CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (July 25, 2025) – The Charlotte County Community Development Department is preparing to launch a new online platform that will make floodplain information more accessible and easier to understand. Starting Aug. 1, the public will be able to use Forerunner, a digital tool designed to help users better understand their flood risk, navigate compliance requirements, and make more informed decisions when it comes to flood preparedness.
“Forerunner will help residents understand their property’s flood risk and access important information without needing to contact the county directly,” said Charlotte County Building Official and Floodplain Administrator Shawn McNulty. “It’s part of our broader effort to improve transparency, reduce paperwork, and enhance public safety.”
The platform will provide property-specific flood information, including FEMA flood zone designations, base flood elevations, and access to existing elevation certificates. Residents will also be able to submit digitally signed certificates and contact floodplain coordinators through the platform.
Forerunner will go live on Aug. 1 and will be available at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/flood. Video tutorials and additional resources will also be made available to help users navigate the system.
The new platform is designed for a wide audience, including homeowners, business owners, insurance agents, and Realtors, and aims to make compliance and decision-making easier. Forerunner also improves internal workflows for county staff and supports ongoing efforts to improve Charlotte County’s Community Rating System score, which can help reduce flood insurance premiums for residents.
The upcoming launch is part of the county’s ongoing investment in public safety, resilience, and digital accessibility.
For more information, contact Kellie Stewart at Kellie.Stewart@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
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