My insurance agent asked for an elevation certificate for flood insurance. What is it?
Asked October 25, 2026
AI answer · not yet verified by a surveyor
An elevation certificate is a FEMA form completed by a licensed land surveyor, engineer or architect. It records your building's elevations compared with the expected flood level for your location [1].
It typically shows:
- Flood zone and base flood elevation (BFE) from the flood map.
- Elevations of the lowest floor, garage floor and nearby ground, plus equipment such as HVAC units.
- Building type and photos.
When it's used:
- Flood insurance pricing and proof of compliance, especially in high-risk zones.
- Permits for new construction or substantial improvements in flood zones.
- Supporting a map change request (LOMA) if your building is above the flood level.
Elevations depend on a vertical datum, so the surveyor ties to the right benchmark [2]. Ask a local licensed surveyor. Many prepare these certificates often.
General information only. Answers here are not a survey or legal advice, and no one here can tell you where your boundary is. For your property, hire a licensed land surveyor in your state; for legal questions, a real-estate attorney.