---
title: "What Is Flood vents? Building Glossary | Halo Homes"
description: "Flood vents are openings in the walls of an enclosure below the flood elevation that let water pass through and equalize pressure on the walls."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/flood-vents
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

![Two-story white home with a stone accent wall and a dark garage door](https://build813.multisites.ai/_astro/leona-front.wTeIwzEs_Z1ekyTx.avif)

# Flood vents

Flood vents are openings in the walls of an enclosure below the flood elevation that let water pass through and equalize pressure on the walls.

Hillsborough County requires every enclosure below an elevated structure to let floodwater enter and exit on its own. That equalizes the water pressure on the exterior walls so they are less likely to fail. Hydrostatic flood vents are the usual way to do it.

The county also says enclosed areas below the [base flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/base-flood-elevation) may be used only for parking, building access or storage. Rules for the City of Tampa may differ, so confirm with the permit office. See [building in a flood zone](https://build813.multisites.ai/build-in-a-flood-zone-tampa) and the [special flood hazard area](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/special-flood-hazard-area) entry.

[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)
-   [FEMA flood zone AE](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/fema-flood-zone-ae)
-   [Elevation certificate](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/elevation-certificate)

## Sources

1.  [Hillsborough County: Special Flood Hazard Area Requirements](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub/miscellaneous-checklists-and-submittal-requirements/special-flood-hazard-area-requirements)
2.  [Hillsborough County: Special Flood Hazard Area Requirements](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub/miscellaneous-checklists-and-submittal-requirements/special-flood-hazard-area-requirements)

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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)