, or add on to your building.
The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) requires that any structure located in the SFHA where the cost of proposed improvements or repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the value of the structure must be brought into full compliance with current flood damage prevention regulations.
These laws are required by the NFIP to protect lives and investment from future flood damages. Our community must enforce these laws in order for federally-backed flood insurance to be made available to Cape Coral residents and property owners. Cape Coral, following the NFIP requirements, has the responsibility to determine "substantial damage" and "substantial improvement," and has implemented the procedures to do so.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE definition: means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its ‘before damage’ condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure. (Note: The cost of the repairs must include all costs necessary to fully repair the structure to its “before damage” condition.)
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT definition: means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure (before any improvements are performed).
Cape Coral Residents Encouraged to Apply for Statewide Residential Mitigation Program
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has introduced Elevate Florida, a statewide residential mitigation program designed to strengthen homes and communities against natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.
Elevate Florida offers financial assistance to eligible property owners for projects such as:
- Elevate homes to reduce flood risk
- Rebuild homes to meet higher safety standards
- Purchase and demolish flood-prone structures
- Strengthen buildings against wind damage
Program Benefits:
- May cover 75–100% of mitigation costs based on eligibility
- Helps reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums
- Increases property value
- Provides financial assistance for contractor and relocation costs
For complete program details and eligibility requirements, visit Elevate Florida’s website. For questions or assistance, email info@elevatefl.org or call 877-ELEV8FL (877-353-8835) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. Teletypewriter users can dial 711.
Flood Risk Information Portal
The City of Cape Coral is partnering with Forerunner to give residents easy access to flood risk information for their properties.
Some of the ways residents can utilize Forerunner include:
- Flood Risk Check: Use any address to find the property's flood zone, Base Flood Elevation (BFE), Design Flood Elevation (DFE), and other floodplain information.
- Elevation Certificates: Search for existing Elevation Certificates and important flood documents to avoid the cost of getting new ones.
- Substantial Improvement/Damage Review: Before making changes, check a property's previous improvements or damages to understand possible limitations.
- Get Help: Contact your local floodplain management team through Forerunner’s Get Help page by entering your information and property details.
Click here to access flood risk data on Cape Coral properties.
Floodplain Management Plan
Hurricane Ian Resources
- 50% Rule Questions? View the FEMA checklist pertaining to determining the 50% rule
- Hurricane Damage? View federal and state mitigation program information
New Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Elevation Data
Elevation Data
Citizens can now check flood zone information and obtain a copy of their elevation certificate online.Follow the search instructions shown below to check your flood zone and elevation requirements:
Search Instructions:
- After clicking on the "Check your flood zone" link and reviewing the disclaimer page, scroll down and click the blue START button;
- A popup will appear for you to read the disclaimer and accept; once accepted, click on the “downward arrow” button on the left-hand side (top left of the screen);
- Enter your preferred method for searching (address, owner name, etc.), then hit enter on your keyboard or click the magnifying glass, which will run the search;
- On the "Layer List," ensure that the box next to "Flood Zones (Firm)" is checked. Once the box for the property comes up, click on the property itself to view the parcel's flood zone information. (See image below). Scroll down to view your current flood zone and your new flood panel.
View an elevation certificate for buildings that were built since 1996, then choose ELEVATION. Enter your address in the box below and then click "search."
Please note: Buildings built before 1993 did not require an elevation certificate; therefore, the City of Cape Coral will not have an elevation certificate on file for these buildings. Please contact the Surveyor that completed the survey for your mortgage closing or contact the Title Company that processed your house closing.
FEMA Flood Map Revisions
Flood Maps Changed in November 2022 - What you should know:
It is important for all citizens and business owners to understand the potential risks of flooding. The federal government has issued new flood hazard maps for Lee County, which are based on updated engineering studies. Please familiarize yourself with the new maps and actions you can take to minimize health and property risks associated with flooding.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has completed the first comprehensive review of flood zones throughout Lee County in 14 years. New Flood Insurance Rate Maps, which also establish required base flood elevations for construction, became effective on November 17, 2022.
View Cape Coral's new flood zone map
Risk Rating 2.0
General Information
If your property is next to a drainage inlet, canal, or river, please keep inlets open and the banks clear of brush and debris.
After fires, floods are the most common and widespread of all-natural disasters. Most residents of Cape Coral live in a flood zone that falls into a category called a “Special Flood Hazard Area.” These areas are the V-Zone and A-Zone on the Flood Zone map. X-Zones are not considered part of the Special Flood Hazard Area, but just because your property is in one of the less susceptible flood zones does not mean you have no need for concern. Twenty-five percent of flooding occurs outside areas formally designated as being flood-prone (i.e., Special Flood Hazard Areas).
