Free flood zone check
Check Your FEMA Flood Zone by Address
Enter any US property address to instantly look up the current FEMA flood zone and Base Flood Elevation from the National Flood Hazard Layer. Free, fast, and no account required.
Free flood zone check
Look up your FEMA flood zone in 10 seconds.
Enter a property address to see the current FEMA flood zone and Base Flood Elevation pulled live from the National Flood Hazard Layer. No account, no fee.
What you will see
- • FEMA flood zone (A, AE, V, X, D, etc.)
- • Static Base Flood Elevation when available
- • Whether the zone typically triggers mandatory flood insurance
- • Whether the property may be a LOMA or LOMR-F candidate
Have an Elevation Certificate or lender letter already? Upload it with the review so a specialist can confirm next steps.
Flood zone designations
What does your flood zone mean?
FEMA assigns flood zone designations based on the level of flood risk in an area. The zone determines whether flood insurance is required and whether the property may qualify for a map change.
High risk
Zone A / AE
Special Flood Hazard Area with a 1% annual chance of flooding. Flood insurance is mandatory for federally backed mortgages. Zone AE includes a published Base Flood Elevation.
LOMA eligibility →Coastal high hazard
Zone V / VE
Coastal areas subject to storm-driven wave action in addition to flooding. Zone VE includes a published BFE. Flood insurance is required.
Moderate risk
Zone X (shaded)
Areas with a 0.2% annual chance of flooding (500-year floodplain). Flood insurance is not typically required but is recommended.
Minimal risk
Zone X (unshaded)
Areas outside the 500-year floodplain. No mandatory flood insurance requirement from lenders.
Undetermined
Zone D
Flood hazard has not been determined. Lenders may still require flood insurance. A review can help confirm whether a map change is possible.
How it works
How this flood zone lookup works
1
Enter a property address
Type or select a US street address. The address is geocoded using the US Census Bureau geocoder to find precise latitude and longitude coordinates.
2
Query FEMA flood data
The coordinates are sent to the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) to look up the current flood zone designation and any published Base Flood Elevation.
3
See results and next steps
The tool returns the FEMA flood zone, BFE when available, and guidance on whether the property may be a candidate for a LOMA or LOMR-F.
Important distinction
Flood zone lookup vs. formal flood determination
This free lookup queries live FEMA data and returns the same flood zone shown on the official FEMA flood map. It is useful for quick property research, due diligence, and understanding whether mandatory flood insurance may apply.
A formal flood determination is a separate process performed by a licensed determination company, typically ordered by a lender during a mortgage transaction. If you believe the mapped zone does not reflect your property's actual elevation, a LOMA or LOMR-F may change the designation.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What flood zone is my property in?
Use the lookup tool on this page. Enter your full street address, city, state, and ZIP code. The tool queries live FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer data and returns the flood zone designation within seconds.
Is this flood zone lookup free?
Yes. This tool is completely free with no account required. It uses the same FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer data that is publicly available.
How accurate is a free flood zone lookup?
The lookup uses live FEMA NFHL data and US Census Bureau geocoding. It provides the same zone designation shown on official FEMA flood maps. However, it is informational and does not replace a formal flood determination issued by a licensed determination company.
Do I need flood insurance if I am in a flood zone?
If your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (zones starting with A or V), lenders on federally backed mortgages are required to mandate flood insurance. Zone X properties generally do not require mandatory coverage but may still benefit from it.
What is Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?
The Base Flood Elevation is the height to which floodwater is expected to rise during the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, commonly called the 100-year flood. BFE is a key factor in determining whether a property qualifies for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).
Can I get my property removed from a flood zone?
If your property sits above the Base Flood Elevation, you may be eligible for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) for natural high ground or a Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) if the site was elevated using earthen fill. Both are formal FEMA processes that can change the mapped flood zone for a specific property.
What is the difference between this tool and the FEMA Flood Map Service Center?
This tool queries the same underlying dataset, the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL), that powers the official FEMA flood maps. The difference is convenience: you get an instant answer for a specific address without navigating the FEMA Map Service Center interface.
Related pages
Continue your research
LOMA: Letter of Map Amendment
For properties on natural high ground above the Base Flood Elevation.
LOMR-F: Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill
For properties elevated using earthen fill before construction.
LOMA Eligibility
Check whether a property meets the basic criteria for a LOMA.
LOMA Cost
Understand the costs involved in preparing and submitting a LOMA.
Flood Insurance After a LOMA
What happens to flood insurance after a successful map change.
Start Eligibility Review
Get a specialist review of your property for LOMA or LOMR-F eligibility.
Not sure what to do next?
Start a guided eligibility review to find out whether your property may qualify for a LOMA or LOMR-F, or call to speak with a specialist.
Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm Central. Or email [email protected].