They're well aware of this dynamic and the process is intentionally difficult and costly. I find it particularly enraging that the same oranization (FEMA) that is responsible for raising the money is the one that determines who pays.
The way this and other rogue agencies operate nothing less than anti-American. The un-elected career bureaucrats that are making these sweeping arbitrary "declarations" are given monarchal powers, to which they commence to abusing ASAP. The FWS came here not too long ago and "declared" boat docks dangerous to Mantees and quit issuing dock permits (yes Fish and Wildlife is the federal agency charged with handling dock permits). Now they're looking at mandating slow speed zones that will turn a 20 minute journey to the gulf a 3 hour ordeal, further destroying our marine and tourist business.
I'm not kidding when I tell you my area is literally under assualt. These are just a few examples.
That being said I'm glad that you were able to prevail. God bless.
In this case, the flood insurance was only $250 per year, so it'll take me two years to recoup what I spent in fighting the flood designation. I wonder how many people even know they can fight the designation?
FEMA didn't issue a declaration to me in writing, they notified my mortgage holder, who sent me the letter, and it only said flood insurance was a requirement, it was not the bank's fault, but nothing about how to fight it, etc. I had to research that on the web.
They have so many confusing zone designations: X, AE, B, C, that the average homeowner just rolls over and takes it.
It is a typical federal agency tactic to issue a decree from on high that is immediately to be viewed as gospel, and adhered to. If there is any disagreement, the onus of proof is on the dissenter instead of the Feds. They are right by default.