Flood insurance is required for many property owners; however, this insurance is available to all properties in Cape Coral, including properties in the X-Zone. Due to the lower risk, these zones can be insured at a lower insurance premium than the higher-risk areas.
Click here for Elevation Certificates, then choose ELEVATION. Enter your address in the box below and then click "search."
Buildings built prior to 1993 did not require an elevation certificate; therefore, the City of Cape Coral will not have an elevation certificate on file for these buildings. Please contact the Surveyor that completed the survey for your mortgage closing or contact the Title Company that processed your house closing.
Click here for more information on flood insurance costs and coverage.
Flood insurance is required for many property owners; however, this insurance is available to all properties in Cape Coral, including properties in the X-Zone. Due to the lower risk, these zones can be insured at a lower insurance premium than the higher-risk areas.
Click here for Elevation Certificates, then choose ELEVATION. Enter your address in the box below and then click "search."
Buildings built prior to 1993 did not require an elevation certificate; therefore, the City of Cape Coral will not have an elevation certificate on file for these buildings. Please contact the Surveyor that completed the survey for your mortgage closing or contact the Title Company that processed your house closing.
Click here for more information on flood insurance costs and coverage.
Flooding in Cape Coral can occur from two causes, heavy rain and storm surge. Aside from localized street flooding, the Cape’s stormwater infrastructure has proven to perform well relative to preventing flood losses to homes and businesses during rainstorms. However, it may not have adequate capacity if it rains hard enough for an extended period or if pipes get clogged.
The other flood threat, storm surge, is a phenomenon usually associated with hurricanes. Amazingly, the storm surge can be as high as 25 feet in an intense hurricane. The areas most susceptible to storm surge are located near the coastline of Charlotte Harbor, the Caloosahatchee River, and Matlacha Pass. Historically, high tides up to 12 feet above normal were reported at Fort Myers and Punta Rasa during the 1926 hurricane. In 1960, Hurricane Donna caused high-water marks of 10 to 11 feet on Estero Island.
If a hurricane watch is issued, please keep in mind that every hurricane is different and base your action plan on information specifically pertaining to the incoming storm.
For example, In 2004, Hurricane Charley made landfall on the southwest coast of Florida, near Cayo Costa, with maximum sustained winds of 130 knots. Because the eye shrank considerably in the 12 hours before landfall, these extreme winds were confined to a very small area, reducing storm surge potential.
Conversely, Hurricane Ian made landfall 18 years later in nearly the exact same place: however, the storm was larger and slower, which consequently led to a much greater storm surge event.
The other flood threat, storm surge, is a phenomenon usually associated with hurricanes. Amazingly, the storm surge can be as high as 25 feet in an intense hurricane. The areas most susceptible to storm surge are located near the coastline of Charlotte Harbor, the Caloosahatchee River, and Matlacha Pass. Historically, high tides up to 12 feet above normal were reported at Fort Myers and Punta Rasa during the 1926 hurricane. In 1960, Hurricane Donna caused high-water marks of 10 to 11 feet on Estero Island.
If a hurricane watch is issued, please keep in mind that every hurricane is different and base your action plan on information specifically pertaining to the incoming storm.
For example, In 2004, Hurricane Charley made landfall on the southwest coast of Florida, near Cayo Costa, with maximum sustained winds of 130 knots. Because the eye shrank considerably in the 12 hours before landfall, these extreme winds were confined to a very small area, reducing storm surge potential.
Conversely, Hurricane Ian made landfall 18 years later in nearly the exact same place: however, the storm was larger and slower, which consequently led to a much greater storm surge event.
Do not dump or throw anything into the swales, drainage inlets, canals, basins, or rivers. Dumping into these waters is a violation of the City of Cape Coral Code of Ordinances, Section 9-15. This includes lawn clippings, horticultural trimmings, dirt and fill material, and other construction debris. Keep in mind that any dirt or lawn clippings that are blown into the street will eventually be washed into the drainage system. Also, all construction sites are required to have erosion protection devices. Material such as silt and sand can reduce the capacity of the drainage system. If this occurs, the system cannot carry the water away as it was engineered to do. If you see dumping into the stormwater system or any waterbody, please notify Code Enforcement at (239) 574-0613.
If your property is next to a drainage inlet, canal, or river, please keep inlets open and the banks clear of brush and debris.
Always check with the Department of Community Development, Building Division at (239) 574-0546, before you build on, alter, regrade, or deposit fill on your property. You may need a permit to ensure that your projects do not cause drainage problems on your property or any surrounding properties. If you see building or filling without a City permit sign posted, please notify Code Enforcement at (239) 574-0613.
