Lee County Government reported that it is encouraging homeowners to be \u201cflood aware\u201d before the height of the 2026 hurricane season to reduce their flood risk in Southwest Florida.<\/p>\n
The county urges residents to:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Know your hazard: Lee County has experienced severe weather in the past with extreme rainfall and tropical systems resulting in flooding in low-lying, coastal and riverine areas. The flooding has caused damage and flood losses to homes and buildings in all areas, whether they are high-risk special flood hazard areas or low- to moderate-risk flood zones. It is important for residents to know their flood hazard.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Buy flood insurance: Lee County is a voluntary participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This NFIP membership provides residents with the opportunity to protect themselves against flood loss through the purchase of flood insurance at reduced insurance premium rates, as well as setting higher regulatory standards to reduce the flood risk and potential flood damage to their property.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Choose your flood warning system: Public education and awareness of potential weather hazards and methods of protection are critical to the health, safety and welfare of residents.<\/p>\n
Make sure alerts are engaged on your smart phones.
\nDownload and use a trusted local media app that provides meteorologists\u2019 information; consider downloading additional apps such as the National Weather Service and WeatherSTEM.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Protect yourself and your property: Loss of life and property damage can be reduced when appropriate flood preparedness, control and mitigation measures are taken before a flood.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Be aware of natural floodplain functions: Protecting the natural floodplain in Lee County is vital to maintaining wildlife and endangered species habitat, providing water-quality benefits and allowing for floodwater storage.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Plan for responsible building: Residents and businesses, including those in special flood hazard areas, reduce the risk of flood damage by obtaining proper permits prior to building, renovating and repairing \u2014 and by building in compliance with regulatory requirements.<\/p>\n
Permits are required for renovations, remodels, additions and any repairs related to storms, floods or any other damaging event.
\nTo remain in compliance with FEMA\u2019s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), properties within the flood zone require an additional layer of review and documentation before repairs can proceed.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit https:\/\/www.leegov.com\/dcd\/flood<\/a> or call 239-533-8948.<\/p>\n