Short answer: In Arkansas, the Department of Agriculture's Floodplain Management Program administers the NFIP for the state. Special Flood Hazard Areas show on FEMA maps as Zones A, AE, AH, AO and AR, but the program stresses that floods don't stay inside the lines. Any homeowner, business owner or renter in a participating community may buy NFIP coverage, in or out of the floodplain.
This guide is general information for Arkansas property owners and renters about flood risk and the National Flood Insurance Program. It isn't a coverage determination. FEMA maps, your community's floodplain ordinance and your policy wording control.
Who runs it
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture Floodplain Management page says its Floodplain Management Program administers the NFIP for the State of Arkansas. Participation is an agreement: a community adopts and enforces a floodplain ordinance for new construction in flood-prone areas, and the federal government makes flood insurance available there.
Reading the zones
Special Flood Hazard Areas are the part of the floodplain subject to the base (100-year) flood and/or flood-related erosion; on FIRMs they appear as Zones A, AE, AH, AO and AR. Arkansas flooding can come from storms, dam or levee failures, or new development that changes how water flows above and below ground. The program's warning: not all flood events occur in the SFHA—many are local, affecting a few watersheds.
Who to call
- Permits and local flood information: your community's building permit, engineering or planning office (the state program can also help)
- Flood insurance: your insurance agent—most insurers can write an NFIP policy—or the NFIP's toll-free line listed on the state page
Coverage
The department notes many people discover after a flood that homeowner or business property policies don't cover flood, and federal disaster grants don't cover most losses. Quote NFIP through FloodSmart; check your map on the FEMA Map Service Center. Most new policies wait 30 days.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Arkansas.
Frequently asked questions
Who administers the NFIP in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Floodplain Management Program.
Can I buy flood insurance in Arkansas if I'm outside the floodplain?
Yes—anyone in a participating community can buy NFIP coverage, in or out of the floodplain.
What Arkansas flood zones are high risk?
Special Flood Hazard Areas: Zones A, AE, AH, AO and AR.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.