New Flood Maps Finalized Just in Time for July
Published Date: 5/18/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Final flood map changes take effect
FEMA finalized changes to flood risk maps (FIRMs) that may include Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries, zone designations, or regulatory floodways, and these changes take effect on July 7, 2026. If you live or rent property in the listed communities in GA, IN, VA, or WV, these map changes could change whether your property is in a high‑risk flood zone and affect flood insurance rules and costs.
Communities must adopt NFIP flood rules
The finalized FIRMs and FIS reports are the basis for the floodplain management measures a community must adopt or show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Local governments in the listed areas must comply with those measures tied to the finalized maps.
You can inspect new maps online or locally
The final FIRMs and, if applicable, the supporting Flood Insurance Study reports will be available for inspection at listed community map repository addresses and online through the FEMA Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov by July 7, 2026. Property owners and lessees are encouraged to review the new maps to understand any changes to flood hazard information.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
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.
2026-09850 — 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.
2026-09847 — Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
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!
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-09852 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in June 2026 to review and decide on important research grant applications. These meetings keep sensitive info private, protecting personal and trade secrets. Scientists applying for grants and the research community should note these dates as they impact funding decisions.