Elevation Certificate Florida

A FEMA Elevation Certificate documents: the building's location (latitude, longitude, FIRM panel number, flood zone designation, and BFE); the building's lowest floor elevation (the elevation of the lowest floor of the building, including basement); the lowest adjacent grade (the lowest natural ground elevation adjacent to the building); the lowest horizontal structural member elevation (for VE zones); and the elevation of any attached garage floor. The EC must be prepared by a licensed land surveyor, engineer, or architect who is authorized by law to certify elevation information. Pineland Engineering (PE 39202) is authorized to prepare Elevation Certificates in Florida.

The Elevation Certificate is the primary document used to determine NFIP flood insurance premiums. For properties where the lowest floor is above the BFE, the EC demonstrates the freeboard and typically results in lower premiums. For properties where the lowest floor is below the BFE, the EC documents the depth of flooding and the premium is higher. Each foot of freeboard above BFE typically reduces the annual NFIP premium by 15–30%. For a property with 2 feet of freeboard, the annual premium savings can be $1,000–$3,000 compared to a property at BFE. Pineland Engineering advises on the cost-benefit of building higher than the minimum required elevation.

You need an Elevation Certificate in Florida when: you are purchasing NFIP flood insurance for a property in a Special Flood Hazard Area; you are applying for a building permit in a flood zone community; you are applying for a LOMA or LOMR to remove your property from the SFHA; or you are selling a property in a flood zone and the buyer's lender requires flood insurance. Pineland Engineering prepares Elevation Certificates for new construction (after construction is complete) and for existing buildings. Contact us at (239) 233-5133 for a quote.