Flood Maps & Zones

Understand Your Flood Risk in the Village of Estero

Anywhere it rains, it can flood.

Every property in the Village of Estero lies within a flood zone — classified as low, moderate, or high risk. Understanding your flood zone helps you make informed decisions about insurance, construction, and safety.

Jump to: Zones | Terms | Risk

Flood Zones, Evacuation Zones & Storm Surge Areas

These three designations are not the same — they measure different risks that may occur at different times and are used for different purposes:

  • Flood Zones – Indicate your property’s risk of flooding from rainfall, streams, or other water sources.
  • Evacuation Zones – Identify areas that may need to evacuate due to storm surge during a tropical storm or hurricane.
  • Storm Surge Zones – Show where coastal flooding may occur when strong winds push water toward shore.

A home may be outside an evacuation zone but still be in a high-risk flood zone due to nearby ponds or streams.

To fully understand your flood risk, check all three maps.

Know Your Flood Zone

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) produces Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) showing areas of high, moderate, and low flood risk.
These maps are used to determine building requirements and flood insurance rates.

  • High-Risk Areas (Zones A or V): 1% or greater chance of flooding each year (the “100-year flood”).
  • Moderate-Risk Areas (Zone X – shaded): Between the 100-year and 500-year flood levels.
  • Minimal-Risk Areas (Zone X – unshaded): Higher than the 500-year flood level.

Visit the Village of Estero Flood Map Service or FEMA Flood Map Service Center to locate your property and view your flood zone.

Evacuation Zones

Evacuation zones are based on ground elevation and vulnerability to storm surge.
Zones are labeled A through E, plus non-evacuation zones.

If a storm threatens, follow all evacuation orders issued by local emergency officials.

Find your zone using the Lee County Evacuation Zone Map.

Storm Surge Maps

Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, pushed toward the shore by strong winds.
Storm surge maps show where this coastal flooding is most likely to occur and are used for hurricane preparedness.

View current and forecasted surge maps on the National Weather Service website when a storm threatens our area.

Key Definitions

Base Flood: A flood with a 1% chance of occurring in any given year (the “100-year flood”).
Base Flood Elevation (BFE): The height floodwaters are expected to reach during a base flood. New construction should be built at or above the BFE to reduce risk.
Flood Hazard: The potential danger caused by flooding, including water inundation, erosion, or mudslides.
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA): High-risk flood zones labeled A or V on FEMA maps. Flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages in these areas.
Coastal A Zones: Areas just inland of V Zones where waves between 1.5–3 feet are possible during a base flood.

Note: FEMA Base Flood Elevation (BFE) values are accurate to within ±0.5 feet. For precise data, refer to the Lee County Flood Insurance Study.

What’s My Flood Risk?

Flooding can happen anywhere — from heavy rain, rising rivers, or storm surge.

Use our Interactive Flood Maps to check your Flood Hazard Area (FHA), Evacuation Zone, and Storm Surge Risk.

Even a few inches of water can cause costly damage to your home and belongings.
If you live near a creek, pond, or the coast, consider purchasing flood insurance even if you’re outside a FEMA-designated flood zone.

Stay alert by monitoring Coastal Water Levels and Riverine Water Levels during storms or heavy rain events.