Floodplain Management

Floodplain management is a community-based effort to prevent or reduce the risk of flooding, resulting in a more resilient community.
Illustration of a construction worker with a measuring tape in a flood
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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

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Manage Floodplain Risk

We have tools and resources to help navigate NFIP requirements and implement higher standards of floodplain management.

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.

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.

View All Wildlife Conservation Pages

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.

View the Building Science Page

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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.