Elevation Certificates in Florida
FEMA-compliant elevation certificates for flood insurance and permitting. Help reduce your flood insurance premiums with accurate elevation data.
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67 Counties Served
What Is a Elevation Certificate?
An Elevation Certificate is an official FEMA document that records the elevation of your building relative to flood zones. It's required by most flood insurance companies to determine your premium and may be required for building permits in flood-prone areas.
At Apex Surveying & Mapping, we've completed thousands of elevation certificates across the state. Florida's unique flood challenges—from coastal storms to inland flooding—make elevation certificates essential for property owners seeking accurate flood insurance pricing.
Many property owners find that a professional elevation certificate actually reduces their flood insurance premiums. If your home was built above the base flood elevation, proper documentation can result in significant annual savings.
Key Benefits of Elevation Certificates
Potentially Lower Insurance Premiums
Properties built above base flood elevation often qualify for lower premiums once properly documented.
Required for Flood Insurance
Most flood insurance policies require an elevation certificate. Without one, you may be paying higher rates.
Building Permit Compliance
Many Florida jurisdictions require elevation certificates for construction in flood zones.
Property Sale Documentation
Buyers want to know flood risk. An elevation certificate provides documented answers.
Our Elevation Process
1
Property Review
We review your property address, determine flood zone status, and identify required measurements.
Timeline: Same-day response
2
Field Measurements
Our surveyors measure building elevation, including lowest floor, machinery, and other required points.
Timeline: Scheduled within 3-5 days
3
Certificate Preparation
We complete the official FEMA Elevation Certificate form with all required data.
Timeline: 2-3 business days
4
Delivery
You receive the certified Elevation Certificate in formats accepted by insurance companies.
Timeline: Total: 5-7 business days
What's Included in Your Elevation
- FEMA Elevation Certificate (Form 086-0-33)
- Building elevation measurements relative to NAVD88
- Lowest floor elevation
- Machinery/equipment elevation
- Flood zone determination
- Base flood elevation identification
- Building photographs
- Digital and printed copies
Pricing: $375 - $500 for most elevation certificates. Request a free quote for your specific property.
When Do You Need a Elevation?
New Flood Insurance Policy
Starting a new flood insurance policy? An elevation certificate helps determine your accurate premium.
Premium Review
Think you're paying too much for flood insurance? An elevation certificate may reveal you qualify for lower rates.
Building Permit
Many Florida counties require elevation certificates before issuing permits in flood zones.
Buying or Selling Property
Elevation certificates provide valuable flood risk documentation for real estate transactions.
Not sure if you need a elevation certificates? Contact us — we'll help you determine the right survey for your situation.
Where We Provide Elevation Certificates in Florida
Apex Surveying & Mapping serves clients throughout Florida, including:
Jacksonville Miami Tampa Orlando Port St. Lucie St. Petersburg Cape Coral Hialeah Tallahassee Fort Lauderdale Pembroke Pines Hollywood
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Frequently Asked Questions About Elevation Certificates
How much does an elevation certificate cost in Florida?
Elevation certificates in Florida typically cost $375-$500 for standard residential properties. Properties with unique features, multiple buildings, or accessibility challenges may cost more. We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
Will an elevation certificate lower my flood insurance?
It depends on your property. If your lowest floor is above the base flood elevation, proper documentation often results in lower premiums. Even if it doesn't lower your rate, it provides accurate pricing rather than estimated rates.
How long is an elevation certificate valid?
Elevation certificates don't expire, but they become outdated if you make changes to your property or if FEMA updates flood maps. Insurance companies typically accept certificates that are reasonably current and reflect actual conditions.
Do I need an elevation certificate if I'm not in a flood zone?
Properties in low-risk zones (Zone X) may not require elevation certificates for insurance, but they can still be useful. If FEMA maps change and your property is reclassified, having documentation may help maintain lower rates.
What's the difference between an elevation certificate and a flood determination?
A flood determination simply identifies which flood zone a property is in. An elevation certificate measures actual building elevations relative to flood levels, providing much more detailed information for insurance rating.
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Get Your Elevation Quote Today
Ready to get started? Contact Apex Surveying & Mapping for a free quote. We respond within 1 hour during business hours.
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