FEMA Proposes Flood Zone Shifts for Public Feedback
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for several communities, which could change flood zones and base flood levels. These updates affect homeowners, businesses, and local governments by potentially changing flood insurance rules and costs. You’ve got until March 18, 2026, to check the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Flood-map changes may alter homeowner insurance
FEMA is proposing updates to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that may change Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries, and regulatory floodways. If you own a home, these map changes could change flood insurance rules and costs where you live.
Businesses in study areas may face insurance changes
FEMA's proposed flood hazard determinations for listed communities could change flood zone designations and base flood levels. If you run a small business in the affected study areas, those changes could affect flood insurance rules and costs for your property or operations.
Deadline to comment or appeal maps: March 18, 2026
You can review FEMA's Preliminary FIRMs and Flood Insurance Study reports and submit comments identified by Docket No. FEMA-B-2567. Comments must be submitted on or before March 18, 2026, if you want FEMA to consider them before the maps become official.
Scientific Resolution Panel available after 60 days
If FEMA and a community cannot resolve an appeal about flood hazard data after at least 60 days of consultation, the community may request a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) of experts to review conflicting technical data and recommend a resolution.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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!
Next: 2025-23173, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain 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 18, 2026, to check the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.