A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) is an official amendment to FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that removes a specific property or structure from a Special Flood Hazard Area. A LOMA is appropriate when a property has been incorrectly included in a flood zone because the ground elevation is actually above the BFE. A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) is used when physical changes to the floodplain — such as fill placement or channel modifications — have changed the flood risk. Pineland Engineering (PE 39202) prepares LOMA and LOMR applications for Florida properties.

When a LOMA is Appropriate

A LOMA is appropriate when: the lowest adjacent grade of a structure is at or above the BFE shown on the FIRM; the property has been incorrectly included in the SFHA due to mapping errors; or the property was included in the SFHA based on approximate methods that overestimate the flood risk. A successful LOMA removes the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for federally backed mortgages. This can save the property owner $1,000–$5,000 per year in flood insurance premiums.

The LOMA Application Process

The LOMA application process requires: an Elevation Certificate prepared by a licensed engineer or surveyor documenting the property's elevation relative to the BFE; a completed FEMA MT-EZ or MT-1 application form; and supporting documentation including the property's legal description, tax parcel number, and FIRM panel information. Pineland Engineering prepares the Elevation Certificate and the LOMA application, and submits the application to FEMA on behalf of the property owner. FEMA typically processes LOMA applications within 60 days.

LOMR for Fill-Based Flood Zone Removal

If fill has been placed on a property to raise the ground elevation above the BFE, a LOMR-F (Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill) can remove the property from the SFHA. The LOMR-F application requires documentation that the fill was placed in compliance with local floodplain management regulations and that the lowest adjacent grade is at or above the BFE. Pineland Engineering prepares LOMR-F applications for Florida properties where fill has been placed to raise the ground elevation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a LOMA and a LOMR?

A LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment) removes a property from a flood zone based on the natural ground elevation being above the BFE. A LOMR (Letter of Map Revision) is used when physical changes to the floodplain have changed the flood risk.

How long does a LOMA take in Florida?

FEMA typically processes LOMA applications within 60 days. Pineland Engineering prepares the application and submits it to FEMA on behalf of the property owner.

Will a LOMA eliminate my flood insurance requirement?

A successful LOMA removes the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for federally backed mortgages. However, flood insurance is still recommended even after a LOMA, as flood risk does not disappear — it is simply below the 1% annual chance threshold.

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LOMA & LOMR — Florida Flood Map Amendment