What does an elevation certificate show?
An elevation certificate shows how high a building sits compared with how high local floodwaters are expected to get. It records the home's location, characteristics and First Floor Height, the height of the lowest floor above the ground; basements are measured separately and noted on the certificate.
Under the NFIP's current pricing, FEMA says elevation certificates do not set your rate, but they can identify discounts. First floor height, foundation type, flood openings and elevated machinery and equipment are all premium variables, so documenting them can matter.[1][2]
Where can I find an existing certificate in South Florida?
FEMA suggests starting with the local floodplain manager, who often works in the city or county building, permitting, engineering or land use department.
- Boca Raton: the city keeps copies of elevation certificates for new or substantially improved structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas; contact the city's Floodplain Manager.
- Unincorporated Palm Beach County: the December 20, 2024 maps raised the Base Flood Elevation by one foot or more on more than 16,000 parcels, which can leave some existing buildings with a lowest floor below the new level. County staff offer substantial-improvement determinations and technical help before major renovations.
- Broward County: the county directs flood map questions to your Community Floodplain Manager.[1][3][4][5]
When is it worth ordering one?
Consider an elevation certificate when buying in an A or V zone, when a flood quote seems high, or before elevating equipment or adding flood openings, since those features can earn mitigation discounts. Your flood insurance agent can advise on hiring a surveyor, engineer or architect.
If you believe a building was wrongly included in the Special Flood Hazard Area, you can apply to FEMA for a Letter of Map Amendment. If FEMA approves it, the owner can send the determination to the lender and ask that the federal flood insurance requirement be removed.[1][2][3]
Key takeaways
- Most homeowners can buy NFIP flood insurance without an elevation certificate.
- Owners in high-risk A and V zones may need one to show the building meets local standards.
- Certificates don't set NFIP rates under current pricing but can identify discounts.
- Check with the local floodplain manager first; Boca Raton keeps certificates for new or substantially improved buildings in high-risk zones.
- A Letter of Map Amendment from FEMA can remove the federal insurance requirement if the building was wrongly mapped.
Sources
- [1]FEMA FloodSmart — Get an Elevation Certificate
- [2]FEMA FloodSmart — Premium Costs
- [3]City of Boca Raton — Know Your Flood Zone
- [4]Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building — Update on Flood Zones
- [5]Broward County — FEMA Flood Zone Maps
Reviewed October 11, 2026. General real-estate information for Florida, not legal, tax, lending or insurance advice. Laws, rates and deadlines change — confirm property-specific facts with the agency cited, a Florida real-estate attorney, CPA or licensed insurance agent.