Environmental Resources Management

Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate

• What is the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate used for?
• Why is the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate necessary?
• What other permits are needed for the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate before I can start work?
• How long does it take to process the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate?
• How much are the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate fees?
• How long is the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate valid?
• Are there wellfield restrictions?

What is the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate used for?

The Elevation Certificate is used to determine if the existing structure, recently-completed structure or substantially damaged or improved structure is in compliance with Federal and local elevation requirements.

Why is the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate necessary?

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 us to determine if existing structures could be subject to flooding. The Elevation Certificates are also used by insurance companies to determine flood insurance rates for a structure or if a structure is in a flood zone or not.

What other permits are needed for the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate before I can start work?

A building permit is required prior to the start of any construction or site development. A Floodplain review is conducted, which includes reviewing the proposed elevations of the structure and land surfaces, as part of the building permit process.

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 the contact number at the bottom of this page to discuss your particular case or to receive additional information.

How long does it take to process the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate can be processed while the customer waits if brought to the Environmental Resources Management counter between 8 a.m. - noon at the Miami-Dade Permit and Inspection Center. If the Elevation Certificate is dropped off, it is processed within 24 hours.

How much are the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate fees?

A charge is incorporated into and paid as part of the fees to obtain a building permit. If a resident or builder is submitting the Elevation Certificate for other purposes, no fee is assessed. Please see the Fee Schedule. The County keeps records of all Elevation Certificates issued after 1995, and welcomes any additions to this repository.

How long is the Unincorporated Miami-Dade Flood Elevation Certificate valid?

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.

Are there wellfield restrictions?

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.

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Thu Oct 13, 2011 11:44:27 AM