Flood Insurance Rate Map
The beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry is so named due to its low-lying land,
separated from the mainland by salt marshes, estuaries, and tidal rivers. This outer coastal plain as far as eighty miles inland is less than one hundred feet above sea level. This fact, along with the large range between high and low tides makes the southern coast vulnerable to flooding. Flood insurance is required by law for federally financed loans when buying, building or improving structures. Since homeowners policies do not cover flooding, separate policies are available on almost any enclosed building.
This information is provided to help you determine the Flood Insurance Rate of a property. The map is commonly known as FIRM – Flood Insurance Rate Map and was updated in March of 2021.
When purchasing a home in the Lowcountry, and shopping for new insurance policies, you should consider flood insurance in your calculations. Watch this short video for additional information.
All elevation certificates that are on file with the Town are public record and may be obtained at no cost. Request a copy of a floor elevation certificate:
Town of Hilton Head Elevation Certificate Search
Beaufort County Elevation Certificate Request
Town of Bluffton Flood Zone Map
Beaufort County provides additional information on flood safety, property protection, and more in their Citizen’s Guide to Flood Awareness.
FEMA – National Flood Insurance Program
FEMA is updating the National Flood Insurance Program‘s (NFIP) risk rating methodology through the implementation of a new pricing methodology called Risk Rating 2.0. Risk Rating 2.0 allows FEMA to calculate premiums more equitably across all policyholders based on the value of their home and individual property’s flood risk.
