---
title: "What Is Flood insurance rate map? Building Glossary"
description: "A flood insurance rate map (FIRM) is the official FEMA map that shows flood zones and base flood elevations for a community."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/flood-insurance-rate-map
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

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# Flood insurance rate map

A flood insurance rate map (FIRM) is the official FEMA map that shows flood zones and base flood elevations for a community.

FEMA defines the FIRM as the official map of a community. It marks the [special flood hazard areas](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/special-flood-hazard-area), the base flood elevations and the risk premium zones. The FEMA Flood Map Service Center is the official place to find it online.

Start with the FIRM before you shop for land. It tells you the zone and the [base flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/base-flood-elevation) for a street address. The City of Tampa also answers flood zone questions by phone at no charge. See [building in a flood zone](https://build813.multisites.ai/build-in-a-flood-zone-tampa) for next steps.

[Halo Homes can helpCustom home construction](https://build813.multisites.ai/services/custom-home-construction)

## Related terms

-   [Special flood hazard area](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/special-flood-hazard-area)
-   [Base flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/base-flood-elevation)
-   [FEMA flood zone AE](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/fema-flood-zone-ae)
-   [Elevation certificate](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/elevation-certificate)

## Sources

1.  [FEMA: Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)](https://www.fema.gov/about/glossary/flood-insurance-rate-map-firm)
2.  [FEMA: Flood Maps](https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps)

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## Start your home.

Tell Halo about your lot, your plans and your timing. A call or a short note is enough to begin.

[Start your home](https://build813.multisites.ai/contact)

Or call [(813) 956-1972](tel:+1-813-956-1972)