More FEMA Flood Maps: Communities Comment on Risk Zones
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities, which could change flood zones and rules for flood insurance. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your insurance costs and building rules. You’ve got until March 9, 2026, to check out the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Flood map changes can alter costs
FEMA is proposing changes to flood maps that may add or change Base Flood Elevations (BFE), Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries, flood zone designations, or regulatory floodways for listed communities. If you live or own property in those communities, those changes might raise or lower your flood insurance costs and change local building or development rules; you can review and comment on the preliminary maps before March 9, 2026.
Community must meet NFIP rules to keep insurance
The Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) are the basis for floodplain management measures that a community must adopt or show are in effect to qualify or remain qualified for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If a community does not meet those requirements, its participation in the NFIP could be at risk, which affects the availability of federal flood insurance for local property owners.
Appeals can use independent expert panel
Communities or stakeholders can request reconsideration of revised flood hazard information, and if FEMA and the local community cannot resolve an appeal after at least 60 days of collaborative consultation, the Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) process can be used to review conflicting scientific and technical data. The SRP is an independent panel of experts in hydrology and hydraulics to help resolve technical disputes about the preliminary maps.
Preliminary maps available; comment deadline
Preliminary FIRMs and FIS reports for the listed communities are available online at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and at local Community Map Repositories; the current effective maps are on https://msc.fema.gov for comparison. You may submit comments on the preliminary materials identified by Docket No. FEMA-B-2572, and comments must be submitted on or before March 9, 2026.
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: 2025-22240, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities based on new science and data. These changes affect flood zones, flood heights, and insurance rules, so homeowners and businesses in those areas should check the new maps. You’ve got 90 days after local notice to ask for a review, and these updates could impact flood insurance costs and requirements starting on the listed dates.
Next: 2025-22242, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for several communities, which could change flood zones and water levels used for insurance and safety rules. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your flood insurance costs and building rules. You’ve got until March 9, 2026, to check the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.