Flood maps, known officially as Flood Insurance Rate Maps, show areas of high- and moderate- to low-flood risk.
Communities use the maps to set minimum building requirements for coastal areas and floodplains; lenders use them to determine flood insurance requirements.
Special Flood Hazard Areas are high-risk areas.
All home and business owners in high-risk areas with mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders are required to buy flood insurance.
Non-Special Flood Hazard Areas are moderate-to-low risk areas.
Flood insurance isn't federally required in moderate- to- low-risk areas, but it is recommended for all property owners and renters.
Some flood maps also include areas where there are possible but undetermined flood hazards or unstudied areas.
NFIP is administered by FEMA, which works closely with more than 80 private insurance companies to offer flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners.
Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters, condo owners/renters, and commercial owners/renters.
In order to qualify for flood insurance, the home or business must be in a community that has joined the NFIP and agreed to enforce sound floodplain management standards.
You can only purchase flood insurance through an insurance agent; you cannot buy it directly from the NFIP.
Local governments pass and enforce regulations for designated SFHAs.
Contact local floodplain administrators for more information on specific local requirements.
