KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The City of Kissimmee has earned a significant upgrade to its flood insurance rating, translating into real savings for eligible property owners.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has notified the city that it has improved its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) classification from Class 7 to Class 5. As a result, eligible NFIP policyholders within the city will qualify for a 25% discount on most NFIP flood insurance policies issued or renewed on or after Oct. 1.
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The upgraded rating follows a comprehensive five-year verification conducted by Insurance Services Office, Inc., FEMA’s CRS contractor. During the 2025 review, the city earned 2,659 CRS credit points, exceeding the threshold required for a Class 5 rating while meeting all program prerequisites.
“Flooding can affect properties throughout our community, not just those in high-risk flood zones,” City of Kissimmee floodplain manager Nagel Altrui said. “Our voluntary participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and continued investment in floodplain management help reduce flood risk, improve community preparedness, and provide eligible property owners with significant savings on flood insurance.”
The CRS program recognizes communities that go beyond the minimum floodplain management standards required by the NFIP. Discounts are available to eligible NFIP policyholders within the community and are based on the classification a community earns, ranging from 5% (Class 9) up to 45% (Class 1).
Kissimmee’s new Class 5 rating increases eligible flood insurance discounts from 15% to 25% — a meaningful jump that could add up to hundreds of dollars in annual savings for qualifying residents.
For residents of Dellwood Park, the discount hits close to home. In 2022, Hurricane Ian left the area underwater.
Karen Rodriguez was one of those residents. She told News 6 the floodwaters inside her home reached waist level.
The storm left more than water damage in its wake. Rodriguez said she had issues with her insurance company after the hurricane and even took them to court to cover damages. Much of what wasn’t covered came out of her own pocket.
“We used a lot of credit cards, there was a lot of debt,” she said.
When told about the potential 25% NFIP discount, Rodriguez said she would consider getting the coverage.
For details about NFIP flood insurance, premium rating methodology and the CRS discount for NFIP policyholders, click here.