The Elevation Certificate is used by the Department to determine if the existing structure, recently completed structure, or substantially damaged or improved structure is in compliance with Federal and local elevation requirements.

An EC is necessary to ensure that construction of a new structure was done correctly to protect the structure from flooding, and to ensure proper design and materials were used for flood protection.  It also allows us to determine if existing structures could be subject to flooding.  The Elevation Certificates are also used by insurance companies to determine flood insurance rates for a structure or if a structure is in a flood zone or not.

A building permit is required prior to the start of any construction or site development.  DERM conducts a Floodplain review, which includes reviewing the proposed elevations of the structure and land surfaces, as part of the building permit process.

This question is intended to give you an idea of what other permits may be needed.  Depending on your situation, you may need one or more of the above-mentioned permits. Additionally, there may be instances when a permit that is not listed here is required. We encourage you to call the contact number at the bottom of this page to discuss your particular case or to receive additional information.

The Elevation Certificate can be processed while the customer waits if brought to the DERM counter between 8am-12noon at the Miami-Dade Permit and Inspection Center.  If the Elevation Certificate is dropped off, it is processed within 24 hours.

A charge is incorporated into and paid as part of the fees to obtain a building permit.  If a resident or builder is submitting the Elevation Certificate for other purposes, no fee is assessed.Please see DERM Fee Schedule. The County keeps records of all Elevation Certificates issued after 1995, and welcomes any additions to this repository.

Elevation Certificates are valid in perpetuity unless there is a modification or addition to the existing structure, or changes occur to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. If changes to these maps occur, it is recommended that a homeowner re-certify the structure.

No wellfield restrictions exist on elevation requirements in flood zones.

For more information, please call the Floodplain Information Number 786-315-2847 or the Office of Plan Review Services at 786-315-2800.