To view the 2024 flood hazard brochure please see the button below:
According to the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), over 32% of the buildings in the City of Pompano Beach are in a SFHA. The entire City can be potentially considered flood prone. There are several types of flooding that occur, and there are many factors that affect the type and severity of a flood. As land is paved and otherwise developed, it loses its ability to absorb rainfall. Urbanization increases runoff two to six times over what would occur on natural terrain. The following are some of the more common types of flooding experienced in South Florida, including the City of Pompano Beach:
Canal Flooding Some flooding occurs seasonally when rain fills canals with too much water too quickly due to heavy rain. The Pompano Canal and Cypress Creek Canal both have large drainage basins which include cities other than Pompano Beach. Stormwater from these upstream communities eventually empties into the Intracoastal Waterway through these canals. The water levels within these canals gradually rise during the storm event, which limits the ability of the City’s stormwater system to discharge into the canals. The cumulative impact of stormwater from the upstream communities can increase the likelihood of flooding in the City of Pompano Beach due to higher water levels in these canals.
Tidal Flooding Many waterways within the City of Pompano Beach are influenced by tidal fluctuations, which contribute to flooding problems. When a heavy rainfall occurs at the same time as high tide, the outgoing flow from the City’s stormwater system can be reduced by the higher water levels within the tidal waterway. The bulk of the City’s storm drainage system flows into lakes and canals, which are interconnected with tidal waterways and intracoastal waterways such as the Pompano Canal and the Cypress Creek Canal. This bulk flow increases the likelihood of flood conditions in our streets, swale areas, and lawns due to high tides.
Severe Weather Flooding A flood event is usually triggered by a large, sudden downpour of rainfall, which can occur during significant storm events such as hurricanes, tropical storms, or tropical depressions. The severe weather flooding occurs when the rain falls too quickly for the stormwater systems and canals to handle the significant amount of runoff flow. Flooding can occur as the stormwater system backs up until the severe weather clears the region. The effects of the downpour are worsened when terrain will not absorb water due to the saturation of the ground by heavy rainfall.
Coastal Flooding The risk of flooding within the City of Pompano Beach can be increased by the presence of higher water levels within the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway due to storm surge. In general, properties located east of State Road A1A within the City have been designated as a coastal zone and encounter greater flood risk due to waves and storm surge during a significant storm event. Storm Surge is a rise in the sea level that occurs during tropical storms or hurricanes. The storms produce strong winds that push the water onto shore, which can lead to flooding along the coast. Storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property, and it doesn't always occur at the same time or location as the storm's hazardous winds.
The Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact was executed by Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties in January 2010 to coordinate climate mitigation and adaptation activities across county lines. The City of Pompano Beach is a Municipal Partner of the Compact. To learn more, go the Compact’s website at http://www.southeastfloridaclimatecompact.org/contact-us/.
Constant water flow through canals, especially during heavy storms, is essential to flood damage protection in the City. Gutters, storm drain pipes, lakes, wetlands, swales, and canals should be kept free of debris so that the water can flow freely. City and State laws prohibit dumping trash in waterways. It is a violation of our City ordinances to dump debris of any sort, including grass clippings, into canals, storm drains, and any waterways. Please report violators to the Public Works Department by calling 954.786.4637.
Proper drainage system management in our City helps reduce the risk of flooding. The City’s Stormwater Utility Staff is responsible for operation and maintenance of the stormwater system. The Utilities Division inspects the drainage system and removes blockages that are found or reported. You can help keep swale areas and catch basins clear by not piling debris on top of, or nearby any drainage inlets. The City of Pompano Beach has several stormwater system managers, including the City, Broward County, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and private property owners. All privately owned stormwater management facilities are required to be maintained by the owners.
• Please keep in mind that it is everyone’s responsibility to insure that our waterways are kept clean.
• Oils, lawn clippings and other substances should never be put down a storm drain.
• If you see someone improperly disposing of waste into the storm drain system or waterways, or any other illicit discharge, please report it to the Public Works Department at 954.786.4637.
You can download the City’s Stormwater Master Plan by clicking on the following links:
* These files are large and will take some time to download.
The City of Pompano Beach and Broward County depend on the National Weather Service (NWS) for impending flood notification. The NWS will issue flood advisories at least six (6) hours prior to expected heavy rainfall and possible flooding. The City has a city-wide flood warning plan to provide early warning to neighborhoods that might experience exceptional flooding. Broadcast methods of emergency notices include Comcast Government Access channel 78. Watch The Weather Channel and have extra batteries on hand for a weather radio.
