February 3, 2025

RE: Repetitive Loss Area Located in the Village of Estero

Dear Village of Estero Property Owner,

You have received this letter because your property is in an area where flood insurance claims have been made. The Village of Estero is concerned about repetitive flooding and has an active program to help you protect yourself and your property from future flooding.

Learn your flood hazard, flood zone and map information.

  • Go to https://esterofl.withforerunner.com/properties flood zone for all Flood Insurance Rate Map details, including flood zone and all other details required to obtain flood
  • Call The Village of Estero floodplain management staff at (239) 221-5036 for additional flood map information about base flood elevations and grade elevation and natural floodplain Ask about the extent of past flooding in your area.
  • Visit The Village of Estero Community Development Department at 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL

Protect your investment in property and contents with flood insurance.

  • Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from However, because The Village of Estero participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the Federal government and is available to everyone, even properties that have been flooded. Also, because our community participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), you will receive a reduction in your insurance premium. For more information go to https://www.floodsmart.gov/.
  • If your area is not mapped as a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may qualify for a lower­ cost Preferred Risk Policy.
  • Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when they got a mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually, these policies just cover the building’s structure and not the During the kind of flooding that happens in your area, there is usually more damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the structure. Be sure you have contents coverage.
  • Don’t wait for the next flood to buy insurance In most cases, there is a 30- day waiting period before National Flood Insurance Program coverage takes effect. Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.

Ask the Village of Estero floodplain management staff about flood protection assistance.

  • Call (239) 221-5036 to discuss appropriate flood protection If you have flooding problems, the staff can also visit your property to discuss flood protection alternatives.
  • Consider some permanent flood protection measures:
    • Mark your fuse or breaker box to show the circuits to the floodable Turning off the power before a flood can reduce property damage and save lives.
    • Consider elevating your house above flood levels.
    • Check your building for water entry points, such as basement windows, the basement stairwell,doors, and dryer vents. These can be protected with low walls or temporary
    • Install a floor drain plug,standpipe,overhead sewer,or sewer backup valve to prevent sewer backup
    • More information can be found at FEMA’s website, ready.gov/floods.
    • Some flood protection measures may need a building permit and others may not be safe for your type of building, so be sure to talk to the floodplain management staff at the Village of Estero.
  • The Village of Estero can provide contact information for the Florida Department of Emergency Planning and FEMA grant programs that may address your particular flood mitigation needs.

Get a print or online copy of the Lee County All Hazards Guide.This guide is loaded with helpful information about flood warning and response as well as property protection advice.

Build Responsibly-Always ask if your project requires a permit.

The Village of Estero has floodplain management staff to help with building and remodeling questions. Call (239) 221-5036 for assistance.

Don’t block natural flowways.

Florida State Law and The Village of Estero ordinances prohibit private property owners from filling, diverting, or otherwise blocking natural flow ways including rivers, creeks, ditches and swales. This includes allowing vegetation to obstruct water conveyances. Your property must be maintained to allow surface water to drain safely. Building and remodeling projects may not block natural flowways, and you are encouraged to obtain a permit before attempting any landscaping, remodeling, or building project that will alter natural flowways. Blockages should be reported to The Village via a request for action at https://estero-fl.gov/request-for-action.

Choose your flood warning systems.

Lee County Emergency Operations Center is the County’s warning point for floods and other weather-related hazards. We encourage you to select a free method to receive personal notification of an imminent threat through the alertLee emergency notification system. Visit https://www.alertlee.com/ or call (239)533-0622 to sign up.

Respectfully,

Jon McLain

Village of Estero Mayor