FEMA’s new flood data website
Wildfire season arrives early in Florida kindled by the statewide drought, the My Safe Florida Home program is pushing free inspections before hurricane season, and FEMA launches its Archived Flood Data website to provide faster access to flood info. It’s all in this week’s Disaster Management Digest.
A wildfire in Port Orange, Florida fills the sky with smoke on February 16, 2026. Courtesy, WFTV-TV
Early Wildfire Season: As we enter the heart of Florida’s wildfire season (March-April), statewide droughts have brought an early start to wildfires and the potential for a very perilous season. The perfect mix of dry air and dry brush has already igniting dozens of fires in areas throughout central Florida, razing a plant nursery in Kissimmee and shutting down a portion of I-95 because of the smoky conditions. The constantly-updating Florida Fire Service wildfire map on Sunday afternoon showed active fires stretching from the western Panhandle east to Jacksonville, and south through the greater Gainesville area, as well as a few southwest of Tampa. While these fires are often inevitable, there are steps homeowners can take to protect their property, including removing flammable items and debris like mulch, fencing, or furniture from the “defensible space,” immediately surrounding the home. I contributed to Fox 4 Southwest Florida’s recent story on the subject, including insurance coverage. “In terms of wildfire, your property insurance, your wind policy covers wildfire,” I said, noting the value in mitigating dangers, adding “The insurance companies are strongly looking at how they can provide a premium credit for those that take and invest in wildfire mitigation features.” As always, review your policy and make sure you have ample coverage for the worst-case fires; protect your most valuable asset – your home.
MSFH Program Push: Another great way for homeowners to protect their property is the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program, starting with a free wind mitigation inspection. Applying for the inspection is the first step to a stronger home. Even as the Legislature considers replenishing the program’s depleted funding for the new fiscal year July 1, the program itself is being proactive in at least urging homeowners to get their free inspections, so they have a better idea of the capability of their home to withstand a hurricane this upcoming season that begins three months from now on June 1. Florida law requires insurance discounts for wind mitigation, and while savings vary, Floridians saved an average of 15% on their premiums through the MSFH program. Visit the MSFH website, create an account, and apply today.
FEMA Flood Data Archive: In a continued push for transparency and streamlined systems, FEMA has officially launched the new Archived Flood Data website, allowing for electronic flood data and information requests. Previously, requests had to be submitted via a slower, mail-in process. Through the website, users can request Flood Insurance Studies. These studies include data about watercourses, lakes and coastal flood hazard areas, such as hydraulics, hydrology, levees and topography. Users can also request other important flood information, including Letters of Map Changes, Letters of Map Revisions, Letters of Map Amendments, elevation certificates and final map products. Users with Risk Analysis & Management Access Portal accounts can also see archival data for a broader picture and understanding of specific flood risk areas.
LMA Newsletter of 2-23-26
