Flood Elevation Certificates in Houston | South Texas Surveying
"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans
What Is a Flood Elevation Certificate—and Do You Need One in Houston?
Rising Water, Rising Requirements
Flooding is a part of life in Houston and much of Southeast Texas. From Hurricane Harvey to routine tropical storms, residents and property owners know that water management is serious business. But what many people don’t realize is that flood insurance costs, building permits, and even home sales can hinge on one document: the FEMA Flood Elevation Certificate.
At South Texas Surveying, we provide accurate, city-approved elevation certificates across Houston, Conroe, Spring, Katy, and other flood-prone communities throughout Texas.
What Is a Flood Elevation Certificate?
A Flood Elevation Certificate (also called an EC or FEMA Certificate) is an official document prepared by a licensed surveyor that provides detailed information about a property’s elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) established by FEMA.
It’s used by:
FEMA to determine flood risk
Insurance companies to rate flood insurance premiums
Cities and counties for permitting and compliance
Homeowners and real estate professionals for disclosure and resale
What Information Does an Elevation Certificate Include?
Your certificate will include:
Property address and legal description
FEMA flood zone designation
Ground and finished floor elevations
Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
Lowest adjacent grade and garage/slab elevations
Building type and foundation details
Surveyor’s certification and seal
When Do You Need an Elevation Certificate in Houston?
You may need a flood certificate if:
Your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
You are applying for or renewing flood insurance
You are building or remodeling in a flood zone
You’re applying for a permit in flood-prone cities like Pasadena, Friendswood, or Meyerland
You want to challenge or remove your property from a flood zone through a LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment)
You’re buying, selling, or refinancing a property in a Zone AE, VE, or other high-risk area
Why It Matters: Insurance Costs and Construction Delays
An elevation certificate can:
Lower your flood insurance premiums
Determine whether insurance is even required
Speed up the permitting process
Help your builder design to proper elevation standards
Protect your investment from future compliance issues
We’ve had clients in Pearland, Tomball, and Baytown save thousands on insurance—or avoid months-long permitting delays—just by getting a certified elevation certificate from our team.
How to Get a Flood Elevation Certificate
You’ll need to hire a licensed professional land surveyor (like South Texas Surveying) to:
Visit the property and take field measurements
Cross-reference FEMA flood maps
Document building elevations, foundation type, and BFE data
Complete and sign the FEMA Elevation Certificate form
Deliver the certificate digitally or in hard copy (depending on what your city or insurer requires)
We can typically complete the process within a few business days.
Where We Provide Elevation Certificates
We serve residential and commercial clients across:
Houston (including Meyerland, Heights, East End, and Galleria)
Conroe & The Woodlands
Katy & Cypress
Tomball & Magnolia
Pearland, Manvel & Alvin
Baytown & Pasadena
League City & Galveston County
Why Choose South Texas Surveying
✅ Fast turnaround and FEMA-compliant documentation
✅ Licensed surveyors with deep knowledge of Texas flood zones
✅ Trusted by builders, insurance agents, title companies, and homeowners
✅ Flexible scheduling and fair pricing
Whether you're building, buying, or just trying to reduce flood insurance premiums, a professional Flood Elevation Certificate could save you time, money, and stress. Trust South Texas Surveying to get it done right—on time and fully compliant with FEMA and local regulations.
