The Elevation Certificate provides information for insurance companies, lenders and community flood control administrators. This information is required to estimate the risks for flooding. Elevation Certificates are required by the National Flood Program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This certification is required in areas, which have been identified as having a potential for flooding. On the 2nd of November 2018, new flood maps were issued in Columbia County and a portion of other adjoining counties. The county has had serious subsidence since the previous mapping. The increase in impermeable improvements like concrete, rooftops and asphalt has increased runoff. Because of the new maps many lenders are requiring Flood Elevation Certificates in areas, which previously were not in a Special Flood Hazard Zone "A". In some cases it is possible that an area within a Special Flood Hazard Zone is actually higher than the base flood elevations. In that case FEMA allows for a single lot to apply for a Letter of Map Amendment to take it out of the flood plain. The landowner must prove that the natural elevations in that area were incorrect and that the property is higher than the Base Flood Elevation. The findings will be reflected on future flood maps, and a letter is issued exempting that structure on your parcel. We have spent numerous hours in special courses learning about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and have specialized in getting you through the LOMA process. Our pricing is based on getting you out of the flood zone all together, not just getting you a cheap insurance rate.