Broward County, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Broward County only
- Accessory structures
- BFE plus 1 foot
- Manufactured homes
- 36 inches above grade minimum
- Map basis
- FEMA FIS dated August 18, 2014
- Administrator
- County Building Official
Summary
Unincorporated Broward County ties new construction to FEMA's base flood elevation, requiring accessory structures and their utilities to sit at least one foot above BFE under the county's Floodplain Management Ordinance.
Accessory structures are permitted below the elevations specified by the Florida Building Code if the accessory structures: ... (5) Have flood damage-resistant materials used below the base flood elevation plus one (1) foot; and (6) Have mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, including plumbing fixtures, elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus one (1) foot.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
The Floodplain Management Ordinance (Sec. 5-78 et seq.) applies only in unincorporated Broward County. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and the county's other municipalities enforce their own codes. The Building Official, as Floodplain Administrator, issues floodplain development permits using FEMA's Flood Insurance Study (dated August 18, 2014) and FIRMs, which set the base flood elevation for each parcel. Accessory structures built below the Florida Building Code's required elevation must still use flood damage-resistant materials and raise mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems to at least one foot above base flood elevation. Manufactured homes need a foundation at least 36 inches above grade.
Violations & Fines
Building without a floodplain development permit, or without required elevation certification for the lowest floor, is presumed a violation; the Floodplain Administrator can issue stop-work orders and citations enforced under Chapter 8½ Code Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
How much freeboard is required for accessory structures?
What sets the base flood elevation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward 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.