Due to the FEMA code, they will have to be elevated.

You can't remove a house from the flood plain (unless you actually pick it up and move it) but you can have the house certified as being at a high enough elevation it won't likely flood.

Let them tell you whats needed and work with them through the process, establishing that you respect their authority on the matter and are trying to work with them can go a long way in making your life easier.For reference, a simplified lift of drawings required for a typical house permit in my area are:- a site plan, - floor plans for every level calling out life safety elements, dimensions, etc- building and wall sections describing the construction of all the building components as well as their r values - building elevations - Architectural details - Structural drawings and details- Structural Calculations  Hope that helps, feel free to reach out with any other specific questions you might have.

My new resource partners have elevated my service level and my clients satisfaction.Lesson Learned:  You gotta up your game. 

The elevator pitch is key!

Once you go over 3 stories you will need an elevator and two sets of egress stairs.

Add to that the elevated turn-over ratio in C & D, and you can watch your cash flow fly out right out the window.

By the way this goes for exterior elevations as well.

Some of these properties in lower elevations may already be considered obsolete because of this.Setting the politics of climate change aside, it is a fact that water levels are rising in coastal regions, and some parts of PInellas county already have to deal with tidal flooding regularly. 

Doing a needs and option feasibility study will lay the proper groundwork up front because it clarifies the project constraints, reduces the risk of elevated construction costs, cost overruns, potential roadblocks, and change orders.Decisions made at the beginning of your project have great impact on the options you have available later.