The height floodwater is expected to reach in the base flood, which federal flood rules define as the flood having a one percent chance of being equalled or exceeded in any given year (44 CFR 59.1). The BFE for a property is shown on its Flood Insurance Rate Map, stated against the datum the map names. It matters for seawalls because some cities tie their limits to it. Fort Lauderdale caps a wall at the base flood elevation or 6 ft NAVD88, whichever is lower, and Delray Beach sets its maximum by the property's base flood elevation.
Source: 44 CFR 59.1, Definitions (National Flood Insurance Program) · FEMA Flood Map Service Center · Checked 2026-10
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