Tallahassee, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)

LDC § 6-11 adopts, by reference, the areas of special flood hazard identified in FEMA's flood insurance study for the city dated March 16, 2005, along with the accompanying flood insurance rate maps and any later revisions. Inside those mapped areas, § 6-62(1) requires new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure to have its lowest floor, including any basement, elevated no lower than two feet above the base flood elevation; manufactured homes in zones A1-30, AH, and AE must sit on a permanent foundation at that same two-foot elevation, and all mechanical equipment for new or substantially improved residential structures must sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation.

Outside the mapped special flood hazard areas, § 5-87(5) still requires every permit application to show the finished floor elevation is at least two feet above the highest ground elevation within ten feet of the building, dropping to one foot if the site sits in a subdivision approved after April 1, 2006; the land use and environmental services administrator can reduce that standard only if the applicant proves an alternative drainage design keeps water away from the structure. Under § 6-32, a development permit is required before any development activity begins, and the permit holder must submit an elevation certification, prepared by a registered surveyor or engineer, at both the framing inspection and the final inspection.

The Environmental Board hears variance requests and appeals under § 6-33, weighing flood and erosion danger, the property's need for a waterfront location, and the effect on neighboring development before granting relief.