Flood Insurance: How to Renew Your Policy

When Flood Maps Change

Flood hazard maps, also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), are used to identify a property's flood risk. It is important to check these regularly as mapping technology is constantly evolving. Flood risks can change over time due to new development, changes in coastlines, and even mitigation efforts. To ensure all flood maps are as accurate as possible, FEMA is currently updating flood hazard maps across the country.

Map Update Process

Once your flood map has been updated, a preliminary FIRM and report is released, and there is a 90-day public comment period. After comments have been resolved and the FIRM has been finalized, there is a 6-month adoption period to update ordinances while the new maps are printed and distributed. Your community must adopt new floodplain management regulations or amend existing regulations to incorporate the new data, as well as meet any additional requirements that result from data changes.

For flood map inquiries—such as general help, restudy/remapping information, or to order a map—contact FEMA Map Information eXchange, also known as FMIX, at 1-877-336-2627 or visit msc.fema.gov. To determine your flood zone, please contact your local officials.

To see if remapping activities are currently taking place in your community, visit the Map Update Schedule and enter your ZIP Code.

What If Your Flood Zone Changes

Changing flood risks mean that your flood map has been updated to more accurately reflect your true risk. Learn more about how map changes affect flood insurance.

What's My Flood Risk?

Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to locate your flood map to help determine your flood risk.

Floodsmart.gov The official site of the National Flood Insurance Program

Floodsmart.gov The official site of the National Flood Insurance Program

What's My Flood Risk?