The first change to the flood plain designations in Collier County, Florida have been released, showing that nearly 1/3 of Golden Gate Estates is currently in a flood zone. This has left residents curious as to how their homes have fallen in a flood zone if their homes are well above sea level.

The new flood plain maps that were released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have placed nearly 10,500 homeowners in need of flood insurance if they are unable to receive a certificate of elevation from a surveyor.

For the next 90 days FEMA will begin to publish formal notices in the Naples Daily News that will begin the appeal process. According to Bill Lorenz, County Land Development Services Director, This is the time that the public can file any scientific-based appeal of why they think the mapping is not correct. If you wish to search for which zone your home is located in, feel free to visit the Collier County website.

Maps are expected to be finalized by the beginning of 2011 and FEMA will issue a final determination letter, the flood insurance rules will not kick in until roughly six months after the distribution of the letter.