---
title: "What Is Elevation certificate? Building Glossary"
description: "An elevation certificate is a form completed by a licensed surveyor or engineer that records a building's floor height against the base flood elevation."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/elevation-certificate
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

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# Elevation certificate

An elevation certificate is a form completed by a licensed surveyor or engineer that records a building's floor height against the base flood elevation.

An elevation certificate is the official record of how high a building sits. FEMA says a community's permit file must show that new buildings in the [special flood hazard area](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/special-flood-hazard-area) are properly elevated. The same form can help the owner get flood insurance.

In Tampa, a professional engineer or professional land surveyor must complete it. You hand it in with a permit application in the flood hazard area. It compares the floor to the [base flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/base-flood-elevation). Read [how to build in a flood zone](https://build813.multisites.ai/build-in-a-flood-zone-tampa) for the timing.

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

## Related terms

-   [Base flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/base-flood-elevation)
-   [Special flood hazard area](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/special-flood-hazard-area)
-   [Design flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/design-flood-elevation)
-   [Flood insurance rate map](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/flood-insurance-rate-map)

## Sources

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

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## 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)