FEMA Flood Maps Shift Again, Bringing Insurance Questions Along
Published Date: 5/22/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood maps for certain communities based on 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
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Flood maps updated; affects insurance rules
FEMA revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and, where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for listed communities to update Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, and the regulatory floodway. These map revisions are finalized on the dates shown in the table (for example: Jul. 3, 2025; Jun. 20, 2025; Aug. 11, 2025) and the current effective community number must be used for all new flood insurance policies and renewals.
Maps are basis for NFIP floodplain rules
The FIRM and FIS report 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 participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These determinations reflect the minimum standards required by 44 CFR 60.3, and a community may enact stricter requirements at any time.
90-day window to request review
After the second local newspaper notice, you have 90 days to ask your community's Chief Executive Officer to request that FEMA reconsider the flood hazard changes. The flood hazard determination information may change during that 90-day period.
Maps available online and locally for inspection
Revised flood hazard information and the current effective FIRM and FIS reports are available for inspection online at the FEMA Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov) and at the community map repository addresses listed in the notice. You can compare the revised maps to the current effective maps using these resources.
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Key Dates
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