St. Augustine Achieves CRS Class 4, Cutting Flood Insurance Premiums by 30%

The City of St. Augustine, Florida, has achieved a Class 4 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (CRS), resulting in a 30% reduction in flood insurance premiums for homeowners starting April 1, 2026. This marks significant progress from its previous Class 7 rating a decade ago, positioning the city among only 25 communities nationwide with a Class 4 or higher rating. The improvement reflects extensive flood mitigation efforts including enhanced floodplain management, drainage maintenance, open space preservation, and adoption of higher regulatory standards for stormwater and building codes approved under FEMA's Watershed Master Plan.

FEMA acknowledged St. Augustine’s commitment to reducing flood risk and enhancing public safety, highlighting the city’s initiatives that contribute to disaster resilience and property protection. City officials credited the achievement to dedicated staff efforts and comprehensive community planning aimed at long-term flood risk reduction. This development underscores the impact of strategic compliance with CRS criteria in lowering insurers’ flood exposure and benefiting policyholders through premium discounts.