Finally a Fix for Flooding? Miami-Dade Approves Plan to Combat Rising Waters

Photo for illustrative purposes onlyPhoto byWade Austin EllisonUnsplash

In a major step to tackle Miami’s growing flooding problem, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners has approved a sweeping new stormwater management and flood prevention ordinance. According to the official press release, the ordinance focuses on reducing flood risks and protecting Biscayne Bay by requiring better water management practices across the county.

“By revising our environmental and zoning regulations, we are setting higher standards to protect our communities from flooding and improve water quality, ultimately safeguarding Biscayne Bay for future generations," said Commissioner Cohen Higgins, in part.

The legislation requires stricter drainage systems for new construction and redevelopment projects and encourages the use of permeable materials that allow rain to absorb into the ground. By doing so, the ordinance aims to significantly reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall, an issue that has increasingly plagued Miami-Dade as a result of climate change.

“Residents across our community are feeling the daily impacts of climate change, from extreme weather flooding to rising seas. Our impervious surfaces ordinance positions Miami-Dade as the resilient community of the future, fostering sustainable growth while tackling a rapidly changing climate. By increasing the amount of rainfall that can be filtered through and captured in the ground, we’re reducing our community’s risk of flooding and keeping dirty water out of Biscayne Bay," Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava noted, underscoring the ordinance’s role in preparing the community for a changing climate.

The ordinance was developed over the course of a year with input from the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER), local municipalities, and environmental stakeholders.

Key Highlights of the Proposed Ordinance:

• Regulation Updates: Revises environmental and zoning regulations, amends development standards for drainage and impervious surfaces, and implements technical changes to improve resilience and water quality.
• New Standards: Applies to new construction, redevelopment, and substantial improvements in all areas, effective March 31, 2025.
• Municipal Oversight: Allows municipalities to review and permit non-structural impervious surface improvements on single-family and duplex properties without additional DERM review, under specific conditions.
• Documentation and Certification: Requires entities to submit stormwater infrastructure records and maintenance SOPs by December 31, 2026, and certify systems by March 31, 2028.
• Best Practices: Implements best management practices for addressing impervious areas, paving, and improving infrastructure.
• Flood and Water Quality Control: Sets standards for stormwater quantity, quality, and erosion controls, promoting the use of permeable materials and green infrastructure.
• Public Benefits: Enhances property resilience, reduces flood risks, improves water quality, and benefits Biscayne Bay through better stormwater management.

This ordinance has gained broad support from numerous environmental organizations, including the Biscayne Bay Marine Health Coalition, Friends of Biscayne Bay, and the Tropical Audubon Society.