Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Morris County, N.J.
90-Day Appeal and Comment Period Underway for Proposed Flood Map Updates

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is inviting the community to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period regarding its proposed updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Morris County, New Jersey – updates that could impact the use of properties near the special flood hazard area (SFHA). The appeal and comment period began Sept. 25, 2026, and is the latest step in a flood mapping process that has been underway for several years. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the revised preliminary flood maps to better understand local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

To file an appeal or written comment: See press release

FEMA Milestones for Morris County Flood Mapping

  • 2022-2024 — Regular coordination meetings with local officials on mapping progress.
  • Dec. 20, 2024 — Flood Risk Review meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
  • Nov. 17, 2025 — Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps released.
  • Jan. 8, 2026 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review the preliminary maps and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinances and flood insurance.
  • Jan. 8 and 13, 2026 — Public open house meetings to review the preliminary maps.
  • Sept. 25, 2026 — 90-day appeal and comment period begins.
  • Late 2027/Early 2028* — New Flood Insurance Rate Maps expected to become effective and any applicable flood insurance requirements to take effect. (*The timeline is subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place. Before the maps become final, eligible communities and other interested parties can identify potential errors or questions about the information and submit appeals or written comments.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 2 and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted a virtual meeting on the Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map update for 36 of the 39 jurisdictions in Morris County for Community Officials. The combined FEMA partial countywide update and NJDEP partial map revision (PMR) projects received a preliminary issuance on November 17, 2025. The data can be downloaded from the FEMA Map Service Center, or viewed through FEMA's data viewer. This link contains the preliminary data and previous versions for comparison. A User Guide on how to use the tool is available for download on the page.

Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) municipalities' maps were on a separate track than these 36 municipalities. FEMA has finished generating new flood maps for those three (3) municipalities (Lincoln Park, Montville and Pequannock). The maps and data are effective as of August 19, 2025. The maps and data can be found here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch

Learn What Goes Into a Flood Map.(PDF, 10MB)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) which delineate special flood hazard areas and specific flood risk zones.  This information is used to determine:

  • flood insurance requirements
  • flood insurance rates
  • where local floodplain development regulations apply

FEMA continues to work on updating the Morris County FIRMs. Until these new preliminary FIRMs are formally adopted, the existing FIRMs will remain in effect as the basis of flood insurance premiums/rates and floodplain regulations. 

This updated flood hazard information will help municipalities, residents and businesses plan for and reduce the risk from flooding in the future.  Start taking steps now to keep your communities and families safe from flood risk.

Know Your Risk

Understand the risk of(PDF, 2MB) flooding in your area so that you will know how future floods may affect you and if specific flood insurance and building requirements apply to your property (or will apply in the future). View the preliminary FIRMs to find out your specific flood risk.

Know Your Role

Learn about your role in the map update process as a municipal official or as a property owner (homeowner, renter or business owner) and how you can reduce flood risk to your property and your community.

Take Action!

Use FEMA flood hazard data to make informed decisions to reduce your flood risk, such as rebuilding/recovery efforts or purchasing flood insurance.

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