The Elevation Certificate is used by municipal officials to determine if the existing structure, recently completed structure, or substantially damaged or improved structure is in compliance with Federal and local elevation requirements. Although the same form is used throughout the United States, you should check with your city building official to ensure you are using the right form.

An Elevation Certificate is necessary to ensure that construction of a new structure was done correctly to protect the structure from flooding, and to ensure proper design and materials were used for flood protection.  It also allows city officials to determine if existing structures could be subject to flooding.  The Elevation Certificates are also used by insurance companies and lenders to determine flood insurance rates for a structure or if a structure is in a flood zone or not.

Please check with your city building official before starting construction, repairs or renovations to structures within the city limits. A building permit is usually required prior to the start of any construction or site development.

This question is intended to give you an idea of what other permits may be needed. Depending on your situation, you may need one or more of the above-mentioned permits. Additionally, there may be instances when a permit that is not listed here is required. We encourage you to call your city building official to receive additional information.

Your local building or other official can tell you the length of time it takes to process an Elevation Certificate.

Each municipality has their own method of processing Elevation Certificates, and charging for this service.

Elevation Certificates are valid in perpetuity unless there is a modification or addition to the existing structure, or changes occur to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. If changes to these maps occur, it is recommended that a homeowner re-certify the structure.

No wellfield restrictions exist on elevation requirements in flood zones.

For more information, please call the Floodplain Information Number 786-315-2847 or the Office of Plan Review Services at 786-315-2800

• View the FEMA's Standard Flood Elevation Certificate