The Lee County Emergency Operations Center provides the Emergency Warning System for Cape Coral. A hurricane watch for Lee County will be announced if hurricane conditions are possible for our area within the next 36 hours. A Hurricane Watch means it is time to put the early stages of your hurricane plan into effect. Tune in to local radio or television stations listed for the latest distribution of emergency information. Severe weather and flood warning threats are also continuously broadcast by the National Weather Service on special weather radios on Channel 4, 162.475 MHz. Emergency vehicles may also broadcast emergency information over an amplified speaker.
If the County declares an evacuation advisory or evacuation order for your area, please heed the warning and give yourself plenty of time to leave the area. Click here to access maps of the evacuation routes and storm surge zones for Lee County.
Be prepared for interruptions of service from cable television and telephone providers. Because any storm can interrupt electric power, it is important that you have a radio or television that can operate on battery power and a supply of fresh batteries.
Additionally, cordless phones will not work when there is an interruption in power. If you have a telephone landline in your home, it's wise to maintain an "old fashion, plug into the wall" corded telephone device, which requires no electrical power.
If the County declares an evacuation advisory or evacuation order for your area, please heed the warning and give yourself plenty of time to leave the area. Click here to access maps of the evacuation routes and storm surge zones for Lee County.
Be prepared for interruptions of service from cable television and telephone providers. Because any storm can interrupt electric power, it is important that you have a radio or television that can operate on battery power and a supply of fresh batteries.
Additionally, cordless phones will not work when there is an interruption in power. If you have a telephone landline in your home, it's wise to maintain an "old fashion, plug into the wall" corded telephone device, which requires no electrical power.
AM Radio Stations
| Station | Frequency |
|---|---|
| WJUA-AM | 1200 |
| WFNW-AM | 1240 |
| WCRM-AM | 1350 |
| WMYR-AM | 1410 |
| WWCL-AM | 1440 |
| WCCF-AM | 1580 |
FM Radio Stations
| Station | Frequency |
|---|---|
| WNPS-FM | 88.7 |
| WGCU-FM | 90.1 |
| WIYO-FM | 91.5 |
| WXNX-FM | 93.7 |
| WARO-FM | 94.5 |
| WOLZ-FM | 95.3 |
| WRXK-FM | 96.1 |
| WINK-FM | 96.9 |
| WTLQ-FM | 97.7 |
| WFFY-FM | 98.5 |
| WWCN-FM | 99.3 |
| WZJZ-FM | 100.1 |
| WJGO-FM | 102.9 |
| WJPT-FM | 106.3 |
Television Stations
| Station | Comcast Cable | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| WBBH (NBC) | 2 | 20 |
| WGCU (PBS) | 3 | 30 |
| WFTX (FOX) | 4 | 36 |
| WINK (CBS) | 5 | 11 |
| WXCW (WB) | 6 | 46 |
| WZVN (ABC) | 7 | 26 |
| WWDT | N/A | 43 |
| CAPETV | 98 | N/A |
Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there before you step further. Flood waters can also carry microorganisms capable of causing disease via skin contact.
Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not attempt to drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
Avoid power lines and electrical wires. The number 2 flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Power Company or the City’s Emergency Operations Center at (239) 573-3022. Disconnect electricity and gas lines prior to flooding.
Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.
Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs covered with mud can be very slippery.
Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. A portable generator uses an internal combustion engine that emits deadly carbon monoxide. Place the generator where exhaust fumes will not enter the house. Only operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home, and protected from direct exposure to rain. If you own a generator, consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector.
Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not attempt to drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
Avoid power lines and electrical wires. The number 2 flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Power Company or the City’s Emergency Operations Center at (239) 573-3022. Disconnect electricity and gas lines prior to flooding.
Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.
Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs covered with mud can be very slippery.
Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. A portable generator uses an internal combustion engine that emits deadly carbon monoxide. Place the generator where exhaust fumes will not enter the house. Only operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home, and protected from direct exposure to rain. If you own a generator, consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector.
One protection measure that costs nothing is the simple task of elevating your valuables if flooding is predicted. This involves putting them on counters, upper cabinets, attics, or upper floors.
Measures to protect a property from flood damage include retrofitting, re-grading your yard, and correcting local drainage problems. As Cape Coral is located within a hurricane region, consider installing storm shutters and reinforcing your garage door. If your property has a low finished floor elevation, you may consider retrofitting your structure. Retrofitting can include elevating the structure, flood-proofing doors and walls, re-grading, or installing earthen berms and/or concrete walls. Although these remedies may require a considerable investment, they could help protect your property during flooding.
If you don’t know your property’s current elevation, you can obtain copies of elevation certificates for all buildings that were built since 1993 through the City Clerk’s Office. Call (239) 574-0411 or click here to access city records, then choose ELEVATION. Enter your address in the box below and then click "search."
Please note: buildings built prior to 1993 did not require an elevation certificate; therefore, the City of Cape Coral will not have an elevation certificate on file for these buildings. Please contact the Surveyor that completed the survey for your mortgage closing or contact the Title Company that processed your house closing.
