Act
Plain-English definition and practical context.
Definition: Act | (NFIA)
pronunciation: N-F-I-A
The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 is a United States federal law that established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners in communities that choose to participate. FEMA: Flood Insurance
Congress passed this Act to help reduce the financial burden on taxpayers by offering flood insurance options where private flood insurance was limited or unavailable, and to encourage local governments to adopt and enforce basic floodplain management standards. National Academies: Background on the NFIP
Under the Act, the NFIP allows property owners to purchase flood insurance backed by the federal government, while communities that join the NFIP agree to enforce planning and building measures aimed at minimizing future flood damage. Learn more from FEMA
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Note: The Act has been amended over time by later laws and reauthorizations that updated program rules and requirements. FEMA: Rules & Legislation