Flood Protection
Because Miami-Dade County is located in a unique geographical area, it is particularly susceptible to flooding from major rain events and storm surge. The County is surrounded by major water bodies such as the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and many rivers, lakes and canals.
Miami-Dade County lies close to sea level and its underground water supply is just below the ground surface. Therefore, major rain events sometimes leave rainwater nowhere to drain, causing occasional flooding in some areas of the County.
For more information on flood protection and related topics at the national level, please visit FEMA.
- View the flood zone brochure
(9 MB).
New floodplain requirements in 2010 Florida Building Code
Miami-Dade County conducted a workshop on March 9, 2012 on the new floodplain requirements in the 2010 Florida Building Code, as part of the "Getting It Done Right the First Time" workshop series. The new requirements will come into effect on March 15th.
This workshop also provided Continuing Education Credits for Certified Floodplain Managers. The next workshop will be take place in April, with the date and time to be announced.
- Read the floodplain requirements presentation
(8 MB) - View the Coastal A Zone maps
- Read more about Continuing Education
Elevation Certificates
Flood Elevation Certificates tell you how high your house was built in relation to a flood zone. These certificates are required for all new construction and substantial improvements to a structure.
Flood & Drainage Complaints
Form and important phone numbers to submit a flood or drainage complaint,
Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is required for any federally backed mortgage in a special flood hazard area.
Flood Zone Maps
New Flood Zone Maps are now available for viewing. The Federal Emergency Mangement Agency (FEMA) has completed a major effort to develop detailed digital flood hazard maps that reflect current flood risks for Miami-Dade County. The new Flood Zone Maps replace existing maps using updated and more detailed information.
Property Sale Disclosure
Any purchase of improved real estate in a Special Flood Hazard or Coastal High Hazard Area (also known as Flood Zones) must include a full disclosure to the buyer that the property lies in either of those zones.
Protect Your Property
Things you can do to minimize or eliminate property damage before a flood event occurs.
Stormwater Utility
The Stormwater Utility helps solve the problem of polluted stormwater and to improve the drainage capability of areas that are susceptible to flooding. Reduced open spaces create barriers to rainwater, limiting the ability of water to soak into the ground and recharge our aquifer. Special structures need to be built to drain these areas.
Fees collected by the Stormwater Utility go toward the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of stormwater management systems in Miami-Dade County.
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