Sarasota County, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

0 foot, the elevation required by the Florida Building Code, or one foot above the 100-year 24-hour maximum flood stage, whichever is higher. Where a parcel spans two flood zones, the whole structure must meet the more stringent zone's requirement (§ 54-516(a)(2)). In A Zones lacking published Base Flood Elevation data, builders must instead use the elevation the Floodplain Administrator determines under § 54-519(1). 0 foot, and enclosures below that level must be built with breakaway walls. Enclosed space below the minimum elevation is limited to parking, building access or storage, and must carry flood openings sized to at least one square inch of net area per square foot of enclosed floor (§ 54-516(a)(8)).

Any development in an adopted Flood Hazard Area needs a permit under § 54-517 before the Floodplain Administrator will confirm compliance. The Building Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals can grant variances to build below the required elevation, but a granted variance must be recorded in the county's public land records and expires 180 days after issuance unless a building permit is pulled within that window (§ 54-518).