Miami-Dade flood zones, elevation certificates, and the 50 percent rule

For properties in a flood zone, Miami-Dade uses elevation information to determine whether construction must meet current flood elevation requirements. Elevation Certificates are required for new construction and substantial improvements. County guidance explains that when a flood-zone structure is damaged or improved by more than 50 percent of its market value, it may have to be elevated to the current requirement. Parcel-specific flood and elevation facts should be checked before feasibility is stated.