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Glossary

Flood Determination

A flood determination is the process lenders use to check whether a property falls inside a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area.

A flood determination is the formal process by which a lender checks whether a property is located inside a Special Flood Hazard Area on the current FEMA flood map. When you apply for a mortgage, your lender is required by law to obtain a flood determination, and if the result shows your property is in the SFHA, you will be required to purchase flood insurance.

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Key takeaways

Lenders are legally required to obtain a flood determination for every mortgage loan.
The determination is usually performed by a third-party flood determination company, not the lender itself.
A flood determination that places you in the SFHA triggers the mandatory flood insurance requirement.
If you believe the determination is wrong, a LOMA or LOMR-F is the process to challenge it.

Why it matters

A flood determination is often the first time a homeowner learns their property is mapped in a flood zone.
Understanding this process explains why you suddenly need flood insurance even if your home has never flooded.
A LOMA directly addresses and can override an incorrect flood determination.

Frequently asked questions

Who performs a flood determination?

Flood determinations are typically performed by specialized third-party companies that lenders contract with. These companies check the property's location against the current FEMA flood maps and issue a determination form (the Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form) to the lender.

Can a flood determination be wrong?

Yes. Flood determinations are based on mapping, and FEMA maps do not always reflect the actual ground conditions at a specific property. If your property sits on high ground that the map does not capture, the determination may incorrectly place you in the SFHA. A LOMA is the process to correct this.

How much does a flood determination cost?

The cost is typically $15 to $30 and is usually included in your closing costs when you get a mortgage. The lender passes this fee through to the flood determination company. You generally do not need to arrange this yourself.

What happens if my flood determination says I am in a flood zone?

If the determination places your property in the SFHA, your lender will require you to purchase flood insurance before closing. You can accept this and buy a policy, or you can challenge the determination by applying for a LOMA or LOMR-F if you believe the map is inaccurate for your property.

Does a flood determination expire?

The determination is tied to the loan and the effective map at the time. If FEMA issues new maps for your area, the lender may need to obtain a new determination. Life-of-loan monitoring services automatically notify lenders when map changes affect their portfolio.