Stay Informed

Map Status and What It Means for You

Draft Maps (FIRMs) Published

Flood maps are released in several stages before they become official. The information currently available through MAAPnext represents the Draft stage of the mapping process. These maps provide an early look at updated flood risk information but are not yet official and cannot be used for insurance or permitting decisions.

The Flood Map Update Process

Draft – Shared for internal and technical review
Draft maps are shared with local jurisdictions and technical partners to identify technical issues or mapping discrepancies. Draft maps are provided for awareness only and are not open for formal comments or appeals.

Preliminary (Public Review) – Proposed maps for public input
Once FEMA releases the maps for public review, residents can examine the proposed changes and submit comments and formal appeals. During this period, the maps are not yet effective for regulatory or insurance use.

Final (Effective) – Official regulatory maps
After the review process, FEMA incorporates all approved changes and issues the final, effective maps. These become the official versions used for insurance, permitting, and development.

What You Can Do Now

We are currently in the draft stage of the map update. FEMA is anticipated to release Preliminary maps following completion of its federal review process, giving you a formal opportunity to review and provide feedback. Information about the start of the public review period will be shared on this MAAPnext website and through other public channels.

While the maps posted today provide an early look at updated risk information, they are not yet authoritative. They are intended for informational and educational purposes only and cannot be used for insurance or permitting decisions at this time.

What This Means for You

• You can explore draft flood-risk information now and begin to understand potential changes.

• Because the maps are still in draft form, flood insurance rates and regulatory requirements are not affected at this stage.

• Once the maps reach the Preliminary (public review) stage, you will have a defined period to submit comments or appeals.

• When the maps become final, new flood zone designations may apply based on FEMA’s determinations.

How to Stay Informed

Stay up to date as the maps move through review and adoption:

• Check this site for announcements about future map releases and public review opportunities.

• Learn about how the FEMA appeal and comment process works.

[email protected]

(877) FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627)

Can community input change the final maps?

Public input is a key part of the MAAPnext and FEMA review process. Community engagement ensures that the final maps reflect the most accurate, up-to-date information available for Harris County.

If residents, local governments, or technical experts provide data or documentation showing that a mapped area’s flood risk is inaccurate, FEMA may revise the maps before they become final.

Examples of information that can influence changes include:

New elevation or survey data
Drainage or infrastructure improvements completed after the initial study
Verified local flood history or high-water marks
Technical corrections identified during review

Actionable comments include data, documentation, or information that could affect how the maps are finalized. General feedback or opinions are welcome but are not considered formal comments under FEMA’s review process.

Learn more about the FEMA review and appeal process

How long is the public review and appeal period?

The public review and appeal period lasts 90 days, beginning after FEMA releases the Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Harris County. During this time, residents, community groups, and local governments can review the maps, attend virtual public open houses, and submit comments or appeals.

Note: Actionable comments include data, documentation, or information that could affect how the maps are finalized. General feedback or opinions are welcome but are not considered formal comments under FEMA’s review process.

Notices about the start and end of the 90-day period will be posted on this MAAPnext website, shared through social media, and distributed to local jurisdictions across Harris County.

Where do I submit comments online?

We are currently in the draft stage of the MAAPnext mapping process. Draft maps are shared for informational and educational purposes only and are not open for formal comments or appeals yet.

Once FEMA releases the Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), Harris County residents will be able to review and submit feedback through this MAAPnext website. Comments collected at that stage will be shared with FEMA for awareness, while formal appeals must be submitted directly to FEMA during the official 90-day appeal period.

Learn about FEMA’s Comment and Appeal Process

What’s the difference between Draft, Preliminary, and Final Flood Maps?

Flood maps are released in stages as they move through review and approval:

Draft Maps: These are early versions shared with local officials and Floodplain Administrators for internal review. They help identify technical issues or mapping discrepancies.

Preliminary Maps: Once FEMA reviews and approves the data, Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are released for public review. This is when residents can view their property’s new flood risk and submit comments or appeals during the official 90-day review period.

Final (Effective) Maps: After the public comment and appeal period closes and FEMA incorporates any approved changes, the maps become effective. The effective maps are the official regulatory versions used for flood insurance, permitting, and development decisions.

Understanding which stage the maps are in helps clarify what the data can and cannot be used for. For example, draft and preliminary maps are for education and feedback, while only effective maps determine flood insurance and permitting requirements.