FEMA Locks in New Flood Zones Starting August
Published Date: 6/11/2026
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 will need to follow new flood safety rules starting August 4, 2026. These changes could impact insurance costs and building requirements, so it’s a good idea to check the updated maps online or at local offices.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Flood map changes for Sabine County
FEMA finalized new flood hazard information for Sabine County, Texas (including the Cities of Hemphill and Pineland). The changes — such as Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries, and regulatory floodways — take effect August 4, 2026 and can change flood insurance rules, insurance costs, and building requirements. The updated Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report will be available online at the FEMA Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov) and at the local community map repositories listed in the notice.
Communities must adopt new NFIP measures
Communities listed in the notice (Sabine County and its incorporated areas including Hemphill and Pineland) must adopt or show evidence of floodplain management measures based on the new FIRM and FIS in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This requirement is tied to the finalized flood hazard information that becomes effective August 4, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11671, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities based on new science, changing flood zones and water levels. If you live or own property in these areas, your flood insurance rules might change, possibly affecting costs. You’ve got 90 days after local notice to ask for a review before changes become final, so stay alert and check the updated maps online!
Next: 2026-11673, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Starting July 21, 2026, certain communities will see updated flood risk maps that show new or changed flood zones and water levels. These updates affect homeowners, renters, and local officials who must follow new rules to stay in the National Flood Insurance Program. The changes could impact insurance costs and building plans, so everyone should check the updated maps online or at local offices.