If your property shows up in a high-risk flood zone on FEMA’s maps, but you believe your home sits on higher ground, you might qualify for a flood zone reclassification. The process involves getting a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) from FEMA—and that requires hiring the right professionals.
Flood Insurance Guru helps Georgia homeowners navigate flood zone changes and insurance options every day. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to find and vet qualified surveyors or engineers for your LOMA or LOMR application, what questions to ask, and what red flags to avoid.
Quick Guide: How to Hire LOMA or LOMR Help in 6 Easy Steps
- Understand the Difference Between a LOMA and LOMR: Know which application type applies to your property’s situation.
- Check Your Current Flood Zone and Elevation: Review your FEMA flood map and determine your base flood elevation.
- Find a Licensed Land Surveyor or Engineer: Flood Insurance Guru can connect you with trusted professionals in Georgia.
- Verify Credentials and Ask the Right Questions: Confirm state licensure, FEMA experience, and elevation certificate expertise.
- Get an Elevation Certificate: Have your surveyor complete this critical document measuring your property elevations.
- Submit Your Application to FEMA: File your LOMA or LOMR request online or by mail with all required documents.
How to Hire the Right Professionals for Your Flood Zone Reclassification
1. Understand the Difference Between a LOMA and LOMR
Before hiring anyone, you need to know which type of flood map change applies to your property. A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) applies when your property sits on naturally high ground above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). No earthen fill was added to raise your land—it was always elevated.
A Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) applies when your property has been elevated using permitted fill material to raise it above the BFE. The distinction matters because LOMR-F applications require additional documentation proving your community permitted the fill.
If you’re unsure which applies to your property, a licensed surveyor can evaluate your situation during an initial consultation. Getting this right from the start saves time and prevents rejected applications.
2. Check Your Current Flood Zone and Elevation
Start by finding your property on FEMA’s Map Service Center. Look for your flood zone designation (such as Zone AE or Zone A) and the Base Flood Elevation for your area. This tells you the water level FEMA expects during a one-percent-annual-chance flood event.
Your property may qualify for a LOMA if the lowest ground touching your structure (called the Lowest Adjacent Grade) sits at or above that BFE. If you already have an elevation certificate from a previous survey, pull it out and check the elevations listed.
This preliminary research helps you have an informed conversation with potential surveyors. You’ll understand what numbers they need to document and what outcome you’re hoping to achieve.
3. Find a Licensed Land Surveyor or Engineer
FEMA requires that elevation certificates be prepared and signed by either a Licensed Land Surveyor or a Registered Professional Engineer. These professionals must hold valid licensure in Georgia (or your state) to certify the measurements.
Here’s where to start your search:
- Ask your title company or real estate attorney for recommendations
- Contact your local floodplain administrator for a list of qualified professionals
- Check with the Georgia Association of Professional Land Surveyors
- Request referrals from your flood insurance agent
Look for surveyors who specifically mention FEMA elevation certificates and LOMA experience on their websites or marketing materials. General boundary surveyors may not have the specialized knowledge this process requires.
4. Verify Credentials and Ask the Right Questions
Once you have a shortlist of potential surveyors or engineers, verify their credentials before signing any agreement. Check that their license is current with the Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
Ask these questions during your initial contact:
- How many elevation certificates have you completed in the past year?
- Have you prepared successful LOMA or LOMR-F applications before?
- Do you use GPS and modern surveying equipment?
- What is your turnaround time for completing an elevation certificate?
- Will you review the results with me before I submit to FEMA?
Experienced surveyors should answer these questions confidently. If someone seems unsure about FEMA requirements or the elevation certificate form, continue your search.
5. Get an Elevation Certificate
The elevation certificate is the foundation of your LOMA or LOMR-F application. Your surveyor will visit your property and measure several key elevations using the same vertical datum that appears on your community’s flood maps.
They’ll record the Lowest Adjacent Grade (the lowest ground touching your home), the lowest floor elevation, and the elevation of any attached structures like garages or decks. For LOMR-F applications, they’ll also document that the fill meets community requirements.
When you receive your completed elevation certificate, review it carefully. Confirm your address is correct, the building type matches your structure, and all elevation fields are filled in. Any errors or blank fields can delay your FEMA application.
