Broward County, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- County Code Ch. 5, Art. V
- Scope
- Unincorporated area only (Sec. 5-78(b))
- Accessory structure cap
- 600 sq ft below required elevation
- MEP elevation standard
- Base flood elevation plus 1 foot
- Manufactured home elevation
- 36 inches above highest adjacent grade
Summary
Unincorporated Broward County requires a floodplain development permit and elevation compliant with ASCE 24 for construction in a FEMA-mapped flood hazard area, with accessory structures capped at 600 square feet unless raised above the base flood elevation.
Accessory structures are permitted below the elevations specified by the Florida Building Code if the accessory structures:(1)Are one-story, not larger than six hundred (600) square feet, and have flood openings in accordance with Section R322.2 of the Florida Building Code, Residential, when located in Special Flood Hazard Areas Zone A, AE, AH, or AO;(2)Are not under elevated buildings;(3)Are not larger than one hundred (100) square feet when located in Coastal High Hazard Areas;(4)Are anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement resulting from flood loads;(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. (Ord. No. 2014-13, § 2, 5-13-14; Ord. No. 2023-28, § 7, 9-7-23)
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
Broward's Floodplain Management Ordinance (County Code Ch. 5, Art. V) applies only in the unincorporated area; Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and 27 other municipalities enforce their own codes. The Floodplain Administrator, the Building Official, issues floodplain development permits under Sec. 5-81 for development in FEMA-mapped flood hazard areas. Buildings exempt from the Florida Building Code must be built to ASCE 24 flood-resistant standards; accessory structures may sit below the required elevation only if under 600 square feet, with utilities and flood-resistant materials at or above the base flood elevation plus one foot. Manufactured homes must sit at least 36 inches above the highest adjacent grade.
Violations & Fines
Undertaking development in a mapped flood hazard area without a floodplain development permit, or below the required elevation, is presumed a violation; the Floodplain Administrator may issue a stop-work order, citation, or notice of violation under Chapter 8½.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this flood elevation ordinance apply in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
How high must an accessory structure sit before it can skip the base flood elevation?
What elevation must a manufactured home meet in Broward's unincorporated flood zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida hurricane preparedness overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.