Home > Regulatory and Economic Resources > Building & Construction > Floodplain Management > Natural Floodplain Functions

Natural Floodplain Functions

Humans have always been attracted to floodplains for their many benefits, due to abundant resources these areas provide; however, poor planning and development in floodplains took a toll on the natural functions of floodplains, causing erosion, degradation of water quality, loss of habitats, loss of valuable property, and an increase in severity and frequency of flood losses. Understanding the importance of maintaining the natural functions of floodplains can lead to better floodplain management approaches that will better protect the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains.

Wildlife resources in floodplains can be managed for observation, recreation, hunting, and fishing. Parks, bike paths, open spaces, and wildlife conservation areas are all aesthetic features that are important to citizens, increasing a communities overall quality of life and making the community more appealing to potential employers, investors, residents, property owners, and tourists.

Rainfall slowly drains into floodplains such as the Everglades and our many wetlands, depositing sediments, filtering through these areas, and are eventually stored underground.

Those wetlands are a major element of the historical and current South Florida landscape, providing vital functions which are essential to the health and welfare of the people of Miami-Dade County. Wetland areas in Miami-Dade County protect water quality, and provide groundwater recharge to the Biscayne Aquifer, filtering and replenishing the County's major source of drinking water.

Miami-Dade County is internationally recognized for its sensitive ecosystems, including beaches, coral reefs, Biscayne Bay, Coastal Wetlands, Everglades’ marshes, hardwood hammocks and globally imperiled pine forests are so unique that two National Parks, a National Marine Sanctuary, Florida aquatic preserves and water conservation areas have been established within Miami-Dade, a circumstance that occurs nowhere else in the United States.