Comment Period Opens on New FEMA Flood Risk Maps
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Flood map changes may affect your property
FEMA published proposed changes to flood hazard maps (FIRMs) and flood studies (FIS) that cover listed communities such as Cheyenne County, Nebraska (Project 23-07-0055S; Preliminary Dates: December 17, 2021 and June 20, 2025). If you live or own property in these areas, the proposed changes may change flood zones, Base Flood Elevations, or regulatory floodways and could affect your flood insurance costs and local building or floodplain rules. You can inspect the Preliminary FIRM and FIS online at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and compare with current maps at https://msc.fema.gov, and you may submit comments by March 18, 2026.
Appeal options and expert review panel
Communities and stakeholders can request reconsideration (appeal) of the revised flood hazard information shown on the Preliminary FIRM and FIS if they meet the data requirements in 44 CFR 67.6(b). If FEMA and the local community consult for at least 60 days without a mutually acceptable resolution, the community may use a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) of independent experts to review conflicting scientific and technical data.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23172, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
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.
Next: 2025-23174, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA has finalized updates to flood risk maps for certain communities, changing flood zones and water levels to better protect homes and businesses. These changes take effect on March 17, 2026, and could affect flood insurance costs and building rules. If you live or own property in these areas, it’s time to check the new maps and get ready!