Free FEMA Flood Zone Lookup by Address
Query FEMA flood zone data for any US property. Returns zone designation, SFHA status, base flood elevation, FIRM panel, and LOMC amendments.
FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
ArcGIS REST API, Layer 28
3,100+ mapped counties
Synced with FEMA map service
How it works: When you search an address, we geocode it and query FEMA's official NFHL database in real-time. The flood zone, SFHA status, and FIRM panel data comes directly from the federal source. Certified flood determination companies charge $15-30 for an official SFHDF with E&O insurance. We provide the raw data for free research and due diligence.
What This Tool Returns
FEMA flood zone code (AE, X, VE, A, AH) with risk classification
Whether the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area requiring insurance
Flood Insurance Rate Map panel ID, base flood elevation, datum reference
Letters of Map Change (LOMA, LOMR, LOMR-F) that amend the official designation
Download flood zone analysis as a formatted document
Upload CSV to check up to 100 addresses at once
Flood Zone Lookup FAQ
Where does this data come from?
We query FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) in real-time via their official ArcGIS REST API. This is the authoritative federal database that banks, insurance companies, and certified flood determination providers reference.
Is flood insurance required for properties in a flood zone?
If the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), meaning zones starting with A or V, and you have a federally-backed mortgage, flood insurance is required by law. Properties in Zone X (moderate to low risk) are not required to carry flood insurance but may still benefit from coverage.
How is this different from a certified flood determination?
Certified providers charge $15-30 and issue an official Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form (SFHDF) backed by E&O insurance. This tool queries the same FEMA data source but provides results for informational research only, not for official lending compliance.
What is a Letter of Map Change (LOMC)?
A LOMC is an official amendment to FEMA's flood maps. Types include LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment, which removes a property from SFHA based on elevation), LOMR (Letter of Map Revision, which revises flood zone boundaries), and LOMR-F (based on fill placement). This tool checks for active LOMCs.
Can the flood zone change after I buy a property?
Yes. FEMA periodically updates flood maps through map revisions. A property currently in Zone X could be reclassified to a high-risk zone, triggering mandatory insurance requirements. We recommend checking for recent map changes and monitoring LOMC activity.
Flood Zone Guides and Resources
Disclaimer: This tool provides informational data from FEMA's NFHL for research purposes only. It is not a certified flood determination and cannot be used for official lending, insurance, or legal purposes. For official determinations, obtain an SFHDF from a certified provider with E&O insurance coverage.