City News
A Message from Mayor Dean J. Trantalis on King Tides
Post Date:August 28, 2025 4:25 PM
Dear Neighbors:
As the "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale’s stunning network of waterways and coastline are a source of immense pride. However, these natural assets also put our community at the forefront of the challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise. As we head into the 2025 king tide season, we are once again preparing for the seasonal high tides that can lead to flooding in our low-lying neighborhoods.
This year's king tides are predicted for the following dates:
- September 8-12
- October 5-12
- October 19-23
- November 2-10
- December 2-7
We urge all residents to be mindful that even in the days surrounding these dates, exceptionally high tides, especially those concurrent with winds out of the southeast and rainfall during high tide, can cause flooding in vulnerable neighborhoods. During the first week of August, observed tides were nearly 12 inches above predicted levels, exceeding the threshold for flooding in Fort Lauderdale's lowest-lying areas and resulting in flooding tides a month ahead of the first official king tide.
What the City is Doing to Prepare
The City Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to building a more resilient Fort Lauderdale. We are actively enhancing our infrastructure, with a particular focus on our stormwater system. Our ongoing strategic investments in elevated seawalls, improved pipes, and new tidal valves are designed to lessen the severity and frequency of tidal flooding events.
Elevating public seawalls is a critical component of our strategy. Last year, we completed the elevation of several seawalls along the eastern stretch of Las Olas Boulevard. This year, we are anticipating elevating two seawalls along Birch Road to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of tidal impacts on this roadway.
We are also working to increase community resilience by calling on private property owners to elevate their seawalls to meet new City and Broward County standards of five feet. The strength of our community in the face of these challenges depends on a collaborative effort between the City, our partners and our neighbors.
City staff work year-round to ensure your safety. In advance of the 2025 king tide season, we have completed a thorough inspection and maintenance program for our network of nearly 200 tidal valves. We have also cleaned storm drains and inlets and carried out operational repairs in flood-prone areas throughout the City.
How Neighbors Can Prepare
For those living near the water or in low-lying areas, taking proactive steps is essential:
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Inspect your seawall and provide regular maintenance. If it is overtopping during king tide events, be proactive in elevating it to the City’s current standard.
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Be prepared with flood protection measures such as sandbags, which are a useful tool to secure door thresholds. Sandbags are available for Fort Lauderdale residents on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month through November at George English Park, Holiday Park, Mills Pond Park, the Floyd Hull/Morton Center and Riverland Park. For details, visit fortlauderdale.gov/stormready.
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It is crucial to understand your flood insurance coverage. Review your policy and visit fortlauderdale.gov/flood for more information on flood insurance, rate maps, and property protection ideas.
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Visit ftlcity.info/seawall to familiarize yourself with the City’s tidal barrier ordinance, which may impact your property.
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To learn more about how to stay safe, review flood safety tips at fortlauderdale.gov/kingtides.
During a king tide event:
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Never drive through flooded streets. This can damage your vehicle and property. Instead, turn around and seek a safer, alternate route.
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If you must drive through tidal flood water, be sure to wash the undercarriage of your vehicle afterward to prevent corrosive damage from saltwater.
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If a street floods, make sure the tops of the storm drains are clear of debris. Also, be mindful of your waste collection carts and retrieve them as soon as they are emptied to prevent them from becoming an obstacle.
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In neighborhoods with tidal valves, some temporary ponding may occur during high tides, especially if it rains. This is normal and a sign that the valve is working. The water will recede as the tide goes out.
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If you encounter floodwater, rinse off immediately to minimize exposure to any potential pollutants.
Our commitment to protecting Fort Lauderdale from the impacts of king tides is unwavering. By continuing to invest in our infrastructure and working together as a community, we can build a more resilient and sustainable city for future generations. If you see unusual flooding or impassable roads, please report them to our Neighbor Service Center at 954-828-8000, fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl or using the FixIt FTL mobile app.
Dean J. Trantalis
Mayor