229
Elevation Certificates Explained:
Your Key to Flood Insurance Savings An Elevation Certificate (EC) is the official survey document that proves how high your home sits compared to flood levels. In Florida, it’s required for flood insurance in high-risk zones and can slash premiums by 40–60% if your home is elevated. This guide explains what an EC is, why you need it, how to get one, what it costs, and how JSC Contracting uses ECs to build elevated decks, mudrooms, and drainage that lower your flood risk and insurance.
1. What Is an Elevation Certificate?
Feature
Details
Official Name
FEMA Form 086-0-33 (expires 11/30/2025)
Who Creates It
Licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect
What It Measures
Lowest floor height vs. Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
Format
8-page form with diagrams, photos, GPS data
Example: If BFE = 10 ft and your floor = 12 ft → +2 ft freeboard = big discount
2. When Do You NEED an Elevation Certificate?
Situation
EC Required?
Buying/Selling in A/V Zone
Yes (lender demands)
New Construction
Yes (before CO)
Flood Insurance in SFHA
Yes (NFIP Risk Rating 2.0)
X-Zone (Low Risk)
No (but helps for private insurance)
Post-Flood Rebuild
Yes (for ICC claims)
2025 FEMA Rule: No EC = full-risk premium (up to $6,000/yr)
3. What the EC Measures (Key Sections)
Section
What’s Measured
Why It Matters
A: Building Info
Address, foundation type
Identifies structure
B: Flood Zone & BFE
From FIRM map
Sets benchmark
C: Elevations
Lowest floor, garage, HVAC
Core for rating
D: Flood Vents
Size, number, height
Discount trigger
E: Machinery
AC, water heater height
Prevents damage
F: Photos
4 corners + vents
Proof for FEMA
Pro Tip: HVAC on platform = extra savings
4. Elevation Certificate Cost & Timeline
Factor
Cost
Time
New Build
$500–$1,200
1–3 days
Existing Home
$800–$2,000
3–7 days
Post-Storm (Rush)
$1,500+
24–48 hrs
JSC Bundle
$400–$600 (with project)
Same week
JSC Advantage: We coordinate surveyor during build → no extra trip
5. How Elevation Affects Your Premium (2025 Risk Rating 2.0)
Height vs. BFE
NFIP Discount
Avg. Savings (FL)
At BFE
0%
$0
+1 ft
20–30%
$400–$1,200/yr
+2 ft
40–50%
$1,000–$2,500/yr
+3 ft
50–60%
$1,500–$3,600/yr
Example: Ocala home, BFE 12 ft, floor at 14 ft → $1,800 saved annually
6. JSC Contracting: EC-Optimized Building**JSC designs every project to maximize your EC and minimize premiums:
JSC Project
EC Benefit
Elevated Mudroom
Floor at BFE+2 → 40% discount
Piling Composite Deck
Deck = "machinery" elevation → covered
French Drain + Grading
Lowers adjacent ground → better rating
Flood Vents
1 sq in per 1 sq ft → documented in EC
JSC Process:
Site survey → BFE + existing elevations
Design to BFE+2
Build + final EC
Submit to insurer → instant savings
7. How to Get Your Elevation CertificateStep-by-Step:
Check FEMA Map → msc.fema.gov
Find BFE on your FIRM panel
Hire Licensed Pro (search “FL surveyor elevation certificate”)
Provide Access (crawlspace, attic, vents)
Review EC → Sign Section G
Send to Insurer → Premium drops in 30–60 days
JSC Shortcut: We include EC in every flood-zone project
8. Common EC Mistakes (Avoid These!)
Mistake
Consequence
No photos
Rejected by FEMA
Wrong BFE
Overpay $1,000+/yr
Missing vents
No 30% discount
Outdated form
Denied (use 2023+ version)
9. Your Elevation Certificate Checklist
Task
Done?
Know your BFE from FEMA map
☐
Have current EC (post-2023 form)
☐
Floor +2 ft above BFE?
☐
Flood vents installed & documented?
☐
HVAC elevated?
☐
Ready for JSC’s free EC audit?
☐
Final Take away
Your Elevation Certificate is worth thousands.
+1 foot = $1,000 saved per year.
No EC = full-risk rate.
JSC Contracting builds BFE+2 ft standard on every mudroom, deck, and drainage project—delivering your EC and savings on day one. Contact JSC Today:
352-687-2030