New Updated Seawall Regulation
In Florida, new seawall regulations have been implemented across various jurisdictions, particularly in Broward County and cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, aimed at addressing the challenges posed by sea-level rise and tidal flooding.
Broward County
- Date of Adoption: April 28, 2020
- Overview: Broward County established a countywide ordinance mandating minimum seawall and top-of-bank elevation standards in flood-prone areas. The ordinance requires:
- New seawalls to be at least 5 feet above the NAVD88 sea-level height.
- Property owners to maintain seawalls in good repair, with fines for non-compliance.
- Disclosure requirements for property sales regarding tidal flooding areas and seawall conditions.
- Implementation Timeline: Cities within Broward County had two years to adopt these standards, making them effective until at least 2070.
Fort Lauderdale
- Date of Update: June 21, 2016 (with ongoing updates)
- Overview: Fort Lauderdale has set a minimum seawall height of 4 feet NAVD by 2035, with plans for further increases as sea levels rise. This regulation is part of a broader effort to enhance coastal resilience against flooding.
Miami Beach
- Date of Adoption: January 13, 2021
- Overview: Miami Beach adopted an ordinance establishing minimum elevation requirements for new seawalls, specifically designed to combat the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. This regulation is part of a comprehensive approach to enhance flood protection in the city.
Pompano Beach
- Date of Implementation: January 2022
- Overview: Pompano Beach introduced new standards for seawalls and tidal flood barriers, aligning with broader regional efforts to improve coastal infrastructure resilience.
These regulations reflect a growing recognition among Florida’s coastal communities of the urgent need to adapt infrastructure to climate change impacts, particularly rising sea levels and increased flooding risks.