A Flood Elevation Certificate is a document prepared by an Engineer, Surveyor, or qualified person that will provide data to help properly rate properties for flood insurance. An Elevation Certificate can determine where, precisely, your home is located in relationship to the Base Flood Elevation. You may want to obtain a flood certificate if your property lies in a flood zone.
The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 requires flood insurance to be purchased for properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas prior to the owners receiving any type of direct or indirect federal financial assistance. The flood certificate is a tool that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to certify building elevations if the building is in a special flood hazard area. This form helps in determining the proper flood insurance rate for the building. Flood insurance may be required for residential and commercial properties.