Florida Statewide Flood Construction Requirements

Fla. Stat. 553.73 establishes the Florida Building Code as the sole statewide construction code, incorporating ASCE 24 flood-resistant design and FEMA National Flood Insurance Program standards. Local governments must enforce these requirements without weakening them; they may adopt more stringent floodplain rules but cannot fall below state minimums. Section 252.385 requires participation in NFIP for state-funded flood mitigation eligibility. New construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas must elevate the lowest floor to or above the design flood elevation.

Construction below the required elevation results in failed inspections, certificate of occupancy denial, increased flood insurance premiums, and potential ineligibility for FEMA disaster assistance.