Flood Maps Updated by FEMA: Insurance Rules May Shift Soon
Published Date: 2/24/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood maps for certain communities using new science and data. These changes affect flood risk zones, which can impact insurance rules and costs. People have 90 days after local notice to ask for a review before the updates become final.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Flood map updates can change insurance costs
FEMA revised flood maps (Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries, zone designations, or the regulatory floodway) for the communities listed in the table. These revisions update the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and, where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports and can affect flood insurance rules and costs for property owners and renters when the changes are finalized on the dates shown in the table.
You have 90 days to request reconsideration
From the date of the second publication of notification in a local newspaper, any person has 90 days to request that the Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation reconsider the flood hazard changes; requests must be made through the community and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer listed in the table. The flood hazard determination information may be changed during the 90-day period.
Maps set minimum floodplain management rules
FEMA states the revised FIRM and FIS reports are the basis of the floodplain management measures a community must adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These determinations and the criteria in 44 CFR 60.3 are the minimum required; communities may keep or adopt stricter local rules.
Use listed community number for policies
The notice states that the currently effective community number shown in the table must be used for all new flood insurance policies and renewals. This number should be used when purchasing or renewing NFIP policies for the listed communities.
Revised maps available online and locally
Revised flood hazard information and the current effective FIRMs and FIS reports are available for inspection online through the FEMA Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov) and at the community map repository addresses listed in the table. You can compare revised maps with current effective maps at those locations.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02980, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
Hey, communities! FEMA just updated flood maps with new flood risk info based on fresh science. If you live or own property in these areas, your flood insurance rules might change soon. You’ve got 90 days after local notices to ask for a review, so keep an eye out and act fast to avoid surprises!
Next: 2025-02982, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities, which could change flood zones and base flood levels. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your flood insurance and local rules. You have until May 27, 2025, to review and comment on these updates before they become official.