FEMA Finalizes Flood Risks: Time to Buy Higher Furniture?
Published Date: 8/6/2026
Notice
Summary
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).
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Final flood maps for listed communities
FEMA made final flood hazard determinations that may change Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways for the communities listed. The affected communities include areas in Clearwater County, Idaho (including the cities of Elk River, Orofino, Pierce, Weippe and Nez Perce Tribe lands), Nez Perce County, Idaho (including Culdesac, Lapwai, Lewiston, Peck and Nez Perce Tribe lands), and Franklin County, Pennsylvania (Southampton Township). These new map changes take effect October 29, 2026.
Community NFIP compliance requirement
The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports are the basis for floodplain management measures that each listed community is required to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Communities with the final determinations must take those steps to maintain NFIP participation.
Owners and lessees urged to review maps
Owners and lessees of real property in the listed communities are encouraged to review the new or revised FIRM and FIS reports at the local community map repository or online through FEMA's Map Service Center. The new or revised maps will be available by October 29, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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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).