FEMA Redraws Flood Maps and Your Insurance Bill
Published Date: 5/18/2026
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 and costs might change soon. You’ve got 90 days after local notice to ask for a review, so keep an eye out and act fast!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Updated flood maps may change insurance
If you live in or own property in any of the listed communities, FEMA updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (changes to Base Flood Elevations, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries, zone designations, or regulatory floodways). These map changes can change your flood insurance rules and costs; revisions were finalized on the dates shown in the table (examples: Apr. 6, Apr. 10, Apr. 13, Apr. 17, Apr. 29, Apr. 30, May 6, 2026). Check the FEMA Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov) and your local community map repository for the specific changes.
Communities must meet NFIP floodplain rules
The revised FIRMs and FIS reports are the basis of floodplain management measures communities must adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) under 44 CFR 60.3. These determinations are the minimum required; communities may keep or enact stricter local ordinances.
90-day window to request reconsideration
You have 90 days from the second publication of notice in a local newspaper to ask, through your community, that the Assistant Administrator reconsider the flood hazard changes. Any request for reconsideration must be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer of the community as listed in the table, and the flood hazard information may change during that 90-day period.
Use new community number for policies
For the listed communities, the current effective community number shown in the table must be used for all new flood insurance policies and renewals. Insurers and policyholders should reference the community number in the table when buying or renewing coverage.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09957 — National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Assistance to Private Sector Property Insurers, Notice of Adjustment to FY 2027 Arrangement
FEMA is pushing back the start date for its 2027 flood insurance help for private insurers from October 1 to December 1, 2026, because of a government funding delay. This change affects private insurance companies working with the National Flood Insurance Program and means they’ll get financial support a bit later than planned. The update keeps everything on track for the new fiscal year without changing the money involved.
2026-09945 — Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Gaston County, North Carolina, and Incorporated Areas
FEMA is hitting pause on updating flood risk maps for Gaston County, North Carolina, because the county needs to fix its flood maps first. This means no new flood rules or insurance changes will happen right now, but stay tuned—new updates will come soon. If you live or own property there, keep an eye out for future announcements that could affect flood insurance and safety.
2026-09851 — Final Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA has finalized updates to flood risk maps for several communities, changing flood zones and water levels that affect flood insurance rules. Homeowners, renters, and local governments need to check these new maps by July 7, 2026, to stay protected and insured. These changes could impact insurance costs and building rules, so it’s smart to stay informed and prepared!
2026-09850 — Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities using new science and data. These changes might affect flood insurance rules and costs, so residents and businesses should check the updated maps and act fast if they want to appeal within 90 days. The updates take effect on specific dates listed for each community, helping everyone stay safer and smarter about flood risks.
2026-09848 — Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Starting June 10, 2026, several communities will see updated flood risk maps that show new or changed flood zones and water levels. These changes affect homeowners, renters, and local governments by guiding flood insurance rules and safety plans. If you live in or own property in these areas, expect updates that could impact insurance costs and building rules.
2026-09237 — Notice of Adjustment of Public Assistance Thresholds for Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection Review Process
FEMA just fixed a mix-up about when new dollar limits for floodplain and wetlands reviews kick in for disaster aid projects. These updated thresholds now apply to all major disasters declared by the President on or after October 1, 2025, no matter when the disaster actually started. This means more disaster projects can benefit from easier review rules, saving time and money for communities recovering from big events.
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Starting June 10, 2026, several communities will see updated flood risk maps that show new or changed flood zones and water levels. These changes affect homeowners, renters, and local governments by guiding flood insurance rules and safety plans. If you live in or own property in these areas, expect updates that could impact insurance costs and building rules.