Union County Flood Zones
County seat: Lake Butler. 15,551 residents. Inland county.
Flood risk in Union County
Inland Florida counties like Union face flood hazards driven primarily by heavy rainfall rather than coastal storm surge, a pattern clearly reflected in the area's moderate rain flood risk rating. Although the county is not coastal and enjoys low exposure to storm surge, its residents have endured significant impacts from recent severe weather systems. Federal disaster declarations confirm that communities such as Lake Butler and Raiford have been affected by the intense precipitation associated with Hurricane Milton in 2024, as well as Tropical Storm Helene later that same year. This history of inland flooding persists even without direct ocean proximity, as the region has also received federal assistance for events including Tropical Storm Debby in 2024 and Hurricane Ian in 2022. The frequency of these declarations highlights that property protection here relies heavily on managing surface water and drainage during tropical systems. Residents should verify their specific flood zone designations and review their insurance coverage for rain-related water damage before the next storm season begins.
Risk profile
Union County is located in inland Florida, characterized by moderate rain flood risk and low storm surge exposure. The area has received federal disaster declarations for multiple recent events, including Hurricane Milton and Tropical Storm Helene in 2024. Communities such as Lake Butler, Worthington Springs, and Raiford face these precipitation-related hazards without coastal surge threats.
Recent FEMA-declared storms
Tropical systems that triggered federal disaster declarations covering Union County (most recent first):
- Hurricane Milton (2024)
- TS Helene (2024)
- TS Debby (2024)
- TS Idalia (2023)
- Hurricane Nicole (2022)
- Hurricane Ian (2022)
- Hurricane Dorian (2019)
- Hurricane Michael (2018)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
Major cities in Union County
- Lake Butler1,983
- Worthington Springs380
- Raiford224
Source: US Census SUB-EST 2024.
Need real numbers, not estimates?
Buying or selling in Union County? A local Florida agent can tell you how flood zone affects price, insurance, and closing.
FAQ
What flood zones are in Union County?
Union 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 Union County recently?
Storms that triggered FEMA disaster declarations covering Union 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 Union 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 Union County?
15,551 residents (ACS5 2023, US Census). The county seat is Lake Butler.
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.