FEMA Tweaks Flood Maps: Insurance Bills Might Rise in Your Town
Published Date: 1/21/2026
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities, which could change flood zones and rules for flood insurance. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your insurance costs and building rules. You’ve got until April 21, 2026, to check out the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Flood map changes may alter your insurance
FEMA is proposing changes to flood maps for listed communities (Preliminary FIRM date: May 29, 2025). If you live in or own property in those areas, the changes could alter flood zones, base flood elevations, or floodway boundaries and might affect your flood insurance costs and building rules. You can inspect the preliminary maps online and submit comments by April 21, 2026.
Communities must show floodplain measures to stay in NFIP
The preliminary FIRM and FIS reports are the basis of floodplain management measures communities are required to adopt or show they already have to qualify or remain in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If a listed community does not adopt or demonstrate the required measures, its NFIP participation status could be affected. The maps and reports are available online and at local community map repositories.
Appeals process and SRP option available
Communities and other parties can request reconsideration (an appeal) of the revised flood hazard information shown on the preliminary maps. If FEMA and a community consult for at least 60 days without resolving an appeal, the community may ask for a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) to review conflicting technical data; comments on the preliminary maps are due April 21, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-01058, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for several communities, which could change flood zones and insurance rules. If you live in these areas, your flood insurance costs or building rules might change. You’ve got until April 21, 2026, to check the new maps and share your thoughts before the updates become official.