More Final Flood Maps from FEMA Hit the Books
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA has finalized updates to flood risk maps for certain communities, changing flood zones and water levels that affect flood insurance rules. Homeowners, renters, and local governments in these areas will need to check the new maps by February 20, 2026, to stay protected and insured. These changes could impact insurance costs and building rules, so it’s smart to review the updates early!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Final flood map changes in listed communities
FEMA finalized changes to flood maps (including Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries, zone designations, and regulatory floodways) for the communities listed in this notice, including Bullock, Elmore, Macon, and Montgomery Counties in Alabama and Washington County, Wisconsin. You who own or rent property in these listed communities may see changes to whether your property is in a high-risk flood zone, which could affect flood insurance requirements and local building rules.
Community NFIP qualification requirement
The FIRM and FIS reports are the basis for floodplain management measures that a community must adopt or show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Local governments in the listed communities may need to adopt or demonstrate floodplain management measures based on the finalized maps.
Deadline to review updated FIRMs and FIS reports
FEMA made the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and, where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports available for inspection at the listed community map repositories and online through the FEMA Map Service Center by February 20, 2026. If you lease or own property in the listed communities, FEMA encourages you to review the new or revised maps and reports at the repository address or online to understand any changes.
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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.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22245, 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.
Next: 2025-22247, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA has finalized updates to flood risk maps for several communities, changing flood zones and water levels that affect flood insurance rules. Homeowners and businesses in these areas should check the new maps by September 3, 2025, because these changes could impact insurance costs and building rules. These updates help keep communities safer and insurance programs fair.