What is a Flood Elevation Certificate?
A flood elevation certificate is a document that shows how your property’s elevation compares to estimated flood levels in your area. It’s often used to determine flood risk and may impact what you pay for flood insurance.
The elevation certificate is completed by a licensed surveyor, who collects precise measurements of your property’s elevation. It focuses on key features like the lowest floor level, ensuring it aligns with FEMA’s flood maps. The cost of an elevation certificate typically ranges from $600–$2,700 and is usually paid for by the property owner.
What Does a Flood Elevation Certificate Include?
An elevation certificate includes details like:
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Your property's location
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Flood zone designation (e.g., Zone AE, Zone VE)
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Type of structure and elevation of the lowest floor
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The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the estimated level that floodwaters may reach in a major flood
Elevation certificates were once required for NFIP flood insurance policies, but that changed with FEMA’s updates under Risk Rating 2.0. Private flood insurers have typically never required them. Still, there are situations when having one can be helpful.
If you already have a flood elevation certificate, visit our blog: How to Read a Flood Elevation Certificate.
Is an Elevation Certificate Required for Flood Insurance?
No! You can get flood insurance through FloodPrice without going through the hassle or cost of getting an elevation certificate.
Whether you’re in a low-risk area or a designated flood zone, you can easily compare quotes from both the NFIP and private flood insurance companies.
At FloodPrice.com, our quote tool allows you to see side-by-side pricing from top-rated private carriers and the NFIP, so you can pick the right coverage for your needs.
Will an Elevation Certificate Lower My Price?
Flood insurance providers use advanced tools like geospatial data, property characteristics, and historical flood patterns to assess risk. In rare cases, this data may be inaccurate. An elevation certificate provides verified, on-site measurements that may reduce your premium if they show a lower risk than the insurer’s data.
When Can an Elevation Certificate Be Useful?
In some cases, an elevation certificate can be helpful if:
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You're in a high-risk flood zone and want to try lowering your premium.
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You want to submit a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to FEMA to request they change your flood zone designation.
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You’re building or renovating in a floodplain and need to meet local building code requirements.
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You want more accurate information about your flood risk.
How to Get an Elevation Certificate
There are a few ways to get an elevation certificate:
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Check local records: Your local floodplain manager or building department may already have one on file.
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Ask the seller: If buying a home, always ask the seller if a certificate already exists.
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Hire a professional: A licensed land surveyor, engineer, or architect can prepare one. Costs range from $600–$2,700 or more, depending on location and complexity. It typically takes 1–2 weeks to complete.
How to Request Flood Zone Removal
If you believe your property was incorrectly placed in a high-risk flood zone (like Zone AE or VE), you may be able to request a change through FEMA. This process is called a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to apply:
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Get an Elevation Certificate
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You’ll need a licensed surveyor or engineer to complete an elevation certificate showing the elevation of your home.
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Submit FEMA’s MT-EZ Form
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Use the FEMA MT-EZ form for single-lot or single-structure requests. This includes instructions and the documentation required.
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Provide Supporting Documents
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Along with the form and elevation certificate, you’ll likely need a property deed and a plat map or tax assessor’s map.
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Wait for FEMA’s Review
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The process can take several weeks, depending on how complete your application is and FEMA’s review timeline.
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Submitting a request to FEMA can sometimes result in a change in your flood zone designation, but it’s uncommon unless the elevation data differs from what the flood insurance provider has determined.
Get more detailed information on this process in our How to Get Out of Flood Insurance blog. It’s a great next step if you’re considering applying for a LOMA.
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