On Friday, July 19, 2024, the Town of Fort Myers Beach was notified that at this time FEMA will maintain the Town’s Community Rating System (CRS) classification of 5 and National Flood Insurance Discounts following the months of persistent and tireless work by the Town to provide the required documentation.
This decision by FEMA determines that Fort Myers Beach residents with policies under the National Flood Insurance Program will continue to receive the discount of 25% on flood insurance while the Town and FEMA continue to work on a plan to address some continuing issues. That plan will be due November 18, 2024.
“We feel as though we responded to FEMA’s request for information and felt that the information was accurate while meeting the requirements that were established prior to Hurricane Ian; however, we do look forward to working with FEMA to address any outstanding issues as they continue to explore the future of the Community Rating System and focus on ways that they can improve,” stated Town Manager Andy Hyatt.
In March 2024, Fort Myers Beach received a phone call from FEMA that the CRS Class 5 would be retrograded based on perceived noncompliance with the NFIP minimum standards. This required months of work to submit the required documentation by FEMA. All required documentation was submitted on May 21, 2024, before the June 10 deadline.
Fort Myers Beach was decimated by Hurricane Ian, leaving nearly every building on the Island destroyed. Amid the immediate struggle of rebuilding our beloved community, the Town of Fort Myers Beach ensured decisions were made based on adherence to FEMA’s NFIP and CRS requirements.
For more information on the Town of Fort Myers Beach’s efforts and to view documentation, go to FEMA National Flood Insurance Program | Town of Fort Myers Beach, FL - Official Website (fortmyersbeachfl.gov).
The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council remains committed to retaining the CRS rating of 5 to maintain the discount available to residents with NFIP policies.