FEMA Seeks Input on Proposed Flood Zones
Published Date: 7/18/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA is asking communities and residents to review and comment on new flood risk maps that might change flood zones or water levels. These updates could affect flood insurance rules and costs, so it’s important for those in the listed areas to pay attention and respond by the deadline. Getting these maps right helps keep everyone safer and insurance programs running smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Flood maps could change your insurance
FEMA proposes changes to Base Flood Elevations (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and regulatory floodways on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). If you own or live in property in the listed communities, these map changes could change flood insurance rules and costs for your property.
Communities must meet NFIP floodplain rules
The preliminary FIRM and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports are the basis of the floodplain management measures a community is required to adopt or show it already has in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Communities listed in the notice must adopt or document those measures to meet NFIP participation requirements.
You can review and comment on draft flood maps
FEMA is asking communities and residents to review the preliminary FIRMs and, where applicable, FIS reports and to send general information or comments on the proposed flood hazard determinations for the communities listed in the notice. People in the listed areas can submit comments to help correct or improve the maps before they are finalized.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20497, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request; Elevation Certificate/Floodproofing Certificate.
FEMA is asking for public feedback on extending the use of Elevation and Floodproofing Certificates, which help communities manage flood risks and keep buildings safe. This affects homeowners, builders, and local officials who deal with flood insurance and construction rules. Comments are open until November 6, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a chance to keep these important forms working smoothly.
2026-20458, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request; Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs
FEMA is updating the forms used for several Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs that help communities prepare for disasters. This affects anyone applying for grants like flood or dam safety projects. They want your feedback by November 5, 2026, to keep things running smoothly and make sure the paperwork isn’t too tricky.
2026-19855, Notice of Adjustment of Statewide per Capita Impact Indicator
FEMA just raised the statewide per person impact amount to $1.94 for disasters starting on or after October 1, 2025. This change helps make sure disaster aid keeps up with rising costs, thanks to a 2.9% bump in the Consumer Price Index. If you’re involved in disaster recovery, this means more accurate funding for your community’s needs.
2026-19859, Notice of Adjustment of Minimum Project Worksheet Amount
FEMA is raising the minimum amount for disaster project approvals to $4,100 starting October 1, 2025. This change affects anyone applying for disaster aid after that date and reflects a 2.9% cost increase based on inflation. If you’re involved in disaster recovery, this means bigger projects need to meet the new minimum to get funding.
2026-19898, Notice of Adjustment of Disaster Grant Amounts
Starting October 1, 2025, FEMA is raising the cutoff for Small Project disaster grants to $1,093,800. This means state, tribal, local governments, and nonprofits can get more money for smaller disaster repairs thanks to a 2.9% cost increase adjustment. If you’re involved in disaster recovery, this change helps you get the right funding faster and easier!
2026-19856, Notice of Award Amount Adjustment for Serious Needs Assistance
Starting October 1, 2025, FEMA is raising the Serious Needs Assistance award to $790 for people affected by emergencies or major disasters. This change helps cover more costs due to rising prices and applies to disasters declared on or after that date. If you qualify, expect a bit more help when disaster strikes!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-13543, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
Some communities have new flood risk updates based on better science, changing flood zones and water levels on official maps. If you live or own property in these areas, your flood insurance rules might change soon, so check the new maps and community numbers. These updates help keep everyone safer and make sure insurance costs match the real risk.
Next: 2025-13545, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is asking communities and residents to review and comment on new flood risk maps that might change flood zones, water levels, or floodway boundaries. These updates could affect flood insurance rules and costs, so it’s important for those in the listed areas to pay attention and respond by the deadline. Getting these maps right helps keep everyone safer and insurance programs running smoothly.