Elevation Certificate

***Important Announcement - New FEMA Elevation Certificate (EC) 2022 Edition Released. Previous Version of the EC, 2019 / Exp November 30, 2022, May Be Utilized Until October 31, 2023. EC's Dated November 1, 2023, and Beyond Must Be the New 2022 EC 2022 Edition. See Memo Below From NIFP Clearinghouse***

Visit FEMA.gov Website to download the new EC as well as many other NFIP Underwriting forms. Effective January 1, 2017, a copy of each elevation certificate prepared by a surveyor and mapper will be submitted to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) as required by Florida Statute 472.0366. You can easily upload a copy of your certificates at: Create Submission | Florida Division of Emergency Management (withforerunner.com) and view previously submitted certificates at: Elevation Certificates - Submissions (arcgis.com). 

What is an Elevation Certificate, & why is it required?

An elevation certificate (EC) is a document prepared by a licensed surveyor which includes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information, such as the flood zone and flood elevation and details about the building, such as the elevation levels of floors within the building and of the ground (or grades) around it. Insurance agents use the EC to help determine policy rates. Local floodplain administrators use ECs to ensure compliance with their floodplain management ordinance. Elevation certificates provide information needed to ensure compliance with floodplain management ordinances. Determine the proper insurance premium rate. Request a FEMA map amendment or revision. Flood Insurance agents use the elevation certificate to help determine policy rates. The elevation certification is an important part of rating your building to determine the cost of flood insurance because it shows the depth of water on your property when a flood occurs. Local floodplain administrators use elevation certificates to ensure compliance with their floodplain management ordinance. The elevation certificate is a critical element for implementing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and participating in the Community Rating System (CRS). One of the responsibilities of participating communities, such as Tarpon Springs, is to require and obtain certain elevation data for structures located in a special flood hazard area. The City of Tarpon Springs does not prepare elevation certificates. Elevation certificates are prepared by licensed surveyors and submitted to Tarpon Springs as a requirement of the building permit process. The city only has elevation certificates that were completed for building compliance since the late 1990s on file. The city does not have elevation certificates for buildings constructed before that or those completed solely for flood insurance purposes on file.

National Flood Insurance Program Requirements

Requirement to Obtain Lowest Floor Elevation in Zone A and 60.3 (e) (2) Requirement to Obtain Elevation of Lowest Horizontal Structural Member in Zone V Pinellas County FEMA Elevation Certificates Map App: Find all information needed about ECs in one location at FloodMaps Pinellas County. Where to Get a Copy of Your Elevation Certificate?

  • Search our records: Public Records Access Portal
  • Search Pinellas County Map Services: FloodMaps Pinellas County
  • Check the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Website
  • Submit a records request by any of the means described here:  City Clerk Records Request Webpage
  • Sellers of the Home: When buying a new home, request that the sellers provide a copy of the EC, especially if the home is in a high-risk zone. If they don't have an EC, ask if they can provide one before closing on the home.
  • Ask the Developer or Builder: In a high-risk area, the developer or builder of the community might have been required to obtain an EC at the time they built the building or home.
  • Property Deed: Occasionally, the EC is included.
  • Hire a licensed land surveyor, professional engineer, or certified architect: The land surveyor must determine the elevation around the building areas on the property and certify whether or not the area in question is under or above the prescribed flood elevation. Oftentimes times there is a fee when hiring these professionals to complete an EC for you. However, before you hire one, ensure they are authorized by law to certify elevation data.

Resources