FEMA Seeks Comments on Updated Flood Zones and Risks
Published Date: 8/27/2025
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 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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Maps Drive Community NFIP Rules
The preliminary FIRM and, where applicable, the FIS report are the basis for the floodplain management measures a community must adopt or show are in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Communities listed in the notice must review and respond to these preliminary documents.
Map Updates May Affect Insurance Rules
These proposed flood hazard determinations could change flood zones or water levels in affected communities, and those updates might affect flood insurance rules and costs for local property owners. Stakeholders are invited to comment before the changes are finalized.
Proposed Flood Map Changes Open
FEMA is asking for comments on proposed changes to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for specific communities. The proposed determinations may add or modify Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways.
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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: 2025-16372, Report on the Selection of Eligible Countries for Fiscal Year 2025 (Fiji and Tonga)
The U.S. government reviewed Fiji and Tonga to decide if they qualify for special financial help in Fiscal Year 2025. Both countries met the criteria, meaning they could get funding to support their development projects soon. This decision affects these nations directly and signals upcoming opportunities for growth and partnership starting next year.
Next: 2025-16376, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
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 starting soon. Communities must follow the new rules to stay in the federal flood insurance program and avoid costly surprises.