Flood Zone Changes
FEMA is updating the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Clay County. These updated maps may change the flood zone designation for some properties within the Town of Orange Park.
Property owners are encouraged to review the proposed flood maps to determine whether their property's flood zone is changing and to learn more about how the changes may affect their property.
90-Day Appeal and Comment Period
FEMA's 90-day appeal and comment period is currently open from August 20, 2026, through November 18, 2026.
To appeal, property owners must have technical data to support
proposed appeals. This includes scientific or study data. FEMA will also
consider comments and inquiries regarding data such as incorrect street
names, typographical errors, and omissions. You may submit appeals by
emailing
ecd@townop.com. Appeals without data will be denied. The updated maps use improved science and data, offering more
accurate information than the 2014 maps. While most properties will see
no change, some will be added to or removed from Special Flood Hazard
Areas. The Town of Orange Park urges residents and business owners to review the maps and
learn how changes may affect their insurance, property protection
activities, and emergency planning.
For more information about the appeal process, how to determine whether your property is affected, and how to submit an appeal, please visit Clay County's Flood Zone Changes webpage. The anticipated effective date for the updated flood maps is Spring 2027.
Find Your Flood Zone
Knowing your property's flood zone can help you understand your flood risk and determine whether additional floodplain development or permitting requirements may apply.
Property owners can search for their property by address using the resources below:
Clay County's Flood Zone Changes
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Flood zone information is based on FEMA's current effective maps. Proposed or pending map changes may not be reflected on all mapping resources until the updated maps become effective.
Flood Zone 101
In the Town, the primary flood zones are X, X(shaded), A, AE & Floodway.
- High-risk areas (Special Flood Hazard Areas, or SFHAs) are designated as Zones A, AE and AE Floodway, and are required to have flood insurance if a federally-backed mortgage is involved.
- Flood Zone X -The area of minimal flood hazard and is generally not required to have flood insurance. No flood permits are required for development.
- Flood Zone X Shaded – (500 year floodplain) An area of moderate flood hazards which has a 0.2% chance of annual flooding and is generally not required to have flood insurance. No flood permits required for development.
- Flood Zones A & AE – (100 year floodplain) These areas have a 1% annual chance of flooding. Flood Zone A does not have a measured Base Flood Elevation. Flood Zone AE does. Flood insurance is required for mortgaged structures in these zones, as are flood permits for development and elevation certificates for new structures or substantial improvements.
- Floodway – This area is defined as the channel of a
river, creek or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must
be preserved to safely discharge the base flood without causing
increases in water elevation.
Flood insurance is required for mortgaged structures in this zone,
as are No-Rise Studies for any new development, flood permits and
elevation certificates for new structures or substantial improvements.
Floodplain Development & Permitting
Properties located within a designated flood hazard area may be subject to additional development and construction requirements.
Floodplain requirements may apply to new construction, additions, substantial improvements, grading, fill, accessory structures, and other development activities. Requirements may include flood permits, elevation certificates, No-Rise Studies, or other documentation depending on the location and scope of the proposed work.
Before beginning construction or other development, property owners and contractors should contact the Town of Orange Park Economic and Community Development Department to determine whether floodplain requirements apply to the proposed project.
Properties located within a designated flood hazard area may be subject to additional development and construction requirements.
Floodplain requirements may apply to new construction, additions, substantial improvements, grading, fill, accessory structures, and other development activities. Requirements may include flood permits, elevation certificates, No-Rise Studies, or other documentation depending on the location and scope of the proposed work.
Before beginning construction or other development, property owners and contractors should contact the Town of Orange Park Economic and Community Development Department to determine whether floodplain requirements apply to the proposed project.
Helpful Resources
Appeal Notice for FEMA Flood Zone Changes
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Clay County's Flood Zone Changes
Town of Orange Park Floodplain Permit Application
Questions?
For questions regarding flood zones, floodplain development requirements, or permitting within the Town of Orange Park, please contact the Economic and Community Development Department.
Phone: 904.264.2635
Email: ecd@townop.com