Port St. Lucie - Tuesday November 15, 2022: The City of Port St. Lucie has been notified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that its Community Rating System (CRS) level, under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), has been increased to Class 5, from Class 8.
A Class 5 Community rating means that City residents are eligible for a 10 to 25% discount on their flood insurance premiums when renewals begin next year, on April 1, 2023. From that date, flood insurance policies under the National Flood Insurance Program within the City's Special Flood Hazard area will be given up to a 25% discount on flood policies and those outside those areas will be eligible for 10% discounts.
These discounts will remain in effect as long as the City continues to adhere to the CRS program regulations, which are recertified annually and verified in person every 5 years.
“Flooding is the most frequent type of natural disaster in Florida,” said Billy Weinshank, Port St. Lucie’s Emergency Management Division Director. “The best way to protect a home and its belongings from flood damage is to purchase flood insurance and the City is committed to making flood insurance more affordable to all PSL residents, especially during this time of inflation.”
A jurisdiction’s CRS rating is represented in a points system. For every 500 points earned, a jurisdiction receives a class improvement The lower the class, the better the jurisdiction’s CRS score. Port St Lucie earned 2,545 points during the last CRS verification, bringing the City to a Class 5 CRS Rating. A robust CRS program also equates to improved flood control practices citywide leading to improved life safety, property, economic and environmental preservation.
Flood insurance is crucial for many homeowners because even the best home insurance policies typically exclude damage from floods. If a resident is interested in flood insurance, they can visit https://floodsmart.gov and click “get coverage” to find insurance agents that provide flood policies. A homeowner can contact their local insurance agent and inquire about how to add a flood policy to protect their home and belongings.
Out of approximately 250 participating communities in Florida, less than 18% have a Class 5 or better. More than 1,500 communities nationwide participate in the federal program, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The CRS is a voluntary Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) incentive program that encourages jurisdictions to work to reduce flood threats in their communities.
Flood safety tips can be found at: www.CityofPSL.com/Flood.