Flood Zones Finalized: Check If Your Property's Now Underwater on Paper
Published Date: 1/21/2026
Notice
Summary
FEMA just 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 insurance and building rules might change soon. These updates are final, so check the new maps online or at local offices to stay ahead and avoid surprises with your flood insurance costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Finalized Flood Map Changes
FEMA finalized changes to flood hazard determinations (Base Flood Elevations, flood zones, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries, and/or regulatory floodways) that revise Flood Insurance Rate Maps and, in some cases, Flood Insurance Study reports for the communities listed. These LOMRs were finalized on the dates shown in the table (examples range from Nov. 4, 2025 through Dec. 1, 2025). If you live in or own property in those communities, your flood insurance requirements and local building or permitting rules might change.
Communities Must Meet NFIP Floodplain Rules
FEMA says the new or modified flood hazard information is the basis for floodplain management measures that a community is required to adopt or show are already in effect in order to remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Property owners in those communities are affected because community adoption of these measures is tied to NFIP participation and the mapping shown on the revised FIRMs.
Use Updated Community Numbers
FEMA states that the current effective community number shown in the notice must be used for all new flood insurance policies and renewals in the listed communities. This instruction applies to policies issued or renewed after the LOMR finalization dates shown in the table (Nov. 4, 2025 through Dec. 1, 2025).
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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: 2026-01054, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA just 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 costs or requirements might change soon. These updates are final and already published, so check your local map or online to see how you’re impacted and plan ahead!
Next: 2026-01056, 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 work in these areas, these changes might affect your flood insurance costs or building rules. You’ve got until April 21, 2026, to check out the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.