The Miami Beach seawall ordinance requires new seawalls and substantial repairs (costing $300 or more per linear foot) to reach 5.7 ft NAVD, or 4 ft NAVD designed for 5.7 ft, and lets the city cite owners whose walls let tidal water over or through them. A cited owner has 60 days to show progress and 730 days to finish, with fines of $250 and then $500 per day (City of Miami Beach, 2025).
What the ordinance requires
- Height: 5.7 ft NAVD for new seawalls, new construction and substantial improvements, or 4 ft NAVD if designed to support a future 5.7 ft.[1]
- Substantial repair: improvements or repairs costing $300 or more per linear foot.[1]
- Overtopping: walls that let tidal water flow over or through them must be corrected, by raising the wall or adding a retaining wall. Owners with no seawall can also be cited.[1]
| Step | Deadline or amount |
|---|---|
| Appeal | 10 days |
| Show progress | 60 days |
| Complete repairs | 730 days |
| Fine, first offence | $250 |
| Fine, after that | $500 per day |
How it got here
The elevation standard started with Resolution R2016-4009 on 11 May 2016, was strengthened in January 2021 and amended in July 2025. The city's own public seawall program had cost $80.3 million as of October 2025.[3] Miami Beach has about 55 miles of seawall, of which about 5 miles are publicly owned.[1]
The PPA grant
The Private Property Adaptation program is accepting seawall applications on a rolling basis until capacity is reached. It covers up to $20,000 of the full scope, including the $2,500 assessment value, with the city reimbursing 50% of costs. Qualifying low to moderate income households need no match up to $17,500. Homes built at least 1 ft above base flood elevation are not eligible, and applying does not guarantee funding.[2]
What permits you need
A City of Miami Beach building permit with a site plan, structural plans and an elevation certification, plus Miami-Dade DERM Coastal Resources approval, and FDEP and Army Corps approval where they apply.[1]
What it costs
The city's 2017 rule of thumb was $1,000 to $1,500 per linear foot to bring an old seawall up to code.[4]
Next steps: seawall raising in Miami Beach, seawall repair in Miami Beach or a seawall inspection after a citation.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a substantial seawall repair in Miami Beach?
A repair or improvement costing $300 or more per linear foot. It must meet the 5.7 ft NAVD standard.
How long do I have after a seawall citation in Miami Beach?
10 days to appeal, 60 days to show progress and 730 days to complete the work.
Who qualifies for the Miami Beach seawall grant?
Owners of eligible properties; homes built at least 1 ft above base flood elevation do not qualify. The city reimburses 50% of costs up to $20,000.
Sources
- Seawall FAQs (Miami Beach Rising Above, PDF dated 6.16.25), City of Miami Beach. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Private Property Adaptation (PPA) program, City of Miami Beach (Miami Beach Rising Above). Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Seawalls (Public Infrastructure), City of Miami Beach (Miami Beach Rising Above). Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Rising Above the Risk: Frequently Asked Questions (05/05/2017), City of Miami Beach. Accessed October 27, 2026.
