---
title: "What Is Base flood elevation? Building Glossary"
description: "Base flood elevation (BFE) is the height that floodwater has a 1 percent chance of reaching or passing in any given year, as shown on FEMA flood maps."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/base-flood-elevation
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

![Dining room beside a steel-framed glass wall with a view of the canal](https://build813.multisites.ai/_astro/ladoga-dining.C3kjdVEM_2vmooI.avif)

# Base flood elevation

Base flood elevation (BFE) is the height that floodwater has a 1 percent chance of reaching or passing in any given year, as shown on FEMA flood maps.

FEMA defines base flood elevation as the height of floodwater in a flood with a 1 percent chance of happening each year. The number appears on the [flood insurance rate map](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/flood-insurance-rate-map) for zones such as AE and VE. It is a reference point, not a promise about the next storm.

Builders and officials use the BFE to set how high a new home's lowest floor must sit. Many places add [freeboard](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/freeboard) on top of it. The result is called the [design flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/design-flood-elevation). Read [how flood zones shape a Tampa build](https://build813.multisites.ai/build-in-a-flood-zone-tampa) to see how the pieces fit together.

[Halo Homes can helpCustom home construction](https://build813.multisites.ai/services/custom-home-construction)

## Related terms

-   [Freeboard](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/freeboard)
-   [Design flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/design-flood-elevation)
-   [Flood insurance rate map](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/flood-insurance-rate-map)
-   [Elevation certificate](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/elevation-certificate)

## Sources

1.  [FEMA: Base Flood Elevation (BFE)](https://www.fema.gov/about/glossary/base-flood-elevation-bfe)
2.  [City of Tampa: Flood Information](https://www.tampa.gov/tss-stormwater/info/flood)

![Outdoor kitchen with a grill and stainless hood under a covered balcony](https://build813.multisites.ai/_astro/ladoga-outdoor-kitchen.jlm4iJcV_1Uthma.avif)

## Start your home.

Tell Halo about your lot, your plans and your timing. A call or a short note is enough to begin.

[Start your home](https://build813.multisites.ai/contact)

Or call [(813) 956-1972](tel:+1-813-956-1972)