Palm Bay, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Default BFE
- 3 ft above adjacent grade
- Applies when
- FIRM has no elevation data
- Set by
- Floodplain Administrator
- Adopted
- Ord. 2024-33, 9-19-24
Summary
When FEMA's flood maps don't list a base flood elevation for a site, Palm Bay's Floodplain Administrator defaults it to three feet above the highest adjacent grade, unless evidence shows flooding runs deeper than that.
Where base flood elevation and floodway data are not available from another source, where the available data are deemed by the Floodplain Administrator to not reasonably reflect flooding conditions, or where the available data are known to be scientifically or technically incorrect or otherwise inadequate:
(a) Require the applicant to include base flood elevation data prepared in accordance with currently accepted engineering practices; or
(b) Specify that the base flood elevation is three (3) feet above the highest adjacent grade at the location of the development, provided there is no evidence indicating flood depths have been or may be greater than three
(3) feet.
(4) Where the base flood elevation data are to be used to support a letter of map change from FEMA, advise the applicant that the analyses shall be prepared by a Florida licensed engineer in a format required by FEMA, and that it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to satisfy the submittal requirements and pay the processing fees.
(D) Additional analyses and certifications. As applicable to the location and nature of the proposed development activity, and in addition to the requirements of this section, the applicant shall have the following analyses signed and sealed by a Florida licensed engineer for submission with the site plan and construction documents:
(1) For development activities proposed to be located in a regulatory
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-41: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2026-13, passed 5-21-26).
Full Breakdown
Palm Bay's floodplain ordinance (Part 179, adopted by Ord. 2024-33) requires site plans in flood hazard areas to show base flood elevations. Where the Flood Insurance Rate Map or Flood Insurance Study doesn't provide that data, the Floodplain Administrator can require an engineered study or, on smaller sites, simply set the base flood elevation at three feet above the highest adjacent grade: provided nothing indicates deeper flooding is possible. Buildings subject to the Florida Building Code follow its ASCE 24 flood-resistant construction standards; structures exempt from that code must still meet Part 179's own elevation and enclosure rules.
Violations & Fines
Development lacking documentation of the lowest floor's elevation or other required flood certifications is presumed a violation until proof of compliance is provided; the Floodplain Administrator can issue stop-work orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my lot's flood map doesn't list a base flood elevation?
Does this apply to all new construction in Palm Bay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Bay
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Bay to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle flood elevation requirements.