Flagler County Flood Zones
County seat: Bunnell. 121,710 residents. Coastal county — Northeast Florida (Atlantic).
Flood risk in Flagler County
Positioned along the northeast Florida coast, Flagler County confronts significant flood threats driven by its direct ocean exposure and low-lying topography. As a coastal jurisdiction, the region is vulnerable to high storm surge combined with heavy rainfall events that strain local drainage systems. This dual risk profile was underscored by a recent series of federal disaster declarations, including Hurricanes Milton in 2024 and Ian in 2022, which tested the resilience of communities ranging from the county seat of Bunnell to the populous city of Palm Coast. The frequency of these events, which also encompassed Tropical Storms Debby in 2024 and Idalia in 2023, highlights a pattern of recurring hydrological hazards that affect both inland residential zones and beachfront properties. Residents in Flagler Beach and Beverly Beach face particular exposure to surge, while broader areas contend with inland flooding from intense precipitation. Given the documented history of severe weather impacts and the high risk ratings for both surge and rain, homeowners and prospective buyers must verify their specific flood zone designation and understand evacuation routes before purchasing property or renewing insurance policies.
Risk profile
Located in northeast Florida, Flagler County faces high risks from both storm surge and rain flooding due to its coastal geography. The county has experienced repeated federal disaster declarations from recent events including Hurricanes Milton, Ian, and Dorian, alongside Tropical Storms Debby and Idalia.
Recent FEMA-declared storms
Tropical systems that triggered federal disaster declarations covering Flagler 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 Flagler County
- Palm Coast106,729
- Flagler Beach city (pt.)5,490
- Bunnell4,120
- Beverly Beach520
- Marineland town (pt.)8
Source: US Census SUB-EST 2024.
Need real numbers, not estimates?
Buying or selling in Flagler County? A local Florida agent can tell you how flood zone affects price, insurance, and closing.
FAQ
What flood zones are in Flagler County?
Flagler 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 Flagler County recently?
Storms that triggered FEMA disaster declarations covering Flagler 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 Flagler 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 Flagler County?
As a Northeast Florida (Atlantic) county, Flagler 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 Flagler County?
121,710 residents (ACS5 2023, US Census). The county seat is Bunnell.
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.