Florida A-Zone Construction Requirements

Buildings in AE zones must have their lowest floor elevated to or above the BFE plus the required freeboard. The lowest floor is the lowest floor of the habitable space — not the top of the foundation. For slab-on-grade construction, the top of the slab must be at or above the BFE plus freeboard. For elevated construction (stem wall or pile), the bottom of the lowest floor framing must be at or above the BFE plus freeboard. Use our ElevationCalc FL calculator to find the required lowest floor elevation for your Florida AE zone property.

Buildings in AE zones can use any of the following foundation types: - **Slab-on-grade:** The top of the slab must be at or above the BFE plus freeboard. This is only practical when the BFE is close to existing grade. - **Stem wall:** A CMU or concrete stem wall elevates the floor above grade. Practical for BFEs up to 4–5 feet above grade. - **Pile foundation:** Prestressed concrete piles or helical piles elevate the floor above grade. Practical for any BFE. Pineland Engineering designs AE zone foundations throughout Florida and advises on the most appropriate foundation type for each project.