Compare the purpose, not just the drawing
Read the document’s title and scope. A sheet with spot elevations may still be a different record from the certificate required by the program. Neither document alone is an engineering assessment of the wall.
Use this worksheet offline. Scroll sideways on a small screen, or print/save this page with your browser. Blank cells are for your own copy; nothing is entered or sent here.
| Record | What to look for | What not to assume |
|---|---|---|
| Building Elevation Certificate | Building elevation information, datum, identifying information, and the professional’s completed certification | That a general property survey is an accepted substitute |
| Seawall / topographic / as-built survey | The measured wall features, elevations, datum, date, and scope actually shown | That every survey includes the seawall or certifies its structural condition |
- Official seawall application portalReviewed October 24, 2026
- Miami Beach floodplain and Elevation Certificate informationReviewed October 24, 2026
Look for an existing certificate first
Check your closing records, prior flood-insurance file, and any records held by your property manager or association. The City Building FAQ says certificate copies can be requested through Building Department Records Management. A record search may find a copy; it does not guarantee one exists or that it meets the current application’s needs.
- Miami Beach Building FAQs and record requestsReviewed October 24, 2026
Keep a record-request log
Use this worksheet offline. Scroll sideways on a small screen, or print/save this page with your browser. Blank cells are for your own copy; nothing is entered or sent here.
| Record holder | Date requested | Record received | Remaining question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner / closing file | Blank for your offline record | Blank for your offline record | Blank for your offline record |
| Insurance records | Blank for your offline record | Blank for your offline record | Blank for your offline record |
| Association / manager | Blank for your offline record | Blank for your offline record | Blank for your offline record |
| City records request | Blank for your offline record | Blank for your offline record | Blank for your offline record |
| Licensed surveyor | Blank for your offline record | Blank for your offline record | Blank for your offline record |
Ask a licensed surveyor a specific question
The City floodplain page links its current certificate guidance. Confirm the required form with the receiving authority and professional rather than relying on an old blank template. No cost or turnaround is guaranteed here.
- Do I already have the required Elevation Certificate, or do I need a new professional service?
- Does the available survey show the seawall cap and the relevant datum?
- What additional work is needed for the grant, design, or permit scope?
- Which current form and certification requirements apply to the proposed submission?
Use the records for the right decision
The grant team decides application requirements. The surveyor establishes measurements within the agreed scope. The engineer evaluates design or structural questions. The City determines applicable compliance and permitting requirements. A map screenshot or tape measurement does not replace those roles.
Planning information only, not an inspection, engineering or legal advice, compliance determination, or quote. Confirm project requirements with the City and qualified professionals.