Seawalls

Seawalls are built to protect areas of human habitation along the coast against tides, waves, and sea level rise. Of the approximately 55 miles of seawalls in Miami Beach, about 5 miles are publicly owned.

Private seawalls are our first line of defense against rising tides on the Bayside of the island. The city conducted an elevation survey of all the seawalls in the city and developed a tool to help properties understand their vulnerability to rising tides.

City of Miami Beach Seawall Elevation Tool

As of October 2025, the City of Miami Beach estimates the seawall program will cost $80.3 million, covering design, construction, engineering, and inspection. The City has secured $10 million through the G.O. Bond and $20.9 million through the citywide seawall initiative. An additional $49.4 million in funding is anticipated for future years.

Seawall Ordinance

The Seawall Ordinance was amended on July 16, 2025, and codifies minimum elevations for new seawalls and requires seawalls that are in disrepair and are causing flooding on adjacent properties to be maintained.

Tidal flooding, especially during king tide events, poses risks such as roadway flooding, compromised infrastructure, and potential health hazards. The city's resilience measures are crucial in managing these impacts, but there is a need for more effective enforcement tools to ensure compliance and protect the public. Strengthening these enforcement mechanisms will help ensure the city's long-term resilience and safeguard the safety and quality of life of residents and visitors alike.

The Ordinance includes the following:

All new seawalls must be constructed to an elevation of 5.7 ft NAVD, or 4 ft NAVD if designed to support a future elevation of 5.7 ft NAVD. The elevation requirements are already in effect. On May 11, 2016, the city passed a resolution to require that new seawalls and those meeting the substantial reconstruction requirements have higher elevation standards (R2016-4009).
Codifies the above requirement and includes that seawalls must be upgraded if the property has new construction or substantial improvements. It should be noted that property owners are encouraged to consider designs using materials to further the biodiversity of the city's coastal marine habitat.
Establishes overtopping as a trigger for seawall elevation and seawall maintenance requirements. Seawalls must be maintained in good repair to prevent soil from eroding into the bay or waterway or to allow tidal waters to flow through the seawall and impact adjacent private property(s).
Requires that seawalls must be maintained to prevent tidal waters from flowing overland and leaving their property. Enforcement of the maintenance requirements outlined in the Ordinance will be enforced by either the floodplain administrator, a Code Compliance officer, or a police officer.
Established $250 fine for the first offense (day) and $500 per day fine for subsequent infractions and requires that following a citation, the property owner has 730 days to complete repairs. A violator who has been served a notice can request an administrative hearing within ten days to appeal the decision of the enforcement officer.

Click here to review the Seawall Ordinance.

Seawall Ordinance Fact Sheet

Seawall Vendors

The information contained herein is made available for informational purposes only. These vendors were reported to be used by past participants of the Private Property Adaptation (PPA) Program or currently have a contract with the City of Miami Beach, but the City makes no claim, or warranty or representation, express or implied, as to the product quality, credibility, or reputation of any vendors identified herein, nor does the City recommend the use of any vendor over another. The participants acknowledge that the City shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person or entity as a result of the use or misuse of any of the information or content on this form.

City of Miami Beach Seawall Contractors

PPA Seawall Vendors

With 91% of seawalls on private property, elevation plays an important role in reducing the community's vulnerability to storm surges and tidal flooding. In January 2021, the city strengthened a 2016 policy and passed an ordinance requiring all new seawalls to be built at an elevation of 5.7’ NAVD (North American Vertical Datum 1988) and failing seawalls to be rebuilt to this minimum elevation, to be more resilient as per city code. On July 23, 2025, the city updated its Seawall Ordinance by changing definitions and improving the construction standards for both new and existing seawalls and other barriers that help protect against tidal flooding. The goal is to better prepare the coast for rising sea levels and to reduce the impact of flooding.

The city is committed to finding innovative solutions to secure the necessary funding to complete public seawall retrofits. Private property owners may be eligible for a matching grant for seawall upgrades and PACE financing. Please visit MBRisingAbove.com/PPA to learn more.

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