Jacksonville, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)

Jacksonville's Floodplain Management Ordinance (Zoning Code Chapter 652) establishes flood elevation requirements for construction within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) as identified on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The ordinance requires a Design Flood Elevation (DFE) of two feet (2 feet) above the highest Base Flood Elevation (BFE) located on the property, providing freeboard above the FEMA minimum. The Base Flood Elevation is the height in feet that the 100-year flood (1% annual chance flood) is expected to rise above sea level. Two FEMA Elevation Certificates are required: one prior to the slab/foundation inspection and a second at final construction before the final inspection and certificate of occupancy. Substantial improvement (work exceeding 50% of the building's market value) triggers full compliance with current flood elevation standards, including raising the structure to the DFE. The City of Jacksonville participates in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS), which provides discounts on flood insurance premiums for properties in participating communities. The Planning and Development Department, Development Services Division, administers floodplain management. Structures in VE zones (coastal high hazard areas) must be elevated on pilings or columns with the lowest floor at or above the DFE.