Flood Information

Preliminary Map Appeal Information​

In 2020, Palm Beach County conducted a comprehensive review and evaluation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) updated preliminary coastal flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) as well as the underlying data and assumptions utilized to develop the preliminary FIRMs. The County reviewed and evaluated the data and methods used by FEMA and its contractor(s) for the preparation of the coastal FIRMs within eastern Palm Beach County, identified technical issues and concerns with flood modeling and mapping methodologies, and provided recommendations regarding future coordination with FEMA.

• Scope of Work
• Deliverable 1.1: Kick-Off Meeting Summary
• Deliverable 1.2: Draft Work Plan
• Deliverable 1.3: Final Work Plan
• Deliverable 2.1: Topographic Elevation Data Technical Memorandum (file size ~78 MB)
• Deliverable 3.1: FEMA and Stakeholder Coordination Technical Memorandum
• Deliverable 4.1: Data and Documents Review Technical Memorandum​
• Deliverable 5.1: Storm Surge, Wave Model and Flood Map Evaluation Technical Memorandum
•  Deliverable 6.1: Final Summary Technical Memorandum

•  Memorandum to Board of County Commissioners (BCC) - Sep. 15, 2020
• Review and Evaluation of FEMA’s Coastal Flood Risk Study Presentation – BCC Workshop – Sep. 22, 2020
• Palm Beach County Letter to FEMA – October 5, 2020​
• Review and Evaluation of FEMA's Coastal Flood Risk Study Presentation – Palm Beach County Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group Meeting – Dec. 9, 2020
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Modeling to Support an Appeal of FEMA Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps

Based on coordination with FEMA to date, it does not appear likely that the technical issues and concerns identified during the County’s review and evaluation of the preliminary FIRMs (see above) will be resolved unless additional information is submitted to FEMA as part of a formal appeal. In 2021, Palm Beach County initiated the development of technical information for use during future FEMA coordination and to support the submittal of a formal appeal, if directed by the Board of County Commissioners, of proposed changes to flood hazard information within FEMA’s preliminary FIRMs and Flood Insurance Study for eastern Palm Beach County, published in December 2019.

• Scope of Work
• Deliverable 1.1: Kick-Off Meeting Summary
• Deliverable 1.2: Work Plan
• Deliverable_2.1_Inlet_Hydraulics_Improvements_Final_Report.pdf
•  Deliverable 3.2: Wind and Pressure Field Grid Corrections Final Report
• Deliverable 4.2: Validation Storm Improvements Final Report

Palm Beach County Appeal of FEMA Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps

• Palm Beach County FEMA FIRM Appeal – July 9, 2021
• Palm Beach County FEMA FIRM Appeal Appendices – July 9, 2021

   Palm Beach County FEMA FIRM Appeal Modeling Results – July 9, 2021​

Palm Beach County Requested Independent Scientific Panel Review

Palm Beach County (PBC) received a FEMA resolution letter (dated January 3, 2023) denying PBC request for modeling changes to resolve the anomalous water levels identified by PBC in the July 2021 appeal.

On February 1, 2023, PBC sent a letter reiterating PBC concerns on the FEMA FIRMs and requesting an Independent Scientific Panel Review. PBC has received acknowledgement of this request, but has not received a schedule for execution of the Independent Scientific Panel Review.

• FEMA Resolution Letter dated 1/3/2023​
  
• PBC Request for SRP dated 2/1/2023​
  
• SRP Panel Decision and Report January 4, 2024​​