Special flood hazard area
A special flood hazard area (SFHA) is the part of a FEMA map where federal floodplain rules apply and flood insurance is mandatory for federally backed loans.
The special flood hazard area is the part of a FEMA map with the highest flood risk. It covers zones such as A, AE, V and VE. Inside it, local governments must enforce floodplain rules, and the mandatory purchase of flood insurance applies.
A lot inside the SFHA needs extra paperwork, starting with an elevation certificate. The flood insurance rate map shows where the boundary falls. Use our flood zone building guide to plan around it. Zone lines can change when FEMA updates a map, so check the current FIRM for the address.
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