Miami-Beach-Receives-Improved-Class-5-Rating-from-FEMA
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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, Tel: 305.673.7575 PRESS RELEASE
Tonya Daniels, E-mail: tonyadaniels@miamibeachfl.gov
Melissa Berthier, E-mail: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2019
Miami Beach Receives Improved Class 5 Rating from FEMA
–Saving an Estimated $8.3 Million in Flood Insurance Premiums Annually–
Miami Beach, FL – Miami Beach’s Community Rating System (CRS) has officially
improved to a Class 5 rating by FEMA, making the city one of only two cities in Miami-
Dade County to achieve the score. Allowing communities to earn flood insurance
discounts, CRS is a voluntary program that awards cities for conducting activities that
promote flood insurance and reduce flood risk.
“Three years ago, we pursued an aggressive goal to improve our ranking from a Class 6
to a Class 5,” noted City Manager Jimmy L. Morales. “Our hard work in continuing our
commitment to reduce flood risk for residents and businesses did not go unnoticed. This
notable achievement is a direct result of policy leadership and staff coordination and
collaboration.”
The designation will increase flood insurance premiums savings from 20 percent to 25
percent citywide effective May 1, 2019. Helping offset any increasing federal rates, the
new estimated savings are expected to increase from $6.6 million to $8.3 million
annually.
“I’ve seen few municipalities take such strong self-guided efforts to receive a better
score on the FEMA Community Ratings System,” said John Lee, member of the Miami
Beach Resiliency Communications Committee and Vice President of FirstService
Financial. “I am proud to be on the committee that led the efforts to initiate this process
and assisted in increasing the discounts Miami Beach residents receive on their flood
insurance premiums. Miami Beach has been working hard for many years to combat
climate change and flooding in their community. Their efforts are nothing short of
phenomenal.”
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