---
title: "Flood Panel Information | Town of Fort Myers Beach, FL"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/af6e568b-82f3-400b-9478-a2b455301db9
source_url: "https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/1326/Flood-Panel-Information"
stack: https://stacklist.com/c/home/stack/228974f6-08d9-436e-ba99-65a64a3f30e1
summary: "Flood Panel Information from Fort Myers Beach explains that flood panels are regulated structural alterations requiring compliance with Florida Building Code and NFIP regulations to protect public safety and flood-insurance eligibility. Residential properties cannot use dry floodproofing in V and Coastal A flood zones, and flood panels cannot block emergency exits due to life-safety risks."
tags: "flood-mitigation, flood-panels, building-code, residential-safety, fort-myers-beach, nfip, floodproofing"
key_entities: "Fort Myers Beach (location), Town of Fort Myers Beach (organization), National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (organization), FEMA (organization), Florida Building Code (concept), dry floodproofing (concept), flood-mitigation (concept), emergency egress (concept)"
classification: "reference"
content_hash: "sha256:ea6649eb7fda9baf39180e8b493e2c77c801cd532eab47e866e01c7072890bf1"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 899
visibility: public
agent_accessible: true
status: "final"
---

# Flood Panel Information | Town of Fort Myers Beach, FL

Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.    Website Sign In REPORT A CONCERN /QuickLinks.aspx Search Home Services & Permits Flood Information Letter of Map Amendments & Letter of Map Revisions Flood Panel Information Flood Panel Information Flood Panels & Flood Mitigation: What Property Owners Need to Know Full Document and Meeting Discussion here  The Town of Fort Myers Beach supports responsible flood-mitigation efforts and understands the desire to protect property in a coastal environment. At the same time, the Town is legally required to enforce the Florida Building Code and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations to protect public safety and preserve flood-insurance eligibility for the community. Why Flood Panels Are Regulated Flood panels that are attached to a building are considered structural alterations under the Florida Building Code. Because they become part of the building envelope, they must comply with all applicable building, floodplain, and life-safety requirements. Failure to enforce these standards could jeopardize the Town’s participation in the NFIP, which would risk flood-insurance availability and discounts for all property owners. Residential Properties Dry floodproofing is not permitted on residential dwellings located in V and Coastal A flood zones, including single-family homes and condominiums. Additionally, residential buildings must maintain at least one clear emergency exit at all times. - Flood panels that block doors or windows: - Obstruct required emergency egress - Can trap occupants inside during emergencies - Make a structure unsafe for occupancy - Because of these life-safety risks, residential structures with flood panels blocking required exits are not code-compliant and may be subject to enforcement action. Condominiums Condominiums are classified as residential buildings under the Florida Building Code, even when they contain limited commercial uses. As a result, the same residential flood and life-safety standards apply. While mixed-use buildings may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, residential life-safety requirements always control. Non-Residential Buildings - Dry floodproofing may be allowed for unoccupied, non-residential buildings if strict conditions are met, including: - Engineered designs capable of withstanding flood forces - A documented operations and maintenance plan - FEMA certification prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy - Floodproofing systems may not block emergency exits or place unsafe structural loads on the building. Important Consumer Warning Some flood-mitigation vendors may claim that flood panels do not require permits or can protect residential buildings from major flood events. These claims are often inaccurate. Property owners are responsible for ensuring any proposed system complies with current building codes and floodplain regulations. The Town’s Commitment The Town of Fort Myers Beach is committed to protecting both property and human life. Flood-mitigation systems that compromise emergency escape or violate floodplain rules cannot be approved, even when well-intentioned. For questions about floodplain management or building requirements, please contact Community Development at (239) 765-0202.  Home Site Map Accessibility Copyright Notices Government Websites by CivicPlus® /QuickLinks.aspx Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow