What is a FIRM?

It is the official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. Seminole County has completed the map modernization process. The effective date of Seminole County's most current FIRM is September 28, 2007.

• Private citizens and insurance brokers use the FIRM to locate properties and buildings in flood insurance risk areas.
  

• Community officials use the FIRM to administer floodplain management regulations and to mitigate flood damage.
  

• Lending institutions and federal agencies use the FIRM to locate properties and buildings in relation to mapped flood hazards, and to determine whether flood insurance is required when making loans or providing grants following a disaster for the purchase or construction of a building.

FEMA has established administrative procedures for changing effective FIRMs based on new or revised scientific or technical data.

How do I read a FIRM?

How to Read A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Tutorial
This tutorial educates users on the use and application of FEMA FIRMs. Each component of the FIRM is explored. The tutorial includes a section that contains examples of getting specific information from FIRMs.

	Flood Map (PDF Version)
	Flood Map (Interactive Map) help

MORE INFORMATION

	Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Flood Insurance and Map Modernization
	FEMA Map Modernization Link
	FEMA's Flood Insurance Program
	FEMA Map Service Center