Elevation-Certification-Requests

 

​Elevation Certificates are needed to ensure a structure has been built at or above the base flood elevation designated for that particular parcel of property. It is used to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program, is required to obtain flood insurance which is mandatory for all structures in the Special Flood Hazard Area that have a federally backed mortgage, and strongly recommended for all other structures. Properties in an "X" zone are not in a Special Flood Hazard Area and an elevation certificate is not required. Elevation certificates for properties built on before 1992 might not be on file.

​An “Under Construction” Elevation Certificate is required to be submitted to the Building Construction Division prior to the lintel being poured. The reason for this is to ensure that everything is compliant before too much construction has occurred. If there is a problem, it is easier to rectify at this point. A second certificate, called a "Final" Elevation Certificate, is required to be submitted before the final inspections can be scheduled. This is the official document that will be used to assess the level of insurance you will pay on your structure and your permit cannot be completed without that elevation certificate showing compliance.

​Elevation Certificates are maintained by the Building Construction Division for the life of the structure. They hold the majority of elevation certificates for all structures built in the Special Flood Hazard Area from 1984 forward, some from between 1975 and 1984, and a few from earlier dates. To obtain a copy of an Elevation Certificate online, please click on and follow the How to Find an Elevation Certificate Using the Floodplain Management App guide, or contact the Division at 941.743.1201 or BuildingConstruction@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.

​Whenever you are discussing flood insurance with your insurance agent or directly with the National Flood Insurance Program, having your Elevation Certificate will allow them to give you an accurate quote based on your structure. Without this, you will not know what a flood insurance premium will be. You may already own the structure, be thinking of selling or doing your due diligence prior to buying a structure, whatever the situation, this is a free service and staff are on hand to help you should you have questions.