"Is storm surge considered the same as a flood?"
Yes, storm surge is considered a flood.
"Are all the homes and businesses in the gulf on federally designated flood plains?"
Maybe not all, but a good number. You can order flood maps from FEMA or NFIP - I don't remmeber which.
Flood maps are available online:
http://www.esri.com/hazards/makemap.html
http://www.msc.fema.gov/states.shtml
Background article from Louisiana State Univ:
http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/en/family_home/hazards_and_threats/floods_hurricanes/flood_maps_permits/Flood+Insurance+Rate+Maps+FIRMs.htm
Detailed "how to" use the FEMA online maps (requires pdf file reader):
http://cwcb.state.co.us/flood_watch/onlineFEMAissued%20FIRMs.pdf
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"Is storm surge considered the same as a flood?"
Yes, storm surge is considered a flood.
"Are all the homes and businesses in the gulf on federally designated flood plains?"
Maybe not all, but a good number. You can order flood maps from FEMA or NFIP - I don't remmeber which.