An Elevation Certificate is a document prepared by a registered surveyor. It shows the elevation of the lowest equipment or lowest floor of a structure. Elevation Certificates are needed to ensure a structure has been built at or above the base flood elevation designated for that specific property. It is used to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. It 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 located in an "X" or "D" zone are not in the Special Flood Hazard Area and an Elevation Certificate is not required. Elevation Certificates for properties built on before 1992 might not be on file with the department. They will also not be on file with the department if located in the City of Punta Gorda.
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 the flood insurance premium will be. If you already own the structure or are thinking of selling, you should do your due diligence before buying a structure. Whatever the situation, searching our database of Elevation Certificates is a free service and staff is available to help should you have any questions.
- Search by Address
- Search Using the Floodplain Management App
- Search by Permit Number
- Search with the Citizen Access Portal
- Contact the Building Construction Division at 941.743.1201 or BuildingConstruction@CharlotteCountyFL.gov
Requirements
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 on your structure you will pay, and your permit cannot be completed without that Elevation Certificate showing compliance.
Obtain a Copy
Elevation Certificates are maintained by the Building Construction Division for the life of the structure (unincorporated Charlotte County only). The Division holds 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 How-To Find an Elevation Certificate Using the Floodplain Management App, or contact the Division at 941.743.1201 or BuildingConstruction@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.