Brevard County Flood Zones
County seat: Titusville. 620,533 residents. Coastal county — Northeast Florida (Atlantic).
Flood risk in Brevard County
Situated in northeast Florida, Brevard County confronts significant flood hazards due to its extensive coastal exposure and high potential for both storm surge and rain-induced flooding. This dual risk profile has been repeatedly validated by a recent history of severe weather events that have triggered federal disaster declarations across the region. The county's vulnerability was notably highlighted during 2024 when both Hurricane Milton and Tropical Storm Debby struck, compounding damage from previous years including Tropical Storm Idalia in 2023 and Hurricane Ian in 2022. These systems have tested the resilience of major population centers such as Palm Bay and Melbourne, where dense development meets low-lying terrain prone to water accumulation. The frequency of these storms, ranging from Hurricane Dorian in 2019 to Hurricane Irma in 2017, underscores a consistent pattern of exposure that affects residents along the entire coastline and inland areas. Property owners and prospective buyers must recognize that flood risk in this area is not limited to immediate oceanfront properties but extends well inland due to heavy rainfall runoff. Residents should verify their specific flood zone designation and review their insurance coverage annually before the start of storm season to ensure adequate protection against these recurring threats.
Risk profile
Located in northeast Florida, this coastal county faces high risks from both storm surge and rain flooding. Recent federal disaster declarations include Hurricane Milton in 2024, adding to a history of significant weather events. Major population centers such as Palm Bay and Melbourne contribute to the exposure across the region.
Recent FEMA-declared storms
Tropical systems that triggered federal disaster declarations covering Brevard County (most recent first):
- Hurricane Milton (2024)
- TS Debby (2024)
- TS Idalia (2023)
- TS Nicole (2022)
- Hurricane Ian (2022)
- Hurricane Isaias (2020)
- Hurricane Dorian (2019)
- Hurricane Irma (2017)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
Major cities in Brevard County
- Palm Bay142,023
- Melbourne87,561
- Titusville49,883
- Rockledge31,429
- West Melbourne31,378
Source: US Census SUB-EST 2024.
Need real numbers, not estimates?
Buying or selling in Brevard County? A local Florida agent can tell you how flood zone affects price, insurance, and closing.
FAQ
What flood zones are in Brevard County?
Brevard County contains a mix of FEMA flood zones. Coastal and low-lying areas typically fall in Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones AE, A, VE), 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 Brevard County recently?
Storms that triggered FEMA disaster declarations covering Brevard County since 2022: Milton (2024), Debby (2024), Idalia (2023), Nicole (2022), Ian (2022). Federal disaster declarations cover both direct landfall counties and surrounding counties eligible for federal assistance.
Is flood insurance required in Brevard 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.
How does storm surge affect Brevard County?
As a Northeast Florida (Atlantic) county, Brevard faces high storm surge risk during tropical systems. Storm surge is separate from rainfall flooding and is not always reflected in FEMA flood zone designations — check your county's evacuation zone as well.
What is the population of Brevard County?
620,533 residents (ACS5 2023, US Census). The county seat is Titusville.
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.