Elevation certificate
What it is
The FEMA Elevation Certificate (Form FF-206-FY-22-152) records a building's elevation and flood zone details. Communities keep them on file to show new and substantially improved buildings in flood zones meet local floodplain rules, and owners can use one for flood insurance.
Do you need one?
Usually not. FEMA says most homeowners don't need an elevation certificate to get flood insurance. Homeowners in high-risk Zones A and V may need one to show the property meets local standards. A certificate doesn't set your rate, but by documenting your first floor height it may lower your premium.
Who can prepare it
The elevation certification may be signed only by a land surveyor, engineer or architect authorized by state law to certify elevation information. Certified elevations are required when the certificate supports a request to change a property's flood map status (a LOMA or similar). Before paying for a new one, ask your local floodplain manager whether one is already on file.
What it costs
Published ranges, not quotes. Your price depends on the property; get quotes from two or three licensed firms.
| Survey | Published range |
|---|---|
| Elevation survey / certificate | $600–$2,000 |
Example: published Texas prices
| Survey | Published range |
|---|---|
| Elevation certificate (FEMA) | $350–$600 |
Find a licensed surveyor
Tell us about your project and we'll email you the licensed firms near your property.
Sources: FEMA, Elevation Certificate and Instructions (opens in new tab); FloodSmart, Get an Elevation Certificate (opens in new tab); FEMA glossary, Elevation Certificate (opens in new tab). General information, not legal or professional advice; confirm requirements with your lender, title company or local officials.