FEMA Updates Flood Zones for Community Insurance Rules
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA just updated flood risk maps for several communities, changing flood zones and water levels. If you live or own property in these areas, your flood insurance and building rules might change soon. These updates are final, so check your local map and get ready to act before your next insurance renewal to avoid surprises!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Finalized flood map changes for listed communities
FEMA finalized new flood hazard determinations (changes to Base Flood Elevations, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries, and floodways) for communities listed in the notice. The LOMRs were finalized on the dates shown in the table (for example, Sep. 12, 2025; Sep. 9, 2025; Sep. 22, 2025). If you live in the affected communities in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, NC, or UT, your flood zone, insurance requirements, and building rules might change.
Communities must meet NFIP floodplain rules
The new or modified flood hazard information is the basis for floodplain management measures that each listed community is required either to adopt or to show are already in effect in order to remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Communities must follow the floodplain management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3.
Maps and LOMRs are available; use current community number
Each Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and sometimes the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports; the final LOMRs and maps are available at the Community Map Repository listed in the table and online through the FEMA Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov). The notice says the current effective community number shown must be used for all new policies and renewals.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Next: 2025-23168, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA has updated flood risk maps for several communities, changing flood zones and water levels that affect flood insurance rules. If you live or own property in these areas, your flood insurance rates or requirements might change soon. These updates are final and already published, so check your local map or online to see how it impacts you and your wallet.