What Is a Florida Survey (Property Survey)?

A Florida property survey is a document prepared by a licensed Florida land surveyor that establishes the boundaries of a parcel of land, identifies improvements on the property, and documents easements, encroachments, and other matters affecting the property. The most common type of survey for real estate transactions is a Boundary Survey, which shows the property lines, corners, and any improvements (buildings, fences, driveways) in relation to the property lines. An Elevation Certificate is a separate document prepared by a licensed surveyor or engineer that documents a building's elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation.

Florida property owners may need different types of surveys depending on their situation: a Boundary Survey establishes property lines and is required for most real estate transactions and permit applications; a Topographic Survey shows the elevation contours of the land and is required for site development and drainage design; an As-Built Survey documents the location of improvements after construction and is required for Certificate of Occupancy in many counties; an Elevation Certificate documents a building's flood zone and elevation and is required for flood insurance rating in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas; and a Tree Survey identifies the location, size, and species of trees on a property.

A property survey is required in Florida for: most real estate transactions (lenders typically require a survey); building permit applications (most counties require a survey showing setbacks and lot coverage); new construction (an as-built survey is required before Certificate of Occupancy); and flood insurance rating in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (an Elevation Certificate is required). A survey is also recommended when purchasing property to identify boundary disputes, encroachments, and easements that may affect the property's value or use.

Pineland Engineering (PE 39202 · AR102594) coordinates with licensed Florida land surveyors to obtain the surveys needed for permit applications and construction projects. We review surveys for compliance with permit requirements, coordinate with surveyors on as-built surveys, and review Elevation Certificates for flood zone compliance. We serve all 67 Florida counties. Call (239) 233-5133 for a free project assessment.