Stormwater Section
Flood Facts
What is a Flood?
Anywhere it rains, it can flood. A flood is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow. Many conditions can result in a flood: hurricanes, broken levees, outdated or clogged drainage systems and rapid accumulation of rainfall.
Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. Flood risk isn’t just based on history, it’s also based on a number of factors: rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development.
The Local Flood Hazard
In Osceola County, the primary threat of flooding results from the "ponding" of water during heavy storms. Some flooding can result from overflow of small ditches and streams during significant storm events. Click the link above to learn more.
The Flood Warning System
In the event of flood potential, the County receives notification from the Office of Emergency Management and certain departments are alerted. The National Weather Service is responsible for issuing the appropriate warning through the NOAA Weather Radio. Learn more about the warning system by clicking the link above.
Flood Safety Measures
Learn what steps you can take to protect yourself from flood hazards by clicking the link above.
Flood Insurance
You can protect your home and its contents with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Click the link above to learn more about the program and coverages.
Property Protection Measures
Every year, flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other type of natural disaster. While recent construction practices and regulations have made new homes less prone to flooding, many existing structures remain susceptible. Learn what measures you can take as an owner to protect your property by clicking the link above.
Permit and Improvement Requirements
Click the link above to find out more about Floodplain Development Permit Requirements and Substantial Improvement Requirements.
Drainage System Maintenance
Find out what you can do to keep drainage systems working properly and who you can contact if you see any problems by clicking the link above.
Natural and Beneficial Functions of the Floodplain
The floodplain offers many natural benefits and often take several forms. Learn more about them by clicking the link above.
Community Rating System
Osceola County participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), a part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), provides a mechanism for reducing flood insurance premiums to reflect what a community does beyond the NFIP’s minimum requirements.
Flood Facts
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The Local Flood Hazard
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The Flood Warning System
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Flood Safety Measures
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Flood Insurance
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Property Protection Measures
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Permit and Improvement Requirements
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Drainage System Maintenance
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Natural and Beneficial Functions of the Floodplain
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Community Rating System
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Facts
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Special Flood Hazard Area
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For More Information
Related Pages
Stormwater
NPDES Program
Kissimmee, FL 34741
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