On July 19, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that Lee County and the city of Cape Coral will retain their current Community Rating System (CRS) classification ratings of 5. This decision ensures that policyholders under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in these areas will continue to receive a 25% discount on their flood insurance premiums.
FEMA’s evaluation confirmed that unincorporated Lee County and Cape Coral residents with NFIP policies will maintain their discount while ongoing efforts to address certain issues continue. Lee County officials have stated that a comprehensive plan is due by November 18.
In a letter to the city of Cape Coral, FEMA acknowledged the progress made by city officials, noting improvements in meeting floodplain management standards. However, FEMA also pointed out that compliance issues still need to be resolved as the city recovers from Hurricane Ian. Despite these issues, FEMA decided not to downgrade Cape Coral’s CRS classification at this time.
Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn emphasized the city’s commitment to working with FEMA to resolve any remaining concerns and to ensure transparency in floodplain management practices.
Lee County has been part of the CRS program since 1991. Most recently, in February 2023, just six months after Hurricane Ian, FEMA confirmed that Lee County would keep its Class 5 CRS rating. However, in March 2024, FEMA announced potential plans to downgrade this classification and remove the discount, prompting significant efforts from both FEMA and Lee County officials. After months of work and documentation submitted on June 3, FEMA decided to maintain the current rating and discount.
This decision is a positive outcome for residents, ensuring continued savings on flood insurance while the municipalities and FEMA work together to address and resolve ongoing floodplain management issues.
