First Floor Height

This page is a rough draft and will need more work before it's finalized.

First Floor Height (FFH) is a measurement used to determine the elevation of a building's lowest floor above the adjacent ground level. This measurement plays a critical role in flood insurance rating by helping assess the building's flood risk accurately.

How to Measure FFH

FFH is determined based on the building's foundation type. The table below outlines common foundation types and how FFH is measured. The measurement will be to the Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG), or the lowest point where the surrounding ground touches the foundation.

Foundation	Where to Measure	Image
Slab on Grade	From the LAG to the top of slab
Basement	From the top of the basement floor to the LAG
Elevated Buildings (Post-FIRM)	From the LAG to the top of the lowest elevated floor
Elevated Buildings (Pre-FIRM)	From the LAG to the top of the enclosure floor
Crawlspaces	From the LAG to the top of the lowest elevated floor

FEMA uses advanced datasets to calculate FFH if no Elevation Certificate is provided.

Why Does FFH Matter?

• Risk Assessment: FFH is a key factor in calculating flood insurance premiums. A higher FFH generally reduces flood risk and may lead to lower premiums.
• Flexible Options for Policyholders: FEMA provides an FFH value, but policyholders can also submit an Elevation Certificate (EC) from a licensed surveyor, which may result in a lower premium.

Additional Notes for Agents

• Submitting an Elevation Certificate won't increase the premium and might result in a lower cost for the policyholder.
• Ensure the FFH and supporting documentation are accurately recorded on the insurance application form to avoid processing delays.

For more detailed guidance, consult the FIM.

This page contains information about the NFIP. Find more NFIP Resources.