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FEMA flood maps take effect June 18, 2025; local municipalities must adopt compliant ordinances to retain NFIP eligibility
Summary
FEMA issued a letter of final determination that begins a six‑month period before updated flood maps take effect on June 18, 2025, county planning staff told the committee.
The Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability told the Planning, Energy and Environmental Quality Committee on Jan. 13 that FEMA issued a letter of final determination that starts a six‑month clock before updated flood maps become effective on June 18, 2025.
Commissioner Katie Borgella said the date matters because municipalities must adopt a flood damage prevention ordinance that references the new maps and submit it for state review if they want residents to remain eligible for the federally backed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Borgella said her office, led in part by Abigail Connor, has compiled resources and is planning a public website (expected late February) with guidance and frequently asked questions about what the new maps mean and where residents can get information.
Why it matters: When FEMA updates flood maps, communities need compliant local ordinances to maintain participation in the NFIP; without a compliant local ordinance, property owners may lose access to federally backed flood insurance tied to mortgage conditions. County staff emphasized homeowners should consult insurance agents for coverage questions because FEMA cannot answer individual policy details.
What staff said
- FEMA letter and timeline: Borgella said FEMA issued a “letter of final determination” and that June 18, 2025 is the date when the maps will go into effect. The six‑month interval is the period municipalities can use to adopt updated ordinances.
- Municipal responsibility: Borgella said local municipalities must adopt a flood damage prevention ordinance that cites the new maps as prevailing flood data and submit the ordinance for state review to remain eligible for the NFIP; she noted the county will communicate with municipalities about next steps.
- Outreach and resources: Planning staff are preparing a website (likely late February) with materials and videos to help residents understand flood insurance questions and the ordinance adoption process. Borgella said the county and FEMA recommend residents contact their individual insurance agent for policy‑specific questions.
Questions raised at the meeting
- A legislator asked whether residents would lose access to federallly backed flood insurance if a municipality does not adopt the ordinance; Borgella confirmed the NFIP is the federally backed program and that lack of a compliant local ordinance affects eligibility.
- Staff clarified the NFIP is not being phased out but has new rating rules (“Risk Rating 2.0”) and changes in how risk and premiums are calculated; homeowners should consult their insurance agents for specifics.
Ending: Planning staff said they will continue municipal outreach and produce web resources to support the public during the six‑month adoption window ahead of the June 18 effective date.
