This fall, the federal government was shut down for a record 43 days, suspending or scaling back all federal programs, with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program among them. As of November 12, 2025, the NFIP's authorization was extended into next year.
If a policy was set to renew over the course of the shutdown (October 1 - December 1, 2025), the grace period has extended.
| If a policy term ended on: |
The grace period would have ended: |
But now runs until: |
| October 1, 2025 |
October 1, 2025 |
January 15, 2026 |
| October 15, 2025 |
November 13, 2025 |
January 15, 2026 |
| November 15, 2025 |
December 14, 2025 |
January 15, 2026 |
| December 1, 2025 |
December 30, 2025 |
January 15, 2026 |
While the program is fully operational again, it is important to understand how the it is effected during a shut down or lapsed fund event.
- No new or renewed NFIP policies can be issued
- Existing policies remain active until their expiration date
-
Claims can still be paid, but only as long as FEMA has funds available
-
Private flood insurance is not affected
Without this NFIP coverage, home sales in flood zones may be delayed or canceled, and lenders may refuse to close mortgages without proof of flood insurance.
During shutdown, policy holders can:
- Check policy status: Be sure coverage is still active
- Talk to your lender/insurer: If you need options for buying, selling or refinancing
- Document any flood damage and file claims promptly if needed
The State NFIP Coordinator’s Office has worked on updating the language in the model code coordinated ordinance for ordinary maintenance and minor work. In previous editions of the model ordinance, a floodplain development permit was required for all ordinary maintenance and minor work. In the new edition, proposals solely for improvements defined as ordinary maintenance would not require a floodplain development permit. If any part of the proposed work requires a Uniform Construction Code, Flood Hazard Area Control Act or other permits, all work (including ordinance maintenance) must be included in the total cost of work and evaluated by the floodplain administrator though a floodplain development permit.
To view the latest edition of the Model Code Coordinated Ordinance, please visit our .
FEMA and NJDEP will be holding their Consultation Coordination Officer (CCO) meeting for Mercer/Morris counties to discuss preliminary maps in the beginning of next year.
Mercer County will host their meeting January 6, 2026 10:30 am - 12 at the Lawrence Township Police Department to present preliminary maps to portions of the Assunpink and the entire West Branch Shabakunk Creek.
Morris county will host their meeting January 8, 2026 10:30 am - 12 at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy for suggested preliminary map updates for the entire County.
The associated Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) will be made available for download here. There will be a 90-day appeal period once documents have been released.
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Residents of Morris and Mercer Counties are invited to discuss their updated flood maps at upcoming Open House(s) next month. Residents may search and review the preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) here. Morris County residents can use the Old Paper Effective vs. New Digital Preliminary Data Viewer to compare the new preliminary maps to the current digital effective maps.
Mercer County Day 1
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
3:00 to 7:00 p.m. ET
Location:
Hamilton Township Library
1 Justice Samuel A. Alito
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Morris County Day 1
Thursday, January 8, 2026
3:00 to 7:00 p.m. ET
Location:
Morris County Public Safety Training Academy
500 West Hanover Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
Morris County Day 2
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
4:00 to 8:00 p.m. ET
Location:
Chester Library
250 West Main Street
Chester, NJ 07930
There is no formal presentation at the Open House. Residents may choose to attend either day and are welcome to arrive at any time during the event. At the Open House, attendees will have the opportunity to learn what the updated flood maps mean for their community and get answers to questions about the maps, the mapping process, and flood insurance.
Coming this month, the Association of State Floodplain Managers () will begin issuing digital badges to all Certified Floodplain Mangers. These new badges, while looking and representing the same certificate, can now be shared or displayed securely and accurately.
"A benefit for employers and hiring managers is that they now have a quick, accurate way to verify a potential job applicant's credentials. They will see when the credential was eared and if it is still active - all with one click."
ASFPM plans to have all digital badges issued to all current CFMs by December 2025.
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The Association of State Floodplain Mangers (ASFPM) has launched three new on demand training courses.
- Mutual Aid for Floodplain Managers (Free)
- Wetlands and How They Relate to Floodplain Management (Free)
- Professional Ethics for Floodplain Mangers (Member $100 / Nonmember $150)
These courses are convenient and meaningful ways t keep your CFM certification current or expand your professional toolkit. For more information on these courses and enrollment, please see here.
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