Multiple groups with a stake in protecting their communities from flooding carry out floodplain management functions including zoning, building codes, enforcement, education and other tasks. While FEMA has minimum floodplain management standards for communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), adopting higher standards will lead to safer, stronger, more resilient communities.
We have tools and resources to help communities navigate NFIP requirements and implement higher standards of floodplain management. State and federal agencies, local communities and property owners have a role in reducing flood risk and helping communities become more resilient.
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Join the National Flood Insurance Program
Communities and state, local and tribal governments can adopt flood insurance to help reduce the socio-economic impact of floods.
Learn About the National Flood Insurance Program
Apply to Participate in the National Flood Insurance Program
Manage Floodplain Risk
We have tools and resources to help navigate NFIP requirements and implement higher standards of floodplain management.
- Government officials: Local | State | Tribal
- Resources for Individuals
- Community Engagement Prioritization Tool
- Video on the Value of Floodplain Management
- Floodplain Management Library and Resource Center
Day-to-Day & Post-Disaster Resources
Get Financial Help
There are a number of ways to get financial help to support establishing floodplain management programs that meet and go beyond National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) minimum requirements.
- Community Rating System
- Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element
- Increased Cost of Compliance
- Hazard Mitigation Assistance
- Add a Repetitive Loss Provision to Local Floodplain Management Regulations
View All Financial Resources
Floodplains and Wildlife Conservation
Learn about opportunities for reducing flood risk and lowering community flood insurance premiums while enjoying the benefits of naturally functioning floodplains.
- Benefits of Natural Floodplains
- Conserving Endangered Species
- Reduce Insurance Costs
- Choosing to Develop in a Floodplain
View All Wildlife Conservation Pages
Intergovernmental Collaboration
All levels of government have a responsibility to protect citizens and property from flooding.
- Role of the State and FEMA
- Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force
- Executive Order 11988: Floodplain Management
- Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, 1977
View the Intergovernmental Page
Building Science Products
Building Science involves the study of how natural hazards effect structures, and the work FEMA conducts to create solutions to the challenges our county’s infrastructure faces.
- NFIP Technical Bulletins
- Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) Tool
- Flood Publications
- Hurricane Publications
- Flood Building Codes
View the Building Science Page
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Terminology Index is a collection of floodplain management regulations, policies, technical bulletins, and guidance you can navigate by keyword.