Lee County flood zone map and how to look up your zone
Lee County's current FEMA flood maps took effect on November 17, 2022. Look up your address with the county's "Find my flood zone" app on its flood map page or on FEMA's Map Service Center. If you live in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel, your city handles flood zone questions.
How to look up a Lee County flood zone
- Lee County flood map pageHas the county's "Find my current and preliminary flood zone" app and the property look-up app for unincorporated Lee County.
- Lee County interactive mapsIncludes the Find My Flood Zone web app and a FIRM panel viewer for downloading the official map PDF.
- FEMA Flood Map Service CenterThe official FIRM for any address.
Lee County's own guidance names these tools and FEMA's Flood Map Changes Viewer for comparing old and new zones (Lee County).
Which office to call depends on where you live
The county's flood mapping staff cover unincorporated Lee County (for example Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers, Pine Island and San Carlos Park). The cities run their own floodplain programs (Lee County):
| Area | Flood zone questions |
|---|---|
| Unincorporated Lee County | [email protected], (239) 533-8585 |
| Cape Coral | (239) 574-0553 · see Cape Coral flood zone |
| Fort Myers | (239) 321-7000 |
| Bonita Springs | (239) 949-6262 |
| Estero | (239) 319-2811 |
| Fort Myers Beach | (239) 765-0202 |
| Sanibel | (239) 472-3700 |
Not sure which applies? Lee County publishes a find my municipality guide.
What changed with the 2022 maps
According to Lee County, FEMA's coastal study, begun in 2013, modeled storm surge and waves to update zones and Base Flood Elevations. Most changes are on the western barrier islands and along the Caloosahatchee and connected waterways, with some inland effects. The maps added a Coastal A Zone and a Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) line, where waves can exceed 1.5 feet. Some parcels saw no change or lower risk; others face higher construction standards or insurance costs. The changes are not related to Hurricanes Irma, Dorian or Ian (Lee County).
For what each zone letter means, see what flood zone am I in?
Elevation certificates in Lee County
An elevation certificate shows your building's first-floor height compared with the flood level. It is optional for NFIP insurance, but it can lower your premium, and it is needed to apply for a map change (FEMA fact sheet).
- Check what is on file. Lee County says certificates for construction in unincorporated Lee County since 2008 are available online (Lee County). The elevation certificate search works by permit number (RES, COM or MRV); find the permit number first with an address search in the county's eConnect. Only "Finished Construction" certificates are used for insurance. If you cannot find one, email [email protected].
- Get a new one. Lee County does not prepare certificates; a licensed surveyor does (Lee County).
- In a city? Ask the city. Cape Coral has its own certificate search.
FIRM letters and insurance help
For unincorporated properties, Lee County offers a FIRM letter confirming the current flood zone and BFE and those in effect when the building was built, and general NFIP help through an online "Get Help" form or (239) 533-8948 (Lee County).
Unincorporated Lee County is a Class 5 community in FEMA's Community Rating System, which the county says gives a 25% discount on NFIP premiums. It has held Class 5 since 2007, and FEMA said in November 2024 it would maintain the rating (Lee County CRS).
Flood zone is not evacuation zone
Your evacuation zone (A to E) is set by Lee County Emergency Management and based on storm surge. See Lee County evacuation zones.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Lee County's new flood maps take effect?
- November 17, 2022. They came from a FEMA coastal study begun in 2013 and are not related to Hurricanes Irma, Dorian or Ian, according to Lee County.
- How do I get an elevation certificate in Lee County?
- Lee County posts elevation certificates for construction in unincorporated Lee County since 2008 online, searchable by permit number. If none is on file, a Florida-licensed surveyor prepares one. Cities keep their own records.
- What is a FIRM letter?
- A Lee County letter for unincorporated properties that confirms the current flood zone and Base Flood Elevation, and the zone and BFE in effect when the building was constructed.
- What is the CRS discount in Lee County?
- Unincorporated Lee County is a Class 5 community in FEMA's Community Rating System, which Lee County says gives a 25% discount on NFIP policy premiums.