Melbourne, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)
Key Facts
- Base elevation standard
- BFE + 1.33 ft, or design flood elev.
- AO Zones
- Depth number + 1.33 ft, min. 3 ft
- Coastal high-hazard
- Below-grade basements prohibited
- Structural fill
- Fill for structural support prohibited
- Citation
- Melbourne City Code § 13.80(e)
Summary
Melbourne requires new buildings in flood hazard areas, including Coastal A Zones, to elevate their lowest floor to the base flood elevation plus 1.33 feet or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher. The rule amends the Florida Residential Building Code's elevation requirements section.
1.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 1.33 feet or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher.2.In areas of shallow flooding (AO Zones), buildings and structures shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to a height above the highest adjacent grade of not less than the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM plus 1.33 feet, or not less than three feet if a depth number is not specified.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32).
Full Breakdown
80(e) rather than relying on the state's default text. 33 feet, or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher. 33 feet, or at least three feet if no depth number is specified. 33-feet standard. 33 feet, below-grade basements are prohibited outright, and fill cannot be used for structural support, though minor grading and fill are still allowed for landscaping, drainage, and support of parking slabs, pool decks, patios and walkways. These flood provisions sit alongside Melbourne's wind design requirements in the same section, which set wind speeds of 140 mph for Risk Category I buildings, 150 mph for Category II, and 160 mph for Categories III and IV, and designate the entire city as a wind-borne debris region.
Violations & Fines
Constructing below the required elevation without the design professional's compliance documentation is a technical-code violation enforceable as a misdemeanor under Section 13.68, with each day of continued noncompliance treated as a separate offense. The building official can also deny or revoke the building permit under Section 13.29 if the submitted plans or as-built construction do not meet the amended elevation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must I elevate my house's lowest floor in Melbourne's flood zones?
Are basements allowed in Melbourne's coastal high-hazard flood areas?
What about homes in shallow flooding AO Zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Melbourne
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Melbourne 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.
Flood Elevation in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle flood elevation.