If you own property in or near a flood zone, you’ve likely heard the term Elevation Certificate (EC) —but what exactly is it, and why does it matter? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is an Elevation Certificate?

An Elevation Certificate is an official document that provides detailed information about a property’s elevation relative to the estimated height floodwaters could reach during a major storm (known as the Base Flood Elevation, or BFE).

It’s typically prepared by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect and includes key data such as:

The elevation of the building’s lowest floor
The elevation of the ground around the structure
Flood zone designation
Building characteristics and construction details

Why Is an Elevation Certificate Important?

An EC plays a critical role in determining flood insurance requirements and costs. Insurance providers use the information in the certificate to assess risk. In many cases, it can mean the difference between:

High flood insurance premiums
Lower, more accurate rates
Or even eliminating the requirement for flood insurance altogether

Can an EC Help You Get Out of a Flood Zone?

If your Elevation Certificate shows that your structure is actually built above the Base Flood Elevation, you may qualify for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). This is an official determination that can remove your property from a high-risk flood zone.

That means:

You may no longer be required to carry flood insurance
You could significantly reduce ongoing costs
You gain clarity and confidence in your property’s true flood risk

Already Have an Elevation Certificate?

It’s worth taking a closer look.

Here at MyFloodStatus, an Elevation Certificate can be ordered if you don’t already have one. Or, if you supply us with your existing EC, we’re happy to offer a complimentary review to determine whether there’s a strong likelihood you could be removed from a high-risk flood zone by pursuing a LOMA.

Many property owners are surprised to learn they’ve had the documentation they needed all along—it just hadn’t been evaluated from a LOMA perspective.

When Should You Get an Elevation Certificate?

You may want to consider obtaining or reviewing an EC if:

You’re purchasing a property in a flood zone
Your lender requires flood insurance
Your flood insurance premiums seem unusually high
You believe your structure sits higher than surrounding land
You’re exploring options to reduce or eliminate flood insurance

A Flood Elevation Certificate isn’t just a technical document—it’s a powerful tool that can directly impact your financial obligations and your understanding of risk.

Whether you’re proactively evaluating your property or reacting to a flood insurance requirement, having accurate elevation data (and knowing how to use it) can open the door to meaningful savings and smarter decision-making.

If you’re unsure where your property stands, it may be time to take a closer look.

Need more guidance?Contact our team any time.

What is an Elevation Certificate?