83° 
What to do Before, During & After a Flood Event
Miami Beach is a beautiful coastal community. Our sunkissed island is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. Miami Beach is leading the way locally and nationally to reduce flood risk and we want you to be aware of flood risk from major rain events, hurricanes, and storm surge. It is our goal that all of Miami Beach – whether public roads or private homes – is in the best position possible before, during, and after potential flooding.
Miami Beach is a beautiful coastal community. Our sunkissed island is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. Miami Beach is leading the way locally and nationally to reduce flood risk and we want you to be aware of flood risk from major rain events, hurricanes, and storm surge. It is our goal that all of Miami Beach – whether public roads or private homes – is in the best position possible before, during, and after potential flooding.
Before a Flood
93% of buildings
in Miami Beach are located in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. Understand your flood risk, know your flood zone, and consider obtaining an elevation certificate to evaluate your property flood risk.
Locate your flood insurance policy
to be ready in the case you may need to file a claim for damage.
Protect
your non-residential building with flood barriers.
Elevate
mechanical equipment and appliances if you anticipate that waters may enter areas such as your garage.
Avoid parking your vehicle in low lying areas
move it to higher ground, such as a parking garage.
Have a storm and hurricane plan.
Protect yourself and your property. Know your evacuation route.
Contact
the Building Department 305.673.7610 and Public Works Department 305.673.7080 for technical advice on how to reduce flood hazard.
During a Flood
Be smart if you see flood waters!
Stay safe – avoid driving through or coming in contact with flood waters. Six inches of fast flowing water can knock you off your feet and less than a meter of water can float car.
Flood water can be contaminated with sewage or other pollutants.
There could also be hazards below the surface, like debris, that you cannot see.
After a Flood
Report
any flood damage to your insurance agent.
Wash your car,
including the undercarriage, if it came in contact with flood waters.
Rinse landscaping
if it came into contact with flood waters.
Don’t enter a flooded building
until it’s been cleared by local authorities.
Take pictures of the damage.
Document both the building and contents.
