Broward County enforces FEMA flood zone requirements with 1 ft freeboard above base flood elevation for residential and higher freeboard for critical facilities. Elevation certificates required from licensed surveyors.
Flood elevation in Broward County is regulated under the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and county floodplain management ordinance. Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) zones A, AE, AH, AO, and coastal V zones cover large portions of the county from the Atlantic coastline to interior C-canal communities. New construction, substantial improvements, and substantial damage repairs (greater than 50 percent of market value) must elevate the lowest floor to or above the base flood elevation (BFE) plus Broward freeboard of typically 1 ft for residential. Critical facilities including hospitals, fire stations, and schools require 2-3 ft freeboard. Coastal V zones require pile or column foundations with breakaway walls below the BFE and no obstruction below the flood level. Elevation certificates from Florida-licensed surveyors are required at foundation, floor, and final inspections. Manufactured homes must be anchored and elevated. Non-compliance jeopardizes flood insurance and may force reconstruction at significant cost.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Broward County's flood elevation rules stack up against other locations.
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