Short answer: Maine statute places the Floodplain Management Program inside the Office of Community Affairs and designates it the state coordinating agency for the National Flood Insurance Program. A companion statute creates a State Floodplain Mapping Fund to pay for LiDAR-based floodplain mapping. The program helps towns join or stay in the NFIP with model ordinances, maps and workshops.
This guide is general information for Maine 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.
Written into Maine law
5 M.R.S. 3223 establishes the floodplain management program within the office and says the office shall serve as the state coordinating agency for the NFIP under 44 CFR Part 60. In that role it oversees technical assistance and resources to municipalities. The Maine Office of Community Affairs Floodplain Management Program page explains the program helps communities join or stay in the NFIP with workshops, model ordinances and permits, maps and technical information, and notes that mortgage lending and disaster aid are severely limited in non-participating communities.
Mapping fund
5 M.R.S. 3224 creates the State Floodplain Mapping Fund, a dedicated nonlapsing fund administered by the office to map floodplains using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology. Newer LiDAR-based maps can change who sits in a Special Flood Hazard Area, so re-check your zone when your town's maps update.
Coverage
Maine property policies generally exclude flood. Quote NFIP through FloodSmart. Most new policies have a 30-day waiting period; coastal and river ice-jam flooding don't wait for you.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Maine.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Maine's NFIP state coordinating agency?
The Floodplain Management Program, designated by 5 M.R.S. 3223.
What is Maine's State Floodplain Mapping Fund for?
LiDAR-based floodplain mapping under 5 M.R.S. 3224.
Can I buy NFIP flood insurance in a Maine town that doesn't participate?
No. The program notes flood insurance is available only in participating communities.
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.