FEMA Q3 Flood Zones from Paper FIRMs where NFHL Data Unavailable

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) dataset represents the current effective flood risk data for those parts of the country where maps have been modernized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) dataset represents the current effective flood risk data for those parts of the country where maps have been modernized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The data in this service was published by FEMA as of July 18, 2025 (Latest Study Effective Date = 07/08/2025; Latest LOMR Effective Date = 07/09/2025). Also see the Feature Service and Tile service. See full details.

MassGIS Data: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) Full MassGIS metadata: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massgis-data-fema-national-flood-hazard-layer

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data incorporates all Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and any Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. It is updated on a monthly basis. The FIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper FIRMs. The FIRM Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The FIRM Database is derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published FIRMs, flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data, where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by FEMA. The NFHL is available as State or US Territory data sets. Each State or Territory data set consists of all FIRM Databases and corresponding LOMRs available on the publication date of the data set. The specification for the horizontal control of FIRM Databases is consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:12,000. This file is georeferenced to the Earth's surface using the Geographic Coordinate System (GCS) and North American Datum of 1983.

FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer Flood Hazard Zones. Map services is configured to be rendered at a scale of 1:145,000 or larger. Disclaimer: This product is for informational purposes only and may not be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an official survey and represents only the approximate relative location of features and boundaries. Mapping may not necessarily reflect on-the-ground conditions. This product and those involved in its production make no claims as to the accuracy or reliability of the data, and neither assumes, nor will accept liability for their use.

Important Note: This item is in mature support as of November 2018 and will be retired in December 2020.  A new version of this item is available for your use. Esri recommends updating your maps and apps to use the new version. Note: This data was acquired in 2013. The FEMA Mapping Products web page may have more recent data for your area of interest. Flood Hazard Mapping is an important part of the U.S. National Flood Insurance Program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency publishes Flood Insurance Rate Maps that show areas where the annual likelihood of a flood is 1% or greater (Special Flood Hazard Areas). Because standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage the congress created the National Flood Insurance Program in 1968. In participating communities homeowners and renters are able to by federally-backed flood insurance. Dataset Summary This layer's data represents Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) data. This data is based upon the original vector data from FIRM. These data are important for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data present the flood risk information depicted on the FIRM in a digital format suitable for use in electronic mapping applications. The NFHL database is a subset of the information created for the Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) and serves as a means to archive a portion of the information collected during the FIS. The NFHL data incorporates Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) databases published by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  This layer initially shows the flood zones by FEMA Flood Zone Designations with this symbology: The layer covers the continental U.S. What can you do with this layer? The vector features for this layer can be used for visualization and analysis in ArcGIS. The features in this layer are only visible at scales larger than 1:1,155,582.