Short answer: Maryland, through the Department of the Environment, has been systematically updating community flood maps to digital FIRMs (DFIRMs). MDE's flood-map outreach site walks homeowners through current risk on the effective map and future risk on the preliminary DFIRM, and it urges people who will newly enter the floodplain to buy insurance before the map becomes effective so they may keep a preferred rate.
This guide is general information for Maryland 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.
Check both the effective and preliminary maps
The state's Maryland DFIRM outreach site explains that Maryland, with FEMA, has been updating FIRMs community by community. The homeowner tools on mdfloodmaps.net/homeowners.html let you compare:
- Current risk on the effective FIRM
- Future risk on the preliminary DFIRM
MDE notes that maps are released on a community schedule and that acting while maps are still preliminary can save money.
Preferred-rate timing
That same homeowners page says: if your building is not currently in the floodplain but will be under the updated DFIRM, get insurance before the updated maps become effective, because you may qualify for a plan at a reduced rate. If you're already mapped in, still re-check your zone when a preliminary map posts.
Quote NFIP through FloodSmart. New policies generally wait 30 days.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Maryland.
Frequently asked questions
Who updates Maryland flood maps?
Maryland Department of the Environment, working with FEMA on digital FIRMs.
Should I buy flood insurance before a Maryland map becomes effective?
If you'll newly enter the floodplain, MDE says buying before the map takes effect may preserve a reduced rate.
Where do I compare Maryland flood maps?
Use the tools at mdfloodmaps.net.
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.