Florida Keys Real Estate News

Florida Keys Flood Zones

When searching for Florida Keys real estate there are a number of factors to consider - one of them being flood zones.  The entire Florida Keys is located in a flood zone; there are limited areas in the Florida Keys that flood insurance is not required ~that is the X flood zone.   There are three flood zones in the Florida Keys - X, AE, and VE.  

X flood zones do not require flood insurance because by standing on the ground, you are already above flood.  If you do opt to purchase flood insurance, it is very minimal.   It is somewhat safe to say that any ground level home built in 1975 and onward, is above flood. But not all of these homes are going to be in an X flood zone. There are some ground levels homes, that are above flood, that are in an AE flood zone.  

AE and VE flood zones will have a number associated with it (i.e. - AE 8) - the number will signify how high the home has to be above the flood zone.  The "E" in the flood zones denotes that this flood zone has an elevation requirement (has a base flood elevation - "E" for short).  An elevation certificate will determine how high the property is above flood by just standing on the ground.  Once that number is determined, then you know how high to elevate the home.  Most homes are elevated higher than necessary to utilize the parking / storage underneath.  For example, I live in an AE 8 - the land my house is built on is 4' above the flood zone, my house was built on 4' of fill - which gets me the 8' needed to be built above flood.  AE flood zone is inland from the coastline.  

VE flood zones are located on the coastline - your direct ocean and bay front homes.  "V" stand for Velocity.  Homes that are located in the VE zone - flood insurance will be Very Expensive.  It is only if the home is located in this zone, not the land.  You could have a property that is located in multiple flood zones.  

If you want to work with a true "local" Realtor, contact me.  I have been selling Florida Keys real estate full time since 2003.  Let me experience and knowledge work for you!