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Every zone has a meaning.

Read the mapped hazard, insurance rule and details behind each FEMA zone code.

FEMA flood zone comparison
ZoneMapped riskWhat it means
Zone AHigher mapped riskA 1% annual-chance floodplain where detailed base flood elevations have not been determined.
Zone AEHigher mapped riskA 1% annual-chance floodplain with base flood elevations determined by a detailed study.
Zone AHHigher mapped riskA 1% annual-chance shallow-flooding area, usually ponding, with average depths of 1 to 3 feet.
Zone AOHigher mapped riskA 1% annual-chance shallow-flooding area, usually sheet flow on sloping terrain, with average depths of 1 to 3 feet.
Zone A99Higher mapped riskAn area that will be protected from the base flood by a federal flood-protection system that has reached specified progress toward completion.
Zone ARHigher mapped riskAn area affected by a flood-control system that lost accreditation and is being restored to provide base-flood protection.
Zone VCoastal wave riskA coastal 1% annual-chance floodplain with added hazards from storm-induced waves, without detailed base flood elevations.
Zone VECoastal wave riskA coastal 1% annual-chance floodplain with storm-induced wave hazards and base flood elevations determined.
Zone X (unshaded)Lower mapped riskAn area determined to be outside the mapped 0.2% annual-chance floodplain.
Zone X (shaded)Moderate mapped riskAreas of 0.2% annual-chance flooding; some shallow 1% annual-chance flooding or small drainage areas; and areas with reduced flood risk due to a levee.
Zone DUndetermined riskAn area where flood hazards are possible but have not been determined.
Zone B (legacy)Moderate mapped riskA legacy label generally corresponding to the moderate-hazard areas now shown as shaded Zone X.
Zone C (legacy)Lower mapped riskA legacy label generally corresponding to minimal-hazard areas now shown as unshaded Zone X.

Unshaded and shaded X are different. A lower-risk designation is not a guarantee against flooding. B and C are legacy labels.