Flood Safety
There are many things that you need to know about flood safety and how living within Marathon places you in a NFIP participating community that is entirely within the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Know your Flood Hazard
The City is an island chain surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. All areas of the Keys are subject to a flood hazard. You can find out what flood zone you are in by viewing this map. For specific FEMA FIRM information you can pull it up at this link: (https://msc.fema.gov/portal). Marathon has historically flooded due to storm surge from hurricanes. In the past these have included Georges, Wilma, and Irma. Some areas are prone to storm surge flooding because they are low lying and contain many pre-FIRM homes. To find out if you are in a repetitive loss area, please email planning@ci.marathon.fl.us.
Flood Insurance
Homeowner insurance does not cover flood damage; a flood insurance policy is required. The following steps should be taken in regards to flood insurance:
1. Check your policy to make sure that your property and personal possessions are covered under the policy.
2. Photograph and list your possessions for claim purposes; store the information with your policy in a safe place.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase flood insurance on eligible buildings and contents, whether they are in or out of a floodplain. This community participates in the NFIP, making federally backed flood insurance available to its homeowners, renters, condo owners/renters, and commercial owners/renters. Costs vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers and the property’s flood risk. Be advised there is a 30 day waiting period for flood insurance. There are many local insurance agents who will be able to discuss policies and coverage options, you should call your agent to discuss coverage.
The City of Marathon is a CRS participating community. Our participation and actions have garnered us a Class 6 designation. The premium discounts afforded because of this designation can be found in the table below.
| Credit Points | Class | Premium Reduction SFHA* | Premium Reduction Non-SFHA** |
| 4,500+ | 1 | 45% |
10% |
| 4,000-4,499 | 2 | 40% | 10% |
| 3,500-3,999 | 3 | 35% | 10% |
| 3,000-3,499 | 4 | 30% | 10% |
| 2,500-2,999 | 5 | 25% | 10% |
| 2,000-2,499 | 6 | 20% | 10% |
| 1,500-1,999 | 7 | 15% | 5% |
| 1,000-1,499 | 8 | 10% | 5% |
| 500-999 | 9 | 5% | 5% |
| 0-499 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
*Special Flood Hazard Area
**Preferred Risk Policies are available only in B, C and X Zones for properties that are shown to have a minimal risk of flood damage. The Preferred Risk Policy does not receive premium rate credits under the Community Rating System because it already has a lower premium than other policies. The Community Rating System credit for AR and A99 Zones are based on non-Special Flood Hazard Areas (non-SFHAs) (B, C and X Zones).
Credits include: Classes 1-6 at 10%. Classes 7-9 at 5%. Premium reductions are subject to change.
To find out more about flood insurance and who writes flood insurance in your area visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Protect yourself from the hazard
It takes only six (6) inches of moving water to knock a person down causing injury and possibly death. Do not drive into flooded areas and always remember, "Turn Around, Don't Drown!" In order to protect your property and human lives, the following steps should be taken:
1. Have an evacuation plan. Have two weeks worth of medication, food and water.
2. The elderly, disabled or persons with special needs should register with an appropriate family member or agency to ensure a viable evacuation plan is in place.
3. Trees should be trimmed regularly, prior to hurricane in preparation for possible flooding.
4. Doors, windows or any building openings should be secured.
5. Driving through flooded areas should be avoided; power lines may be down.
6. Be alert to gas leaks. Candles and any other type of open flames should be carefully monitored.
- You can find out more about Emergency Management and what to do in a hazard event by clicking the Emergency Management link to the left. Know your evacuation zone, and when to evacuate based upon emergency orders. All of Marathon is located in evacuation zone 3, to see the full map of evacuation zones within Monroe County, click here. You can also get the Alert!Monroe mobile app on your phone by clicking here: Register for Alert!Monroe.
The best way to protect your home from flood damage is by installing permanent flood protection measures on your building using licensed contractors. The City of Marathon is happy to answer any questions you may have when it comes to installing flood protection measures or finding licensed contractors by calling or emailing the Planning Department, or you can navigate to Building Requirements on the left-hand menu under the heading Floodplain Management. Additional information about retrofitting and protecting your home from flood damage can be found by clicking the link: Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your Home From Flooding.
For information on the Countywide Local Mitigation strategy please click here.
For additional information about the Monroe County emergency response plan, you can follow this link: About Monroe County Emergency Management.
