Bonita Springs notified of FEMA decision to maintain Community Rating System classification and NFIP policyholder discounts
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – November 21, 2024 – Bonita Springs was notified that FEMA will maintain Bonita Springs rating and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholder discounts following months of diligent work by the city to provide all requested and required documentation. FEMA determined Bonita Springs residents with policies issued under the NFIP will maintain the discount rate of 25%. The City of Bonita Springs has enjoyed a great working relationship with FEMA.
Since Hurricane Irma in 2017, the city’s number one strategic priority has been improving stormwater management and pursuing projects for a more resilient community. This did not begin after Hurricane Ian, nor when FEMA notified the city of the pending CRS retrograde; it has been the bedrock of the City of Bonita Springs’ culture. Bonita Springs has commissioned studies, retained consultants, and initiated projects to mitigate the risks of flood damage and obtain a favorable rating for residents.
In March 2024, FEMA initially announced plans to retrograde that discount, prompting months of work by Bonita Springs to submit documentation requested by FEMA. The city worked in concert with FEMA to submit a corrective action plan prior to the Nov. 18 deadline.
Concurrently, the city used best practices for Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which illustrated its diligence to adhere to FEMA’s NFIP and CRS requirements and guidelines.
For more information on Bonita Springs's efforts and to view documentation, go to www.cityofbonitasprings.org/FEMACRS.
The City of Bonita Springs remained committed throughout this process to retaining the CRS rating of 5 to maintain the discount available to Bonita Springs residents with NFIP policies.
History
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) verbally informed the City of Bonita Springs, Lee County, and other local municipalities on Thursday March 28, 2024, that it was altering its assigned ratings that ensure residents have a 25% discount on their flood insurance. Bonita Springs has worked hard to receive a federal rating that resulted in saving taxpayers millions annually. Extensive efforts have been made to demonstrate to the federal government that the county and its city partners go above and beyond what is required to meet and exceed FEMA standards for the National Flood Insurance Program.
The county and its municipal partners are committed to full transparency as it relates to the FEMA determination. Please click here to visit Lee County’s Page for more information.
Bonita Springs City Council discussed the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Determination during the regularly scheduled Bonita Springs City Council meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3rd. Click Here to view the meeting. The council approved the use of all means in the toolbox to be used to appeal the decision. City council appointed a council liaison and an alternate.
Due to these efforts, the City was notified on July 19 that FEMA will maintain Bonita Springs CRS rating of 5 and NFIP policyholder discounts while the city and FEMA continue to work on a plan to address identified continuing issues. The City reviewed and enhanced procedures while working with FEMA during the process.
FEMA provided municipalities and the county with 60 days to provide more documentation to avoid this retrograde. Bonita Springs, Lee County, and other municipalities worked closely with Administrator Criswell and the FEMA floodplain management staff to try to prevent the Community Rating System retrograde and to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program. City staff worked to submit additional information regarding the properties in the special flood hazard areas and provided information about the steps taken to remain in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program.
The City has been encouraging residents to join in these efforts to keep our residents safe by addressing any deficiencies. Any resident with unpermitted repair work from Hurricane Ian was encouraged to contact their local floodplain administrator.
Bonita Springs also retained a Community Rating System consultant and executed an agreement to attain expert knowledge regarding the program and support further attempts to avoid retrograde. Bonita Springs is fully committed to transparency and has submitted all required information to FEMA. FEMA is reviewing the submittal.
Communications
Toolkit
Flood Hazard Reduction Ordinance
Bonita Springs has submitted all requested documentation to FEMA.
