FEMA flood map notices
Flood map changes in Massachusetts
Since November 2023, FEMA has published flood hazard notices covering 10 of Massachusetts's 14 counties.
| County | Notices | Most recent | Appeal window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essex County | 21 | Aug 21, 2026 | — |
| Plymouth County | 9 | Aug 21, 2026 | — |
| Norfolk County | 3 | Aug 6, 2026 | — |
| Barnstable County | 3 | Jul 9, 2026 | — |
| Middlesex County | 7 | Jul 9, 2026 | — |
| Bristol County | 2 | May 7, 2026 | — |
| Berkshire County | 2 | Jan 29, 2026 | — |
| Worcester County | 5 | Jan 21, 2026 | — |
| Franklin County | 1 | Aug 20, 2025 | — |
| Suffolk County | 4 | Apr 18, 2024 | — |
All counties in Massachusetts
What these notices mean
- Proposed
- FEMA has new draft flood maps. This starts a 90-day window when owners can appeal with technical data. It's the best time to act.
- Final
- Appeals are resolved. The new maps usually take effect about six months later, when lenders start applying the new zones.
- Map revision
- A Letter of Map Revision changes one stretch of the map, often after a levee, channel project or new survey.
Notices are organized by county and community, so a notice for your county doesn't mean your property is changing zones. What flood zones mean