Property owners in Pinellas Park just got a rare piece of good news about their insurance bills. City officials announced Tuesday that homeowners will receive a 25% discount on purchased or renewed flood insurance premiums after the city moved to FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) Class 5. The savings will apply to new and renewed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies beginning Oct. 1, 2026.
The announcement came in a city social media post headlined "Huge News!" on the City of Pinellas Park's official Facebook page, where officials said qualifying property owners would see the savings once the change kicks in. According to the city’s Facebook post, residents can check whether their policy qualifies at FloodSmart and should contact their insurance carrier to make sure the CRS discount is applied at renewal.
What a Class 5 Rating Means
FEMA’s Community Rating System rewards communities for flood mitigation work by lowering NFIP premiums. A Class 5 designation carries a 25% discount for properties in mapped high-risk zones and typically a 10% reduction for many policies outside those zones. FEMA lays out the class-to-discount schedule and how communities earn points toward each rating in its CRS materials.
Where Records Stand
On paper, Pinellas Park’s own planning pages still list the city as a CRS Class 6, a 20% discount, so the social media announcement may reflect a recently approved reclassification that has not yet shown up in every official listing. The City of Pinellas Park CRS page explains the city’s long participation in the program and provides contact information for the planning office.
How to Check Your Coverage
Policyholders are being urged to verify whether their NFIP policy is eligible and to speak with their insurance agent or carrier to confirm any new discount will appear at renewal. FEMA’s rating engine applies CRS credits, but timing, policy type and other factors can affect how and when the change shows up on a bill. For guidance on eligibility and next steps, residents can review FEMA CRS resources.
If you need documentation or have questions about the city’s floodplain work, Pinellas Park’s Community Development office can assist residents during business hours; the city’s planning pages list staff contacts and office hours for follow-up.
