Lee County Flood Maps Updated Again Ahead of Hurricane Season

New FEMA flood maps will impact insurance rates and building codes in Southwest Florida communities.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:15am

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FEMA has updated the flood maps for Lee County, Florida, following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian in 2022. The new maps, set to take effect this summer, will change what areas are considered high-risk for flooding and impact flood insurance rates as well as local building codes. Experts warn residents that the maps are based on probabilities, not absolutes, and that living outside designated flood zones does not guarantee safety from flooding.

Why it matters

The frequent updates to Lee County's flood maps reflect the growing challenges posed by development and climate change in Florida. These maps are crucial for determining flood insurance requirements and building regulations, but they can also cause confusion for homeowners unsure of their risk level. Understanding the nuances of the flood maps is important for residents to properly prepare and protect themselves ahead of future storm seasons.

The details

The new FEMA flood maps for Lee County come after Hurricane Ian caused over 8 feet of flooding in the Mullock Creek Preserve area in 2022. FEMA has updated the county's flood maps multiple times in recent years, with changes in 2008, 2018, 2022, and another update planned for 2026. Experts say the frequent updates are necessary due to increased development altering water flow patterns, as well as the impacts of a changing climate. While the maps are meant to provide guidance on flood risk, they are based on probabilities rather than absolutes, meaning homes outside designated high-risk areas can still experience damaging floods.

  • Hurricane Ian hit Lee County in late 2022, causing widespread flooding.
  • FEMA updated Lee County's flood maps in 2008, 2018, and 2022.
  • Another flood map update for Lee County is planned for 2026.

The players

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which oversees the national flood insurance program and provides funding to states and communities for flood mitigation efforts.

Mullock Creek Preserve

A low-lying coastal area in south Lee County that was heavily flooded during Hurricane Ian.

Dr. Donald Duke

An ecology and environmental studies professor at Florida Gulf Coast University who advises against viewing FEMA flood maps as definitive boundaries between safe and unsafe areas.

Billie Jacoby

The floodplain manager for Lee County, who recommends that residents get flood insurance and understand their policy's Increased Cost of Compliance coverage.

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What they’re saying

“It's a mistake to think of these maps as saying, 'This area floods, that area doesn't.' That's just not so.”

— Dr. Donald Duke, Professor of Ecology and Environmental Studies

“We've seen so many damaging storms lately. You need flood insurance, and you need to understand the Increased Cost of Compliance part of your policy.”

— Billie Jacoby, Lee County Floodplain Manager

What’s next

The new FEMA flood maps for Lee County are set to take effect this summer, impacting insurance rates and building codes across the region. Residents are encouraged to review the updated maps and consider purchasing flood insurance, even if their property is not located in a designated high-risk area.

The takeaway

The frequent updates to Lee County's flood maps underscore the growing challenges posed by development and climate change in Florida. While the maps provide important guidance, they are based on probabilities and do not guarantee safety from flooding. Residents must take proactive steps, such as obtaining flood insurance, to protect themselves ahead of future hurricane seasons.