What Is an Elevation Certificate?
An elevation certificate is an official document that records the exact elevation of a building's lowest floor relative to the ground and, most importantly, relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), the elevation at which a 1% annual chance flood (the "100-year flood") is expected to reach.
If your building's lowest floor is above the BFE, your flood insurance premiums will be significantly lower. If it is below the BFE, your premiums will be substantially higher, potentially thousands of dollars per year more.
Why It Matters in Florida
Florida has more properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) than any other state. An elevation certificate is required:
- New Construction — Every new building in a SFHA must have an elevation certificate proving the lowest floor is at or above the BFE.
- Flood Insurance Rating — The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private flood insurers use the elevation certificate to calculate premiums. The closer your building is to or below the BFE, the higher your premium.
- Real Estate Transactions — Buyers of Florida property in flood zones should always request the elevation certificate. The difference between a building 1 foot above the BFE and 1 foot below can mean $3,000+ per year in premium differences.
- FEMA Map Amendments (LOMAs) — If you believe your property was incorrectly mapped in a flood zone, an elevation certificate provides the evidence needed to apply for a Letter of Map Amendment removing your property from the SFHA.
Who Prepares It
An elevation certificate must be prepared by a Florida-licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect. The document follows FEMA Form 086-0-33 and includes specific measurements of the building's lowest floor, machinery, and equipment relative to the BFE.
Related Terms
- Survey — The broader property measurement document
- Disclosure — Flood zone status should be disclosed to buyers
- Due Diligence — The buyer's window to review the elevation certificate
Barnes Walker Flood Zone Compliance
Barnes Walker's real estate attorneys advise Florida property buyers on flood zone risks, review elevation certificates, and coordinate FEMA map amendment applications to reduce flood insurance obligations for properties incorrectly mapped in Special Flood Hazard Areas. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC