St. Johns County Flood Zones
County seat: St. Augustine. 292,243 residents. Coastal county — Northeast Florida (Atlantic).
Flood risk in St. Johns County
Positioned along the northeast Florida coast, St. Johns County faces a dual threat of high storm surge and significant rainfall flooding due to its extensive shoreline and low-lying terrain. This coastal exposure means that communities like St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach are particularly susceptible to water damage during active hurricane seasons. The region's vulnerability is evidenced by a consistent pattern of federal disaster declarations over the last decade, including the impact of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the more recent Hurricane Milton in 2024. These events, alongside Tropical Storm Debby in the same year, demonstrate that the area remains at risk from both major hurricanes and significant tropical systems. The combination of ocean-driven surge and heavy inland precipitation creates complex flooding scenarios that affect residential and commercial properties alike. Residents and property owners should verify their specific flood zone designation and evacuation route before the start of every storm season.
Risk profile
As a coastal jurisdiction in northeast Florida, St. Johns County manages significant exposure to high storm surge and rain flood risks. Recent federal disaster declarations include Hurricane Milton in 2024, highlighting ongoing vulnerability across major cities such as St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach.
Recent FEMA-declared storms
Tropical systems that triggered federal disaster declarations covering St. Johns 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 St. Johns County
- St. Augustine16,033
- St. Augustine Beach6,808
- Marineland town (pt.)1
Source: US Census SUB-EST 2024.
Need real numbers, not estimates?
Buying or selling in St. Johns County? A local Florida agent can tell you how flood zone affects price, insurance, and closing.
FAQ
What flood zones are in St. Johns County?
St. Johns 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 St. Johns County recently?
Storms that triggered FEMA disaster declarations covering St. Johns 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 St. Johns 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 St. Johns County?
As a Northeast Florida (Atlantic) county, St. Johns 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 St. Johns County?
292,243 residents (ACS5 2023, US Census). The county seat is St. Augustine.
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.