Jacksonville, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard
- Base flood elevation + 2 feet
- Applies to
- Lowest floor of structures
- Coastal V-zone basements
- Below-grade basements prohibited
- AO shallow-flood zones
- FIRM depth number + 2 feet
- Codified at
- Ordinance Code Section 321.109
Summary
Jacksonville requires new and substantially improved buildings in flood hazard areas to elevate their lowest floor to at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation, a stricter local freeboard standard than the state minimum.
Buildings and structures in flood hazard areas, including flood hazard areas designated as Coastal A Zones, shall have the lowest floors elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus 2 feet (610 mm), or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Ordinance Code Section 321.109, a local technical amendment to the Florida Building Code, Jacksonville requires buildings in special flood hazard areas to have their lowest floor elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus 2 feet, or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher: beyond the state minimum. In AO shallow-flooding zones, the lowest floor must clear the highest adjacent grade by the FIRM depth number plus 2 feet, or 4 feet if no depth number is listed. In coastal high-hazard V zones and Coastal A zones, the lowest horizontal structural member must meet the same plus-2-foot standard, basements below grade are prohibited, and fill cannot be used for structural support.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required elevation clearance blocks permit issuance and certificate of occupancy; NFIP flood insurance rates rise, and existing structures found out of compliance face code enforcement action and required retrofits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jacksonville require more freeboard than state law?
What about lots in an AO shallow-flooding zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida hurricane preparedness overview
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