Flood Maps Get a Refresh: Insurance Bills May Follow
Published Date: 8/20/2025
Notice
Summary
Some communities have new or updated flood risk maps that show where floods might happen and how bad they could be. These changes affect homeowners, businesses, and local officials by updating flood zones and insurance rules. The updates are official now, so folks should check if their flood insurance or building plans need a refresh to stay safe and save money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Finalized Flood Map Changes
You may be affected if you own property or run a business in a community listed in the finalized Letter of Map Revisions (LOMRs). The LOMRs change Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways and revise Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and sometimes Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, so you should check whether your flood insurance or building plans need updating.
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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.
2026-19854, Notice of Maximum Amount of Assistance Under the Individuals and Households Program
Starting October 1, 2025, FEMA is raising the maximum help you can get after a disaster to $44,800 for housing and $44,800 for other needs. This boost helps folks affected by emergencies or major disasters get more support, thanks to a 2.9% cost increase. If you’re dealing with disaster recovery, this means more money to rebuild and recover!
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!
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!
2026-19859, 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15876, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA fixed a mistake in their flood risk map for Carroll County, New Hampshire. This update changes which areas might flood, so local folks and officials can plan better. The corrected info helps everyone know their flood risk before final decisions and possible insurance changes happen.
Next: 2025-15878, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
Some communities have new or updated flood risk info based on fresh science, changing flood zones and water levels on official maps. If you live or own property in these areas, your flood insurance rules and costs might change, so check the new maps and community numbers. These updates kick in as soon as the new letters are issued, helping everyone stay safer and smarter about flood risks.