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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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: 2026-09850, 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.