FEMA Updates Flood Maps with New Scientific Data
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood maps for certain communities using new science, changing flood risk zones and water levels. If you live or own property in these areas, your flood insurance rules might change soon, so check the new maps online or locally. You’ve got 90 days after local notice to ask for a review, so don’t wait if you want to challenge the changes!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Flood maps changed for listed communities
FEMA revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and, where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the notice, changing Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries, zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. These revisions were finalized on dates shown in the table (examples include April 2, 2026 and up through April 20, 2026). If you live or own property in those listed communities, the mapped flood hazards for your property may now be different.
Communities must use FIRMs/FIS to meet NFIP rules
The notice says the FIRM and FIS reports are the basis of the floodplain management measures that each community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Communities may also enact stricter local requirements at any time.
90-day window to request map review
From the date of the second publication of local newspaper notification, any person has 90 days to ask the community to request that FEMA reconsider the flood hazard changes. Requests for reconsideration must be submitted through the community to the Assistant Administrator, Federal Insurance Directorate; the notice also directs submitting comments and appeals to the Chief Executive Officer listed for each community.
Use current community number for policies
The notice states the current effective community number shown in the table must be used for all new flood insurance policies and renewals for the listed communities. Check the table in the notice or FEMA's Map Service Center to identify the current effective community number for your location.
Revised maps available online and locally
Revised flood hazard maps and supporting information for each listed community are available for inspection at the online locations (for example, https://msc.fema.gov) and at the community map repository addresses given in the table. The notice instructs interested persons to inspect these resources for the specific changes that affect their property.
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