FEMA Seeks Input on Upcoming Flood Zone Tweaks
Published Date: 4/17/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA is asking for your thoughts on new flood risk maps that could change flood zones and water levels in certain communities. These updates might affect where and how people need flood insurance and could impact local rules about building near water. If you live in one of the listed areas, now’s the time to check the changes and share your feedback before the deadline!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Map Changes May Alter Flood Insurance
FEMA proposes changes to Base Flood Elevations (BFE), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and regulatory floodways in certain communities. If you live in one of the listed areas, these map changes could change where and how people need flood insurance for properties in those communities.
Communities Must Adopt Floodplain Measures
FEMA's preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports are the basis for floodplain management measures that a community is required to adopt or show are in effect. Communities must meet those requirements to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Public Comment Opportunity on Maps
FEMA is requesting public comments on the preliminary FIRMs and FIS reports for the communities listed in the notice. If you live in a listed area, you can review the proposed flood hazard determinations and submit feedback before the agency's deadline.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17073, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-17072, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
This notice lists communities where the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations), as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for each community, is appropriate because of new scientific or technical data. The FIRM, and where applicable, portions of the FIS report, have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Federal Regulations. The current effective community number is shown in the table below and must be used for all new policies and renewals.
2026-17077, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Starting November 27, 2026, certain communities will see updated flood risk maps that show new or changed flood zones and water levels. These updates affect homeowners, renters, and local governments by changing flood insurance rules and building requirements. If you live in these areas, it’s time to check the new maps to stay safe and save money on insurance!
2026-17070, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-17069, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-17074, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06597, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
Heads up, communities! Flood risk maps are getting updated with new flood levels and boundaries, which could change who needs flood insurance and how much it costs. These changes are official now, so check your area’s new flood zones and plan ahead to stay safe and save money.
Next: 2025-06599, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is asking for your thoughts on new flood risk maps that could change flood zones and water levels in certain communities. These updates might affect flood insurance rules and costs, so it’s important for local folks and property owners to pay attention. You’ve got a chance to comment before the changes become official, so don’t miss out!