While multiple tools and strategies are available for permitting aquatic restoration projects (No-Rise, CLOMR/LOMR, etc.), aquatic restoration does not fit well within the framework of the NFIP and often restoration outcomes are reduced to avoid cost and schedule increases. This presentation includes (10+) restoration project case studies to examine strategies for successful floodplain permitting. The projects reveal a pattern of recurring solutions that are organized into the following bins: (1) design, (2) modeling, (3) policy interpretation, and (4) planning. The lessons learned from these examples are shared to increase future floodplain permitting success, limit project delays, and save funding for implementation of more and better project implementations. A second review of these project case studies considers future policy improvement to the NFIP – what can these projects tell us about current shortfalls, pinch-points, and opportunities for improvement? Cost, schedule delays, and design compromises caused by the NFIP are discussed and used to develop a succinct list of policy recommendations.