Dixie County Flood Zones
County seat: Cross City. 16,952 residents. Coastal county — Florida Big Bend (Gulf).
Flood risk in Dixie County
Located in Florida's Big Bend region, Dixie County faces a dual flood threat driven by its coastal exposure and high rainfall potential. As a coastal jurisdiction, the area is particularly vulnerable to significant storm surge, a risk that has been repeatedly validated by recent federal disaster declarations. The 2024 season alone brought Hurricane Milton and Tropical Storm Helene to the region, compounding damage from earlier events like Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Fred. These systems have tested the resilience of primary communities including Cross City, the county seat, and the smaller coastal settlement of Horseshoe Beach. The combination of high storm surge and high rain flood risk means that residents face water-related hazards from both oceanic forces and inland accumulation during heavy weather. Historical data from 2020 through 2024 shows a pattern of recurring federal involvement following tropical cyclones, indicating that flood events are a consistent reality rather than an isolated occurrence. Property owners and prospective buyers should verify their specific flood zone designation and understand their evacuation route requirements before the start of every storm season.
Risk profile
High storm surge and rain flood risks characterize the flood profile for this coastal county in the big-bend region. Recent history includes federal disaster declarations for events such as Hurricane Milton in 2024 and Tropical Storm Helene. The primary communities of Cross City and Horseshoe Beach remain exposed to these recurring hazards.
Recent FEMA-declared storms
Tropical systems that triggered federal disaster declarations covering Dixie County (most recent first):
- Hurricane Milton (2024)
- TS Helene (2024)
- TS Debby (2024)
- TS Idalia (2023)
- TS Nicole (2022)
- Hurricane Ian (2022)
- Hurricane Fred (2021)
- Hurricane Eta (2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
Major cities in Dixie County
- Cross City1,816
- Horseshoe Beach173
Source: US Census SUB-EST 2024.
Need real numbers, not estimates?
Buying or selling in Dixie County? A local Florida agent can tell you how flood zone affects price, insurance, and closing.
FAQ
What flood zones are in Dixie County?
Dixie 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 Dixie County recently?
Storms that triggered FEMA disaster declarations covering Dixie 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 Dixie 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 Dixie County?
As a Florida Big Bend (Gulf) county, Dixie 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 Dixie County?
16,952 residents (ACS5 2023, US Census). The county seat is Cross City.
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.