FEMA Locks in New Flood Hazard Maps for Communities
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Notice
Summary
FEMA has finalized updates to flood risk maps for certain communities, changing flood zones and water levels that affect flood insurance rules. Homeowners, renters, and local governments in these areas need to check the new maps by March 3, 2026, because these changes could impact insurance costs and building rules. The updated maps help keep communities safer and insurance programs running smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
New Flood Maps Effective March 3, 2026
FEMA finalized new flood hazard maps for listed communities (including San Diego County, California) that take effect March 3, 2026. If you own or rent property in those areas, you should check the new maps because changes could affect flood insurance costs and local building rules.
Communities Must Adopt Floodplain Rules to Keep NFIP
FEMA states that the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports are the basis of floodplain management measures a community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Specific Map Changes: BFEs, Zones, Floodways
The finalized flood hazard determinations may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and, where applicable, in the Flood Insurance Study reports. These technical changes affect how flood insurance rules are applied.
Maps Available at Repositories and Online
The final FIRM and, where applicable, the FIS report for each listed community will be available for inspection at the community map repository addresses (for San Diego County, see listed local offices) and online through the FEMA Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov) by March 3, 2026. Interested property owners and lessees are encouraged to review these materials.
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Key Dates
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Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15944, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15946, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15943, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15942, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15938, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15941, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09015, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for several 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 have until August 5, 2026, to review and comment on these updates before they become official.
Next: 2026-09017, Certain Aluminum Foil From Brazil: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that certain aluminum foil from Brazil was sold in the U.S. at unfairly low prices between November 2023 and October 2024. This affects Brazilian companies CBA Itapissuma Ltda. and Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio, who may face extra duties to level the playing field. The preliminary results were announced on May 7, 2026, and interested parties can still share their thoughts before final decisions.