A FEMA Flood Elevation Certificate is an official document prepared by a licensed land surveyor that shows your property’s elevation compared to FEMA’s Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Insurance companies and local building departments use it to determine your flood risk and insurance rates.

If your home or business is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or Zone AE, VE, or AH, FEMA requires an elevation certificate to verify elevation data for flood insurance or building permits. Many areas in Miami, Miami Beach, and Homestead fall within these zones.

Only a Florida-licensed Professional Surveyor and Mapper (PSM) can prepare and certify an official FEMA Elevation Certificate. Our surveyors follow the latest FEMA and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards for accuracy and compliance.

In Miami-Dade County, the average cost ranges from $250 to $600 depending on property size, location, and required documentation. Waterfront or complex properties may cost more due to additional fieldwork.

Most elevation certificates are completed within 2 to 5 business days after field measurements. Rush service is available for real-estate closings or permit deadlines.

You can check FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) or contact our team with your property address. We’ll verify your Flood Zone designation and determine if you need an Elevation Certificate for insurance or construction.

A FEMA Elevation Certificate includes:

• Building elevation compared to Base Flood Elevation (BFE)

• Flood zone classification (e.g., AE, X, VE)

• Property and building location data

• Surveyor’s certification and elevation benchmarks

• Photographs of all building sides

If your structure is above FEMA’s Base Flood Elevation, your insurance premiums can decrease significantly. Conversely, if it’s below, you may pay higher premiums — but the certificate is still required for all NFIP-backed insurance policies.

You typically need a new certificate if:

• The structure was modified or elevated

• FEMA updated flood maps in your area

• The certificate is over 5 years old and no longer reflects current conditions

Our surveyors can review your old documentation and confirm if an update is necessary.

Just provide your property address, contact information, and any existing survey or elevation data. We’ll schedule fieldwork promptly and deliver your certified FEMA Elevation Certificate electronically or in the mail if needed — ready for insurance, FEMA, or permit submission.