Free FEMA Flood Zone Lookupby Address
Check your property's FEMA flood zone, SFHA status, and Base Flood Elevation from the National Flood Hazard Layer. Free, instant, no sign-up required.
Data queried in real-time from the FEMA NFHL. Maps are updated regularly - make sure your flood zone is current.
What This Tool Returns
Every lookup returns these data points directly from FEMA's federal database.
FEMA flood zone code (AE, X, VE, A, AH) with risk classification and zone subtype.
Whether the property falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area where flood insurance is required for federally-backed mortgages.
Flood Insurance Rate Map panel ID, base flood elevation, and vertical datum reference.
Letters of Map Change (LOMA, LOMR, LOMR-F) that amend the official flood zone designation.
Download flood zone analysis as a formatted document
Flood Zone Lookup FAQ
Where does FludZone get its flood zone data?
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.
How do I check if a property is in a flood zone?
Enter the property address in FludZone's free search tool. We'll instantly show you the FEMA flood zone designation, whether flood insurance is required for federally-backed mortgages, and the property's flood risk level based on official FEMA data.
Do I need flood insurance if my property is in a flood zone?
If the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) - zones starting with A or V - and you have a federally regulated or government-backed mortgage, federal law generally requires your lender to ensure you carry flood insurance. Properties in Zone X (moderate to low risk) are not subject to the federal mandate, but lenders may still require coverage and it is often recommended.
How is this different from a certified flood determination?
Certified providers charge $15-30 and issue a Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form (SFHDF) backed by E&O insurance. That is the certified determination required for lending. This tool queries the same FEMA data source but provides results for research and informational purposes only.
What flood zones require flood insurance?
Flood zones A, AE, AH, AO, AR, A99, V, and VE are Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) where federal law generally requires lenders to ensure flood insurance is in place for federally regulated or government-backed mortgages. Zone X (shaded) has moderate risk, and Zone X (unshaded) has minimal risk.
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), LOMR (Letter of Map Revision), and LOMR-F (for properties raised above the BFE with fill). This tool checks for active LOMCs.
Flood Zone Guides and Resources
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.
Why Is This Free?
Other services charge $15-30 for flood zone lookups. We don't. The flood zone data itself is public information from FEMA. Certified providers charge for liability coverage (E&O insurance) and the official certification stamp. We believe you should be able to research flood risk before you're under contract, without paying for a certification you don't need yet.
We query the exact same NFHL database that banks and insurance companies use.
No email capture, no forced sign-ups, no hidden paywalls. Results shown instantly.
Your lender will order a certified determination when needed. Until then, use ours for free.
Disclaimer: This tool provides flood zone data from FEMA's NFHL for research and informational purposes only. It is not a certified flood zone determination and does not replace the Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form (SFHDF) required for lending or insurance. For a certified determination, contact a licensed flood determination provider with E&O insurance.