Bradford County Flood Zones
County seat: Starke. 27,888 residents. Inland county.
Flood risk in Bradford County
Located in Florida's inland region, Bradford County faces moderate flood risks driven primarily by heavy rainfall rather than coastal storm surge. Although the county does not border the ocean, its communities, including the county seat of Starke and Lawtey, remain vulnerable to significant precipitation events that can overwhelm local drainage systems. The area's exposure to severe weather is well-documented through a series of recent federal disaster declarations, most notably Hurricane Milton in 2024, which joined a pattern of impactful systems including Hurricanes Ian and Dorian in previous years. These storms, alongside Tropical Storms Helene and Debby in the same year, highlight the frequency with which inland counties experience wind and water damage despite lacking direct coastal exposure. Residents should understand that flood insurance may be necessary even in areas with low surge risk, as inland flooding poses a distinct and recurring threat to property. Homeowners and prospective buyers in this region must verify their specific flood zone designations before purchasing insurance or property, as rainfall accumulation can create hazardous conditions independent of ocean proximity.
Risk profile
Situated in the inland region, the county experiences moderate rain flood risk while maintaining low storm surge exposure. Recent federal disaster declarations include Hurricane Milton during 2024, following a pattern of significant weather impacts. Primary population centers like Starke and Lawtey remain vulnerable to these weather-related precipitation events.
Recent FEMA-declared storms
Tropical systems that triggered federal disaster declarations covering Bradford County (most recent first):
- Hurricane Milton (2024)
- TS Helene (2024)
- TS Debby (2024)
- TS Idalia (2023)
- TS Nicole (2022)
- Hurricane Ian (2022)
- Hurricane Dorian (2019)
- Hurricane Michael (2018)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
Major cities in Bradford County
- Starke5,966
- Lawtey682
- Hampton498
- Brooker339
Source: US Census SUB-EST 2024.
Need real numbers, not estimates?
Buying or selling in Bradford County? A local Florida agent can tell you how flood zone affects price, insurance, and closing.
FAQ
What flood zones are in Bradford County?
Bradford County contains a mix of FEMA flood zones. Areas near rivers, lakes, and low-elevation drainage typically fall in Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A, AE, AH), while higher-elevation areas are usually Zone X. Use the lookup tool above to check any specific address against the live National Flood Hazard Layer.
What hurricanes have impacted Bradford County recently?
Storms that triggered FEMA disaster declarations covering Bradford County since 2022: Milton (2024), Helene (2024), Debby (2024), Idalia (2023), Nicole (2022). Federal disaster declarations cover both direct landfall counties and surrounding counties eligible for federal assistance.
Is flood insurance required in Bradford County?
Flood insurance is federally required for any property in a Special Flood Hazard Area (zones beginning with A or V) that has a federally backed mortgage. In Zone X it is optional but often inexpensive. The lookup tool above tells you whether a specific address falls in an SFHA.
What is the population of Bradford County?
27,888 residents (ACS5 2023, US Census). The county seat is Starke.
Sources: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations, US Census Bureau (ACS 5-year, SUB-EST 2024), Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Flood zone designations and risk profiles change over time — always verify with the official lookup before making property decisions.