Flood Elevation Certificate (Unincorporated Miami-Dade County)

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.

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.

No wellfield restrictions exist on elevation requirements in flood zones.

How to Apply

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.

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 786-315-2800 to discuss your particular case or to receive additional information

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

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.

Expiration

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.

For more information

Please call the Floodplain Information Number 786-315-2847 or the Office of Plan Review Services at 786-315-2800.

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