If you’re buying a home, developing land, or renewing insurance in Tallahassee, you may have been told you need an elevation certificate. That’s especially true if your property falls within a FEMA-designated flood zone, which affects large areas throughout Leon County.

But what exactly is an elevation certificate—and do you really need one?

At Nunamaker Land Surveying, we’ve helped hundreds of Tallahassee residents and developers answer this question. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is an Elevation Certificate?

A FEMA elevation certificate is an official document prepared by a licensed land surveyor. It shows the elevation of your building relative to the base flood elevation (BFE)—the level at which floodwaters are expected to rise during a major storm or flood event.

This certificate helps determine:

• Whether your property is at risk of flooding
• How much flood insurance you’ll be required to carry
• Whether you qualify for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to be removed from a flood zone

How Do I Know If I’m in a Tallahassee Flood Zone?

FEMA regularly updates Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which classify properties into zones based on their flood risk. In Tallahassee and the surrounding area, common flood zones include:

• Zone AE – High risk; flood insurance usually required
• Zone X (Shaded) – Moderate risk; flood insurance optional
• Zone X (Unshaded) – Minimal risk; insurance not typically required
• Zone VE – High-risk coastal flood zone (less common inland)

To check your property:

🔎 Visit FEMA’s flood map site: https://msc.fema.gov
🏛️ Or contact Leon County Development Support & Environmental Management (DSEM)

If you’re in or near a high-risk zone (like AE), you’ll likely need an elevation certificate to satisfy insurance or building requirements.

Why Elevation Certificates Matter in Tallahassee

Tallahassee's rolling terrain, heavy rainfall, and proximity to flood-prone areas like Lake Lafayette, the St. Marks River, and the Apalachee Bay watershed make it especially important to verify your elevation before building or purchasing.

We frequently see elevation issues in:

• Southwood
• Apalachee Parkway area
• Miccosukee Road corridor
• Parts of Killearn Estates and Betton Hills
• Rural low-lying parcels near Woodville and Fort Braden

If you live or plan to build in these areas, a certified elevation certificate could help you:

✅ Avoid unexpected insurance costs
✅ Comply with city or county permitting
✅ Prove your home is above the BFE and reduce premiums
✅ Remove your property from the flood zone (LOMA)

When You Might Need an Elevation Certificate

You should strongly consider getting an elevation certificate if:

• You're buying a property in a mapped flood zone
• Your mortgage lender requires flood insurance
• You're building a new structure or addition
• You suspect FEMA’s maps are incorrect and want to challenge your flood zone
• Your insurance premiums seem unusually high

What Happens During the Survey?

When you hire Nunamaker Land Surveying, we’ll visit your property and collect detailed elevation data using GPS and precision leveling instruments.

We’ll measure:

• The lowest adjacent grade (LAG)
• The top of the bottom floor
• The base flood elevation (BFE)
• Any crawl spaces or basements
• Elevation of attached garages (if applicable)

Then we’ll complete the FEMA Elevation Certificate form, which can be submitted to your insurance provider or permitting office.

Why Work With a Local Tallahassee Surveyor?

National firms don’t know Leon County’s topography, FEMA map history, or local building code like we do. At Nunamaker Land Surveying, we’ve provided elevation certificates across Tallahassee for over 25 years—from in-town homes to rural estates.

We understand:

• Local floodplain regulations
• City of Tallahassee and Leon County permitting processes
• Common mapping errors in FEMA zones
• The best way to expedite elevation documentation for real estate closings and construction projects

Need an Elevation Certificate in Tallahassee?

If you're in a flood zone—or think you might be—don’t leave it to chance. Contact Nunamaker Land Surveying to schedule your elevation survey today.

📞 Call us at [850-228-7988]
🌐 Visit us at https://www.nunamakerlandsurveyors.com
📍 Serving Tallahassee, FL and the entire Florida Panhandle

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