Alachua County, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard requirement
- 1 ft above base flood elevation
- No-BFE fallback
- 3 ft above highest natural ground
- Utility freeboard
- 1 ft above BFE for septic/utilities
- Mobile home elevation
- 1 ft above BFE on fill/pilings
- Road elevation
- 1 ft above 100-yr floodplain (sole access)
Summary
Alachua County requires the lowest floor of any residential structure on an existing lot of record in a flood hazard area to sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation, under Alachua County Code § 406.57(d). Where no base flood elevation has been set, the floor must instead clear the highest natural ground by three feet.
(d)Minimum elevation. All residential structures on existing lots of record must have the lowest floor elevated a minimum of one foot above the base flood elevation for that site. This can be achieved by using an open foundation, such as pilings or stem wall designed with openings as described in Subsection 406.57(k). Where the base flood elevation has not been established, the lowest floor elevation of the structure must be three feet above the highest natural ground level.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
57(k). 57(e)). 57(n)). 57(c)). 57(j)). 57(k)).
Violations & Fines
Building below the required freeboard elevation violates § 406.57(d) and blocks issuance of a certificate of occupancy until the elevation is corrected or certified by a Florida-licensed surveyor. The county's Floodplain Administrator and Building Official jointly review as-built elevation certificates and can issue a stop-work order under § 409.04(h) for construction that proceeds out of compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above the flood elevation does my house have to be built in Alachua County?
Does the one-foot freeboard rule apply to septic systems too?
What if my flood zone doesn't have a set base flood elevation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alachua County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Alachua County to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.