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44 CFR 59-78FEMAactive

National Flood Insurance Program

Plain English Summary

Makes flood insurance available and requires it for properties in flood zones with federally backed mortgages.

CFR Title
44
CFR Part
59
Effective Date
Aug 1, 1968
Jurisdiction
US

Full Text

The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in participating communities. Communities must adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that meet or exceed FEMA requirements.

Federal law requires flood insurance for properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas that have mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders. FEMA publishes flood maps (FIRMs) that identify flood-prone areas and determine flood insurance rates.

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