FEMA Locks In Flood Zones: Your Backyard Now Officially Swampy?
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.
Communities must adopt floodplain rules to stay in NFIP
For each listed community, the FIRM and FIS reports are the basis of floodplain management measures that the community is required to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If your community is listed, local officials must take those steps to maintain their NFIP participation.
New flood maps final on Nov 13, 2026
If you live in one of the listed communities, the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and, where applicable, supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports become final on November 13, 2026. The new maps will be available for inspection at the community map repository addresses listed in the notice and online through the FEMA Map Service Center by that date.
Owners and lessees encouraged to review new maps
The notice encourages interested property owners and lessees in the listed communities to review the new or revised FIRM and FIS reports at the community map repository addresses shown in the notice or online through the FEMA Map Service Center by November 13, 2026. Reviewing the maps can show whether a property’s flood hazard designation has changed.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20497, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request; Elevation Certificate/Floodproofing Certificate.
FEMA is asking for public feedback on extending the use of Elevation and Floodproofing Certificates, which help communities manage flood risks and keep buildings safe. This affects homeowners, builders, and local officials who deal with flood insurance and construction rules. Comments are open until November 6, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a chance to keep these important forms working smoothly.
2026-20458, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request; Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs
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2026-19854, Notice of Maximum Amount of Assistance Under the Individuals and Households Program
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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).
Next: 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).