How the NFIP Shutdown Affects Your Flood Insurance — and What You Can Do About It

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), run by FEMA, is a critical resource for many Brooklyn homeowners, renters, and small businesses. But with the federal government currently in shutdown mode, the NFIP is also at a standstill—and that pause may affect your coverage.

Let’s break down what this means for those of us who live near the water (or have clients who do), and what you can still do to protect your property.

What’s Still Working—and What’s Not

If you’ve already received your renewal notice (dated before September 30, 2025):
Good news—you can still pay it. Payments will be held and processed once the program is back up and running. There won’t be a coverage lapse, just a delay in processing.

If your renewal notice hasn’t arrived (dated after October 1, 2025):
That’s where things get tricky. Renewal notices and new policy offers cannot be generated during the shutdown. This means if your coverage expires soon and you haven’t received a bill, you’ll need to wait until the NFIP resumes.

What Happens If Your Policy Expires Mid-Shutdown?

Unfortunately, no new or renewal policies can be processed while the NFIP is suspended. But if you submitted payment before the lapse, your renewal will be honored once the program is reauthorized. Those whose policies expired during the downtime will be sent renewal offers once FEMA is back in operation.

In past shutdowns, FEMA has offered grace periods—but there’s no official word yet on whether that will happen again this time. Stay tuned.

Private Flood Insurance is Still Available

It’s important to note: this shutdown affects only NFIP policies. Coverage through private flood insurance carriers remains active and available.

If you’re in a flood zone and need to renew, update, or shop for flood insurance now, private policies may be the way to go—at least in the interim. Not sure where to start? We can connect you with trusted local agents.

For Brooklyn Homeowners and Buyers

If you’re already covered through NFIP, double-check your policy dates and payment status. If you’re buying a home near the waterfront or in a designated flood zone, talk to your lender and insurance agent about how this temporary disruption could impact your closing timeline or required coverage.

Buying or selling during a government shutdown comes with extra layers—especially when flood insurance is part of the deal. We’re keeping tabs on what FEMA announces next and how it will affect our neighbors across Red Hook, Gowanus, and other flood-prone corners of Brooklyn.

Need Help? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’re navigating an expiring policy, trying to close on a home, or just want to make sure your current coverage still makes sense, we’re happy to point you in the right direction. Because understanding your risk—and your rights—shouldn’t require a federal decoder ring.

Got questions? Reach out. We’re here to help, not just sell.