The federal government has requested that flood insurance be self-sufficient.  New changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will increase insurance rates as much as 25% per year.  Houses built in a floodplain and constructed before 1978 are subject to the federal insurance policies.  These changes are the result of the Biggert-Waters Flood Reform Act of 2012.  The next increase to flood insurance rates will be January 1, 2014.  Local developers in Jefferson County, Kentucky were notified that there will be significant changes to floodplain maps.  The FEMA map program is called RISK MAP.   For example, premiums for the standard-rated policy for property within X Zones (zones outside the special flood hazard area) will increase 8%.