Flood Map Changes Hit Communities' Insurance Wallets
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities using 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. People have 90 days after local notice to ask for a review, and these updates could impact flood insurance costs and requirements soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Map updates change flood risk rules
FEMA revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for listed communities to update Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, and regulatory floodways. These map changes are finalized on the dates shown in the table (examples in the table include dates from Jan. 2, 2026 through Feb. 17, 2026) and could affect flood insurance requirements and costs for homeowners and businesses in those communities.
Maps set minimum local flood rules
FEMA states the revised FIRMs and FIS reports form the basis of the floodplain management measures communities must adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), pursuant to 44 CFR 60.3. Communities may keep or adopt stricter ordinances, but these are the minimum required measures.
90‑day window to request map review
After the second newspaper notice in your area, you have 90 days to ask your community to request that FEMA reconsider the flood hazard determination. Any changes to the flood hazard determination information may occur during that 90-day period.
Use current community number for policies
The notice states that the current effective community number shown in the table must be used for all new flood insurance policies and renewals for the listed communities. This is the reference FEMA requires insurers and communities to use when issuing or renewing policies.
Where to inspect revised flood data
Revised flood hazard information and the current effective FIRM and FIS reports are available online at the FEMA Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov) and at the community map repository addresses listed in the table. You should inspect these locations to compare revised maps with the current effective maps.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23169, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities using new science and data. If you live in these areas, your flood insurance rules might change soon, so check the updated maps and act fast if you want to appeal. These changes take effect after local notices, and you’ve got 90 days to speak up before they’re final.
Next: 2025-23171, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities using new science and data. If you live in these areas, your flood insurance rules might change soon, so check the updated maps online or locally. You’ve got 90 days after local notice to ask for a review, so don’t wait if you think the changes aren’t right!