Please note that all development within a floodplain requires a permit. For information on obtaining a permit, please contact the Building Department, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990, (239) 574-0546.
We can also offer assistance with your selection process if you need to hire a qualified contractor or a consultant to help you solve and/or prevent a particular flooding problem. Please contact the City Planning Division at (239) 574-0553, if you need such technical assistance.
If you are interested in learning more about protecting your property, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have publications available on these topics. Many publications are available, free of charge, at the Department of Community Development or the Lee County library. For additional information on how to prepare for flood events, determine the relative flood risk to your property, estimate your flood insurance premium, and a list of licensed insurance agents who serve your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Measures to protect a property from flood damage include retrofitting, re-grading your yard, and correcting local drainage problems. As Cape Coral is located within a hurricane region, consider installing storm shutters and reinforcing your garage door. If your property has a low finished floor elevation, you may consider retrofitting your structure. Retrofitting can include elevating the structure, flood-proofing doors and walls, re-grading, or installing earthen berms and/or concrete walls. Although these remedies may require a considerable investment, they could help protect your property during flooding.
If you don’t know your property’s current elevation, you can obtain copies of elevation certificates for all buildings that were built since 1993 through the City Clerk’s Office. Call (239) 574-0411 or click here to access city records, then choose ELEVATION. Enter your address in the box below and then click "search."
Please note: buildings built prior to 1993 did not require an elevation certificate; therefore, the City of Cape Coral will not have an elevation certificate on file for these buildings. Please contact the Surveyor that completed the survey for your mortgage closing or contact the Title Company that processed your house closing.
Please note that all development within a floodplain requires a permit. For information on obtaining a permit, please contact the Building Department, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990, (239) 574-0546.
We can also offer assistance with your selection process if you need to hire a qualified contractor or a consultant to help you solve and/or prevent a particular flooding problem. Please contact the City Planning Division at (239) 574-0553, if you need such technical assistance.
If you are interested in learning more about protecting your property, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have publications available on these topics. Many publications are available, free of charge, at the Department of Community Development or the Lee County library. For additional information on how to prepare for flood events, determine the relative flood risk to your property, estimate your flood insurance premium, and a list of licensed insurance agents who serve your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Homeowner's and renter's insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding. It is possible that flooding waters could cause more damage to the contents than to the structure. If you are in a V-Zone or an A-Zone, you are four times more likely to experience a flood than a fire. Don’t wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection. If you don’t have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. There is a 30-day waiting period before National Flood Insurance Program coverage takes effect. Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.
Structures under construction are also insurable. Almost any building with at least two walls and a roof is insurable against flooding through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which offers affordable, federally-backed insurance. Contents of insurable buildings can be covered by a separate policy, also making flood insurance available to renters. Unless you requested that your flood insurance policy cover the contents, it may only cover the structure.
Because the City provides more than the minimum required flood plain management, properties within the City receive a Community Rating System (CRS) flood insurance discount.
Structures under construction are also insurable. Almost any building with at least two walls and a roof is insurable against flooding through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which offers affordable, federally-backed insurance. Contents of insurable buildings can be covered by a separate policy, also making flood insurance available to renters. Unless you requested that your flood insurance policy cover the contents, it may only cover the structure.
Because the City provides more than the minimum required flood plain management, properties within the City receive a Community Rating System (CRS) flood insurance discount.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50 percent of the building’s market value, then the building must meet current flood zone construction requirements. Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same standards. Article 9 of the City of Cape Coral Land Development Code specifies details on flood damage prevention.
In Cape Coral, the areas most susceptible to tropical storm tidal surges are located near the coastline of Charlotte Harbor, Matlacha Pass, and the Caloosahatchee River. These vast areas extend from Burnt Store Marina to just north of Four-Mile Cove Ecological Park. Most of these areas with the highest susceptibility to flooding are preservation lands owned by the State of Florida.
By preserving the native vegetation consisting of salt marshes and mangrove communities, residents of Cape Coral gain significant protection. The mangroves, in particular, stabilize the shoreline during hurricanes. The mangroves have prop roots, leaves, and branches that offer frictional resistance to flowing water. This reduces storm erosion and decreases the speed of the flow of tidal inundation. It also allows the settling of particulate matter. Trees use these sediments and the nutrients in the water for growth.
By preserving the native vegetation consisting of salt marshes and mangrove communities, residents of Cape Coral gain significant protection. The mangroves, in particular, stabilize the shoreline during hurricanes. The mangroves have prop roots, leaves, and branches that offer frictional resistance to flowing water. This reduces storm erosion and decreases the speed of the flow of tidal inundation. It also allows the settling of particulate matter. Trees use these sediments and the nutrients in the water for growth.