This program makes flood insurance available to property owners in participating communities. In return, local governments must adopt ordinances to manage development within 100-year floodplains to prevent increased flooding and minimize future flood damage.
Floodplains also provide habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic benefits.
These characteristics of floodplains and associated wetlands should be preserved and enhanced. Nontidal floodplains consist of the floodway and floodway fringe along rivers, creeks, and streams. The floodway carries the higher velocity water, while the floodway fringe is subject to shallower flooding from lower velocity water. Floodways usually are shown on special Floodway Maps. Tidal floodplains consist of areas subject to coastal or tidal flooding by high tides, hurricanes, tropical storms, and steady on-shore winds.