FEMA Updates Flood Maps: Check If Your Zone Just Got Wetter
Published Date: 10/14/2026
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities, which could change flood zones and water levels used for insurance and safety rules. If you live in these areas, your flood insurance and building rules might change, so check the new maps and share your thoughts by January 12, 2027. These updates help keep communities safe and insurance fair, so don’t miss the chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Flood map changes can alter insurance and rules
FEMA is proposing changes to flood maps that may add or modify Base Flood Elevations (BFE), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways. If you live or own property in the listed communities, those map changes could change which areas are in high-risk flood zones and therefore change flood insurance and building requirements. The notice lists affected communities (for example, many jurisdictions in St. Louis County) and references Preliminary FIRM project 19-07-0057S with Preliminary Dates October 17, 2024 and January 29, 2026.
Communities must adopt floodplain measures to keep NFIP
The Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report are the basis for the floodplain management measures a community is required to adopt or show in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This means communities listed must adopt or demonstrate required measures tied to the new maps to maintain NFIP participation.
You can appeal maps and request an expert panel
You may request reconsideration (an appeal) of revised flood hazard information shown on the Preliminary FIRM and FIS if you satisfy data requirements in 44 CFR 67.6(b). If FEMA and a community engage for at least 60 days without a mutually acceptable resolution, the community may use a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) of independent experts to review conflicting technical data and provide recommendations.
Preliminary maps available now — comment by Jan 12, 2027
Preliminary FIRMs and, where applicable, FIS reports for the listed communities are available for inspection online at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and at local Community Map Repositories; current effective maps are at https://msc.fema.gov. FEMA requests comments identified by Docket No. FEMA-B-2631 to be submitted on or before January 12, 2027.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20913, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for several communities, which could change flood zones and rules for flood insurance. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your insurance costs and building rules. You have until January 12, 2027, to review the new maps and share your thoughts before they become final.
2026-20914, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities, which could change flood zones and base flood levels. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your flood insurance and local rules. You have until January 12, 2027, to review and comment on these updates before they become final.
2026-20917, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Starting February 19, 2027, new flood risk maps will take effect for certain communities, showing updated flood zones and water levels. Homeowners, renters, and local officials in these areas should check the changes because they can affect flood insurance costs and building rules. These updates help keep everyone safer and ensure communities stay in the National Flood Insurance Program.
2026-20916, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Starting February 5, 2027, 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 these areas, your flood insurance and building rules might change, so get ready to check the new maps online or at local offices!
2026-20915, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Starting January 22, 2027, new flood risk maps will take effect for certain communities, showing updated flood zones and water levels. Homeowners, businesses, and local governments in these areas will need to follow new rules to stay in the National Flood Insurance Program, which could affect insurance costs and building plans. These changes help keep everyone safer from floods and make sure insurance matches the real risks.
2026-20912, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities, which could change flood zones and rules for flood insurance. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your insurance costs and building rules. You have until January 12, 2027, to review and comment on these updates before they become official.
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