6. Submit Your Application to FEMA
With your elevation certificate in hand, you’re ready to submit your application. FEMA accepts LOMA and LOMR-F applications through their Online LOMC portal or by mailing paper MT-1 or MT-EZ forms.
LOMA applications have no FEMA review fee. LOMR-F applications do require a processing fee, and submitting online qualifies you for a reduced rate. You’ll also need to include your property deed and a copy of the flood map showing your property location.
After submitting, FEMA typically issues a completeness determination within 30 days. If your application is complete, you should receive your official LOMA or LOMR-F within 60 days of submission.
What Credentials Should a LOMA or LOMR Surveyor Have?
Your surveyor or engineer must hold an active state license to certify elevation certificates for FEMA submissions. In Georgia, this means a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license or a Professional Engineer (PE) license. You can verify these credentials through the Georgia Secretary of State’s license verification database.
Beyond basic licensure, look for professionals who have completed FEMA’s elevation certificate training or who work regularly with floodplain managers. They should use current surveying technology, including GPS receivers capable of centimeter-level accuracy.
Ask about their familiarity with your specific county’s flood maps. Surveyors who work frequently in your area will know the local Base Flood Elevations and any quirks in the mapping that could affect your application.
How Long Does the LOMA or LOMR Process Take From Start to Finish?
The full timeline from hiring a surveyor to receiving your FEMA determination typically runs three to four months. Your surveyor’s portion, scheduling the site visit, taking measurements, and completing the elevation certificate, usually takes two to four weeks.
Once you submit to FEMA, they target 30 days to confirm your application is complete and 60 days to issue a determination after that. Complex applications or applications with missing information can take longer.
You can track your application status through FEMA’s online portal. If you need to provide additional documentation, respond promptly to keep the process moving forward.
How Flood Insurance Guru Helps You Navigate Flood Zone Changes
Flood Insurance Guru makes the flood zone reclassification process easier for Georgia homeowners. Our team can review your current flood zone designation, explain whether a LOMA or LOMR-F might apply to your situation, and connect you with trusted surveying professionals who specialize in elevation certificates.
Even if your LOMA application is successful, you might still benefit from keeping some level of flood coverage. Flood Insurance Guru shops multiple top-rated flood insurance companies to find you the right protection at the right rate—for properties in Zone AE and lower-risk zones alike.
We offer free consultations to help you understand your options. Whether you’re exploring a flood map amendment or shopping for private flood insurance, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Request your free flood insurance quote today and let us help you find the coverage that fits your needs.
FAQs About How to Hire LOMA or LOMR Help for Flood Zone Changes
What is a LOMA, and how does it differ from a LOMR?
A LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment) applies when your property sits on naturally high ground above the Base Flood Elevation. A LOMR-F (Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill) applies when fill material was added to elevate your property.
Flood Insurance Guru can help you determine which type applies to your situation during a free consultation.
Who can prepare an elevation certificate for my LOMA application?
Only a Licensed Land Surveyor or Registered Professional Engineer can prepare and certify an elevation certificate for FEMA. They must hold a valid license in the state where your property is located.
Does FEMA charge a fee to process a LOMA request?
FEMA does not charge a fee to process LOMA requests. However, LOMR-F requests do require a processing fee. Submitting your application through FEMA’s Online LOMC portal qualifies you for reduced fees on LOMR-F applications.
How long does it take to get a LOMA approved?
After submitting a complete application, FEMA typically issues a determination within 60 days. The full process from hiring a surveyor to receiving approval usually takes three to four months.
Flood Insurance Guru can help you prepare your documentation to avoid delays caused by incomplete applications.
Will a LOMA eliminate my need for flood insurance entirely?
A LOMA removes the federal requirement to purchase flood insurance if you have a federally-backed mortgage. However, your lender can still require coverage at their discretion.
Flood Insurance Guru recommends maintaining some flood coverage even after a successful LOMA. More than 25 percent of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk zones.
Can I submit a LOMA application myself, or do I need to hire someone?
You can submit the LOMA application to FEMA yourself through their online portal or by mail. However, you’ll need a licensed surveyor or engineer to prepare the elevation certificate that supports your application.
Flood Insurance Guru can connect you with experienced surveyors in Georgia who specialize in FEMA elevation certificates.