Flood and Stormwater Information

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An Overview of FEMA and Floodplain Management

In 1968, the United States Congress established the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to, among other things, assist communities with the implementation of floodplain management measures to reduce the risk of flooding. FEMA is responsible for preparing Flood Insurance Rate Maps that show the flood zone areas for each community, including the City of Weston.

The 100-year flood is the national standard upon which flood insurance requirements are based. While your property may no longer be in a flood zone since the most recent update to the zone maps in 2024, the City urges all property owners and renters to purchase flood insurance to protect against the devastating loss that rising waters can cause. Even if flood insurance is not federally required, anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods. Nearly 25% of all National Flood Insurance Program flood insurance claims are filed by those that live outside of the high-risk zones and receive one-third of Federal Disaster Assistance for flooding according to FloodSmart.gov.

Flooding on Public Streets

Be sure to review our Rainy Season Checklist to know what to expect. To report flooding on public streets and rights-of-way, send an email to our Public Works staff or call the Public Works Department at 954-385-2600.

Flooding within Community Association Maintained Properties

Roadways (and their drainage systems) within private communities are owned and maintained by the community’s maintenance association, not the City of Weston. Response to, and mitigation of, flooding that occurs within these private communities is the responsibility of the community’s management company or Homeowner's Association.

In the event that flooding is so severe that a structure may be compromised, property owners may call the City’s Department of Public Works at 954-385-2600. Public Works staff will investigate the situation and determine if the cause of the flooding is the community’s drainage system or the City’s storm water management system, and take the appropriate action, if any is needed. The City does not perform work on privately-owned drainage systems.

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FAQs

Should there be standing water in the swale area in the front or side of my home?

Some standing water is normal and expected after rain. Collecting excess water in local lakes, ponds, swales and streets keeps it aways from your home.
Do City of Weston residents get any discounts on flood insurance policies?

Yes. The City of Weston participates in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System as a way of promoting flood awareness. The City of Weston is currently certified as a “6” Rate Class, qualifying residents in the Special Flood Hazard Area for up to a 20% discount and residents outside of the Special Flood Hazard area a 5% discount.
Do I need flood insurance for my property?

If the main structure on the property is located within the Special Flood Hazard Area, FEMA requires the owner to have flood insurance on that structure. If the structure is not in the Special Flood Hazard Area, flood insurance is not required by FEMA, however, a lender may still require flood insurance.
Doesn’t my Homeowner’s Insurance policy cover flooding?

No. Flood damage is typically not covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.
How is flooding prevented during the rainy season?

We constantly monitor the weather and have tide markers (water sticks) at various location around the city which shows us the currently lake levels. Then a determination is made whether we will run pumps and how many pumps will run.
How is street flooding prevented?

We keep the catch basins clean and remove debris from them. We have a storm water maintenance program in place and our contractors inspects the storm drains annually and cleans those that require cleaning. We also inspect the a certain amount lake interconnects annually using professional divers to do perform the inspections. INSIDE gated communities: keep catch basins clear.
I need a letter for my insurance, showing that I live in a flood zone, who can I get this from?

Call the Public Services Center at 954-385-2600 or send in a request to publicworks@westonfl.org.
My insurance company is requesting a flood zone determination letter, who do I talk to about this?

The GIS Coordinator can assist you by putting to together a map for you and have a determination letter created for you and signed by the Director of Public Works for you to send to your insurance company. Please contact aabdou@westonfl.org or call at 954-385-2600.
My property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area, but my structure was built higher than the base flood elevation. How do I get it removed on the Special Flood Hazard Area on the map?

In order to remove your structure from the Special Flood Hazard area and qualify for a lower insurance rate, you must file a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) with FEMA. Along with this request you must include documentation as to why you think your structure is not in the flood zone, typically a survey of the building which is signed and sealed by a licensed professional surveyor.
What does it mean if I am in the Special Flood Hazard Area?

If the structure on your property is located in the Special Flood Hazard Area, that means that FEMA has determined, through the use of extensive hydrologic modeling and analysis, that your structure is at a high risk of flooding, and in order to mitigate the burden of this risk, you are required to purchase flood insurance for your structure. Please contact your insurance broker to discuss which policies are best suited for your situation.
What FEMA flood zone is my property located in?

Use the FEMA Flood Zone GIS web map on the City’s website and click on your property to see the flood zone. If you have any questions, contact the City’s GIS Coordinator for more information at aabdou@westonfl.org or 954-385-2600.

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