The City of Pompano Beach also utilizes the CodeRED Emergency Notification system, which allows the City to notify any geographical area, or any predetermined “target buildings” via telephone, of an impending emergency. All residents and businesses must keep the City informed of current telephone numbers for the CodeRED System. Sign up now to receive emergency notifications for your family or your business. Registration online is simple, quick, and free. Just follow the instructions by clicking here.
Obey evacuation orders from officials. Evacuation orders are issued for imminent storm surge, not wind. Find your evacuation route and zone. Broward County Shelter information is also provided.
Vulnerable Population Registry The Vulnerable Population Registry was designed as a joint partnership between cities and Broward County. The registry allows people who are disabled, frail or have health issues to register in advance so that emergency workers may plan a better response to vulnerable residents in a recovery effort following a hurricane or other emergency. Registering should not be considered as a guarantee that you will be provided services or be placed on a priority list for emergency responders; however, it will help us to be better prepared to respond after a disaster. To register visit www.broward.org/atrisk , dial 3-1-1 or call 954.831.4000.
As a boat owner, you should plan in advance to move your boat or arrange for its storage. Check with a local marina for suitable alternatives and advice.
Share the actions you’ve taken to be prepared with your family and friends by posting your story on your social media site.
As part of our stormwater outreach process we are asking customers to aid us by filling out this form. By reporting stormwater related issues, we can better direct our stormwater response and construction program in the future. Thank you for your assistance.
Download Questionnaire - Stormwater Public Outreach on Flooding due to Rainfall
Because your home is susceptible to flooding, retrofitting your property should be considered to alleviate the impact of any potential flooding. As a homeowner, you need clear information about the options that are available to reduce flood damage to your home – and straightforward guidance on selecting the option that is best for you. Quite often this is a difficult task. The publication described here is for readers who have little or no knowledge of flood protection methods or building construction techniques.
All development (new construction, additions, renovations, alterations to properties, etc.) and some flood protection methods require a construction permit so always call the Building Division before making any alterations to your property at 954.786.4670. If you see a project that does not have a permit sign, please contact the Building Division to report the possible violation. Staff can offer suggestions and visit your site to offer property protection advice.
There are practical and cost effective methods for reducing or eliminating your property’s exposure to flooding:
Search the Broward County Public Library catalog for “Flood” and “FEMA”, and go to FEMA’s website www.ready.gov/floods for more property protection information.
A Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant may be available to assist residents in retrofitting their homes. For more information contact Karen Santen, City of Pompano Beach Grant Coordinator, at 954.786.4926, or go to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance.
The NFIP and the Florida Building Code require the entire building to conform to the requirements for a new building when building repairs or alterations exceed 49 percent of the building's market value. All applicable building permit applications must conform to this requirement when submitted to the Building Department. The requirement may also apply if a building is substantially damaged due to flooding.
The City of Pompano Beach Flood Ordinance 152.29 (C) requires higher standards for the finished floor elevation for new construction and substantial improvements. Developers should consider this prior to development and permitting. Information regarding this ordinance or any flood related issues can be obtained from the Building Division located on the 3rd floor of City Hall at 100 West Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060.
The City's Engineering Department has prepared a Flood Criteria Map identifying flood zones for all properties in the city; it determines the flood hazard associated with any parcel in the city. The map is located in the Building Department at City Hall.
Everyone should know their flood zone! Call the City Building Division at 954.786.4670 to find out:
Type in an address on the flood zone map to determine the flood zone in which it is located.
Natural areas of the City provide a beneficial function by reducing the potential severity of flooding. These natural areas typically collect and retain stormwater runoff during rainfall events and allow for the infiltration of stormwater into the natural ground surface, which can reduce the flooding levels within the developed areas of the City. Open and natural areas absorb much more rain and floodwaters than urbanized areas.
These natural areas also enhance the water quality of stormwater runoff by filtering through the ground. Wetland plants, such as mangrove trees, filter stormwater runoff, making it cleaner.
Natural areas can also be beneficial in their ability to recharge the Biscayne Aquifer and replenish the City’s potable water supply.
Sand dunes on the beach are nature’s protection against inland flooding from waves, high tides, and storm surge accompanying major storms. Beach revegetation is an ongoing process in the City of Pompano Beach. In both Broward County and the City of Pompano Beach, there are many policies intended to protect coastal resources that could decrease the risk from storm surge and flooding.
It is everyone’s responsibility to protect these natural areas and keep them clean!
To learn more, go to the Broward County Public Library catalog, and search for “Protecting Floodplain Resources: A Guidebook for Communities”.