More Flood Zone Tweaks: Groundhog Day in FEMA Land
Published Date: 7/9/2025
Notice
Summary
The government has updated flood risk maps for certain communities, changing flood levels and boundaries to keep everyone safer. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes could affect your flood insurance and building rules. These updates are final, so it’s time to check your flood risk and plan ahead to avoid surprises and extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Finalized Flood Map Updates
FEMA finalized updates to flood maps for specific communities that change Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and regulatory floodways on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports. If you live or own property in those listed communities, these changes could change your flood-risk designation and may affect your flood insurance and building rules.
Local NFIP Qualification Requirement
The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports are the basis for local floodplain management measures that a community must adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). That means listed communities will need to adopt or demonstrate floodplain management actions, which can change local building rules and the community's eligibility for federal flood insurance.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15944, 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.
2026-15946, 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.
2026-15943, 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).
2026-15942, 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).
2026-15938, 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).
2026-15941, 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).
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-12746, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
New flood hazard rules are now final for certain communities, changing flood risk maps and rules that affect homes and businesses near flood zones. These updates might change insurance costs and building rules, so folks in these areas should pay attention. The changes help keep communities safe and eligible for federal flood insurance programs starting right away.
Next: 2025-12748, Agency Information Collection Activities; Education Reservation Request Form
The National Park Service wants to keep using their Education Reservation Request Form to help schools and groups book fun learning trips. This update affects teachers and group leaders who plan visits, making the process smoother without extra costs or delays. They’re asking for feedback soon, so everyone can keep enjoying easy reservations for awesome park adventures!