Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay is a dynamic and diverse marine ecosystem with mangrove shorelines, a shallow bay, developed and undeveloped islands, and living coral reefs. It is a shallow inlet of the Atlantic Ocean along southeastern Florida that provides a home for all kinds of sea life.
Become a steward of Florida's Biscayne Bay by pledging to protect its waters, marine and plant life, and all those who recreate across it. Take the pledge today and help preserve our Bay for generations to come.
In April 2025, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, in partnership with the Lucy Fernandez Foundation, launched a temporary Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force to safeguard lives and protect our waterways.
Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board was created by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), as recommended by the Biscayne Bay Task Force.
The Biscayne Bay Task Force report, approved by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners in October 2020, provides a road to Biscayne Bay recovery that focuses on seven key areas.
The Biscayne Bay Commission ensures that objective and sound science inform decision-making regarding the bay takes place. Input from the commission will be used to support key funding and restoration initiatives and guide regulatory changes that are needed to improve water quality.
Taking Action
Abandoned and derelict boats or vessels are a major problem in the coastal areas of Miami-Dade County.
Division of Environmental Resources Management (RER-DERM) will serve as the lead agency in the event of an environmental crisis, such as a fish kill or algae bloom event.
Miami-Dade County responds to environmental complaints and emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Get Involved
Baynanza is an annual celebration that features dozens of events, culminated by the Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day. Volunteers gather at dozens of locations along Biscayne Bay to pick up tons of garbage.
Whether at home, on land or in the water, actions you take can affect the health of Biscayne Bay. Learn what you can do to contribute to a clean bay.
Miami-Dade County partners with officials, municipalities, state and federal agencies and organizations to help improve the health of Biscayne Bay.
News & Events
The Biscayne Bay Friendly campaign is an overarching multimedia and multilingual educational campaign for residents, business owners, tourists and students to highlight how daily individual actions can impact the bay.
Biscayne Bay Specialty License Plate has officially reached the 3000 voucher registrations required to begin plate production. Proceeds from sales of the plate will go to support the protection and preservation of Florida’s Biscayne Bay.
On Earth Day, Miami-Dade County released the Climate Action Strategy draft report and 2021 Biscayne Bay Report Card, important efforts to address our community’s environment and future.
About Us
The Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) manages today’s growing needs while protecting our environment for tomorrow through responsible governance, smart policy and resource protection.
DERM’s authority and responsibility are rooted in both comprehensive local environmental regulation as well as State and Federally mandated legislation. Programs are designed to manage air, water and land resources for the health, safety and enjoyment of current and future residents and visitors.
