Riverview, Florida, is an unincorporated community in the rapidly growing Tampa Bay area of Hillsborough County. The term “zone” refers to several official classifications that affect daily life and property ownership. Understanding these classifications is important for residents and prospective buyers, as they determine everything from plant viability to property insurance requirements. This article clarifies the most relevant zone classifications that apply to Riverview.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map guides gardeners in Riverview for selecting perennial plants that can survive winter temperatures. Riverview falls primarily within two designations: Zone 9b and Zone 10a. This dual classification reflects slight temperature variations across the community, often influenced by proximity to water or specific microclimates.
The classification is determined by the average annual minimum winter temperature. Zone 9b indicates an average minimum temperature range of 25°F to 30°F, while Zone 10a is slightly warmer, ranging from 30°F to 35°F. This five-degree difference is significant for the survival of tropical and subtropical species.
Gardeners must choose plants rated for the lower of these two zones to ensure long-term viability without extensive winter protection. This data is crucial for selecting appropriate trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses, ensuring they can tolerate the coldest weather typically experienced in the region. Choosing a plant rated for a higher, warmer zone, such as Zone 10b, risks loss during an unusually cold winter snap in the Riverview area.
FEMA Flood Zone Designations
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Zone designations are the most financially significant zones for Riverview property owners, given the area’s location near the coast and major waterways like the Alafia River. These zones, depicted on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), classify the risk of flooding and determine whether federally backed mortgage holders must purchase flood insurance. The highest-risk areas are Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), which have at least a one-percent chance of flooding annually, often called the 100-year flood event.
Within Riverview, the most common high-risk designation found near water bodies is Zone AE, a type of SFHA. Zone AE properties have an established Base Flood Elevation (BFE), which is the height floodwaters are expected to reach during the 100-year flood event. The BFE is a component for construction and insurance, as new buildings must often be elevated above this line to mitigate flood damage.
Many other parts of Riverview fall into Zone X, which represents areas of moderate or minimal flood risk. Zone X properties are outside the SFHA, meaning flood insurance is not federally mandated, though it is still strongly recommended by experts. Shaded Zone X indicates areas between the 100-year and 500-year flood limits, while unshaded Zone X is outside the 500-year flood plain. Understanding these specific letter designations is necessary for assessing a property’s risk and the related financial obligations.
Time Zone and Local Geographical Context
Riverview, FL, operates within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). The community observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) when daylight saving time is in effect. This places the area five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5) during EST and four hours behind (UTC-4) during EDT.
Geographically, Riverview is part of unincorporated Hillsborough County, which dictates the local governing body responsible for administrative zones, such as land use and zoning. These local zones determine how a specific piece of land can be used, classifying areas as residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural. A property’s land use designation can be verified through the Hillsborough County Planning and Zoning Department.