For years, Miami has been a popular destination for people looking to relocate. With its great weather, beautiful scenery, and fun activities, it’s no wonder so many people are drawn to this city by the sea. However, if you are planning to buy your dream home or remodel an existing one, there are some important things to know before construction takes place.

You must make sure that the property you buy, regardless of whether it is new construction or a used home, has a proper elevation certificate.

Miami is a coastal city, which means it is prone to flooding. For this reason, you must show that your home will be above the required elevation. If you do not have a valid certificate, or if your property is below the required height, you can put your investment or home at risk.

To not risk and stay safe, you must have an elevation certificate.

An elevation certificate is a document detailing a building’s location, lowest elevation point, flood zone, and other features, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency* (FEMA). It is used to enforce local building ordinances and help determine flood insurance rates.

When do I need an elevation certificate?

If your property has a high flood risk, you may need to obtain the elevation certificate for your property before purchasing flood insurance.
How do I get an elevation certificate?

If you are buying a home, you can ask sellers to give you their elevation certificate, if they have one, or give it to you before the close of the transaction. Similarly, if you are building a new home in an area of high flood risk, the builder may need to obtain an elevation certificate, which you can ask them to give you.
What do I need to do with my certificate?

If your home is in a high flood risk area, you’ll probably need to provide your elevation certificate to your insurance agent to get a flood insurance quote.

If you want to know if your property needs an elevation certificate, you can contact us now.