COBRA Zones

Overview

The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 along with amendments established the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) and removed the Federal government from financial involvement associated with building and development in undeveloped portions of designated coastal barriers. These areas were mapped and designated as Coastal Barrier Resources System units or Otherwise Protected Areas (OPA). They are commonly referred to as COBRA zones. The CBRA banned the sale of NFIP flood insurance for structures built or substantially improved on or after the specified date of the zone. For the initial CBRA designation, this date is October 1, 1983. For all subsequent designations, this date is the date the CBRA zone was identified. CBRA zones and their identification dates are shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Walton County has four areas that are designated as CBRS areas and one area that is an OPA.

	Designation Number	Name of Designation	Designation	Date of Designation
1	P32	Moreno Point	CBRS	10-01-1983
2	P31A	Four Mile Village	CBRS	10-01-1983
3	FL94	Deer Lake	CBRS	11-16-1990
4	FL96	Draper Lake	CBRS	11-16-1990
5	FL-95P	Grayton Beach	OPA	11-16-1991

Communities may permit development in these areas even though no Federal assistance, such as flood insurance, is available, provided that the development meets NFIP requirements. Verify whether your property is located within a CBRA prior to obtaining a Building Permit. If you own property near one of the above designated areas, check with the Floodplain Manager or a Planner to verify whether you property is affected. Removing your property from a CBRA requires approval by Congress.

You may submit a Flood Zone Inquiry form and we will determine whether your property is located within a CBRA. Maps are also available through US Fish and Wildlife Service CBRS Mapper.