Santa Rosa Island Authority Maintains Prestigious Class 5 Rating in National Flood Insurance Program

Pensacola Beach, Fla. (March 19, 2024) – The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) is proud to announce that Pensacola Beach has retained its Class 5 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS).

This prestigious rating recognizes the SRIA’s outstanding efforts in floodplain management and leading the community to be more disaster resilient. This Class 5 rating qualifies the Pensacola Beach community for a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums for most NFIP policies issued or renewed on or after October 1, 2024.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the community at large in their commitment to enhancing public safety, protecting properties, and preserving the natural functions of floodplains,” said Leigh Davis, Executive Director of the SRIA. “The discount that many our residents will receive on their flood insurance premiums makes our work in maintaining this rating worthwhile.”

The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), conducted a comprehensive 3-year cycle verification and determined that the SRIA continues to meet the stringent requirements for maintaining its Class 5 rating. This achievement underscores the SRIA’s commitment to implementing effective flood mitigation activities, thereby safeguarding lives and reducing property damage.

The Class 5 rating not only reflects the SRIA’s proactive approach to floodplain management but also translates into tangible benefits for residents and property owners. By adhering to the CRS activities identified in its annual recertification documentation, the SRIA ensures that constituents will continue to have available discounts through the National Flood Insurance Program.

“I commend the SRIA on its community actions,” stated William H. Lesser, CRS Coordinator at the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration. “Your commitment enhances public safety, property protection, and protects the natural functions of floodplains, and reduces flood insurance premiums.”

Moving forward, the SRIA will continue to evaluate its floodplain management practices, identify areas for improvement, and adjust its strategies to enhance flood resilience to maintain its Class 5 rating and uphold its commitment to protecting lives and properties on Pensacola Beach.

Pensacola Beach is owned by Escambia County, Fla., and is under the direction of the Santa Rosa Island Authority(SRIA). The SRIA was created by the Florida legislature in 1947 under Chapter 24500. The SRIA does not receive tax support from the taxpayers of the county. It is fully funded from lease fees collected from business and residences on the beach. The SRIA board is made up of six members; five are named by members of the Escambia County Board of Commissioners whose term is the same as the commissioner who appointed them. Registered voters on Pensacola Beach elect the sixth member. The elected member’s term is two years.