Elevating your home and utilities greatly decreases your risk of flood damage.

• Keep flood vents open and unobstructed to prevent structural damage.
• A non-conversion agreement is required for areas below the required minimum finished floor elevation (garages or enclosures). 

Check with the Building Division for a permit before starting construction or altering grades. Report unpermitted construction activities to the Building Division (941)-486-2626.  Protect your property from flood hazards by raising electrical components.

The National Flood Insurance Program and the City of Venice have flood damage prevention regulations that may affect how you repair, remodel, add, or renovate your home/building. If your home is located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), it will be subject to the Substantial Damage/Improvement rules, also known as the "50% Rule". View this brochure on 50% Rule - Substantial Damage or Improvement for more information.  This rule applies when the cost of restoring or renovating a structure,  equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. (Note: The cost of the repairs must include all costs necessary to fully repair or renovate the structure, including labor.)

 The Florida Building Code requires one foot of "freeboard" to be added to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) which then equals the Design Flood Elevation (DFE). 

When a garage is below the base flood elevation plus 1', or the Design Flood Elevation, living space will not be permitted in this area. A non-conversion agreement will need to be signed before a Certificate of Occupancy will be granted. The form must be signed by the property owner and recorded with the Sarasota County Public Records so subsequent property owners know this information as well.