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LOMA and LOMR-F guidance

Glossary

Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)

A LOMA is FEMA's official determination that a property sits on natural high ground above the Base Flood Elevation.

A Letter of Map Amendment, or LOMA, is FEMA's official letter recognizing that a property or structure is on naturally high ground and was incorrectly included in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Once issued, a LOMA typically removes the mandatory flood insurance requirement tied to a federally backed mortgage.

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Key takeaways

A LOMA applies only when the ground is naturally high — no fill or grading is involved.
It does not change the FEMA map itself; it is a property-specific determination.
Receiving a LOMA can eliminate the mandatory flood insurance requirement for your mortgage.
An Elevation Certificate or survey is usually required to support the application.

Why it matters

Homeowners often pay for flood insurance they do not actually need because their property sits above the flood level.
A LOMA is the simplest and most common FEMA determination for removing a property from a high-risk zone.
Lenders are legally required to honor a LOMA and drop the mandatory insurance requirement.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take FEMA to process a LOMA?

FEMA's standard processing time for a LOMA is about 60 days from the date they receive a complete application. If you use the eLOMA pathway through a licensed surveyor, you can receive a determination in as little as one business day.

Does a LOMA cost money?

There is no fee from FEMA to request a LOMA. However, you will likely need to pay a licensed surveyor for an Elevation Certificate or other supporting documentation, and you may choose to hire a consultant to prepare the application.

Can a LOMA be reversed?

Yes. If FEMA publishes a new or revised flood map for your area, a previously issued LOMA can be superseded. You would need to verify that your property still qualifies under the new map data and may need to reapply.

What is the difference between a LOMA and a LOMR-F?

A LOMA applies when the property is on natural high ground — the land was never in the floodplain to begin with based on its natural elevation. A LOMR-F applies when fill dirt or grading was added to raise the property above the flood level. The distinction matters because FEMA uses different criteria and documentation for each.

Do I still need flood insurance after getting a LOMA?

Once FEMA issues a LOMA, your lender must remove the mandatory flood insurance requirement. You may still choose to keep a policy voluntarily, and FEMA recommends doing so since flood risk is not zero outside the SFHA. A Preferred Risk Policy is a lower-cost option available in that situation.