Due to its low elevation and extensive waterways, Fort Lauderdale is highly vulnerable to the effects of king tides and sea-level rise. King tides, combined with rising sea levels and weather conditions, can increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Rainfall and wind strength and direction can have a significant impact on the height of the tides causing them to come in higher or lower than predicted. Also note that high water tables (groundwater level) due to rain events can raise the probability of localized flooding.
Each year, the City of Fort Lauderdale reviews the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) predicted tide elevations. This year, king tides are predicted on at least 40 days. While these dates reflect the current prediction for seasonal higher tides, greater than average tides can occur anytime of the year under varying conditions.
- Sept. 10-13
- Sept. 26 - Oct. 1
- Oct. 7-13
- Oct. 24-31
- Nov. 5-11
- Nov. 22-28
- Dec. 24-25
Since higher tides are possible on both the new moon and the full moon, the following are additional dates when tides may have the potential to cause inundation in low-lying areas:
Spring Tides
Fall Tides
While some roadway flooding is expected, please report impassable roads to our Customer Support Center at 954-828-8000.
Dear Neighbors:
Fort Lauderdale’s unique character as the "Venice of America" is defined by our stunning coastline and intricate canal networks. While our close relationship with the water is a source of immense pride, it also places us on the frontline of climate change and sea-level rise. As we approach the 2026 king tide season, we are preparing for the annual high tides that temporarily flood our lowest-lying neighborhoods.
This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts king tides on at least 40 days, making up more than 10% of the year and reflecting how seasonal high-water levels are becoming a regular part of our coastal reality.
Predicted 2026 King Tide Dates
- September 10–13
- September 26 – October 1
- October 7–13
- October 24–31
- November 5–11
- November 22–28
- December 24–25
In addition to these predicted periods, other environmental factors like rainfall, wind strength and direction, and high water tables can raise local tides even higher, meaning flooding can occur outside of official forecast windows. We must work together to ensure our community is ready.
What the City is Doing to Prepare
The City Commission is deeply committed to building a sustainable, resilient Fort Lauderdale. Resiliency has been a Commission Top Priority since 2020, and we are actively funding infrastructure upgrades to mitigate localized flooding.
Here is how the City is taking action to protect your neighborhoods:
- Stormwater Master Plan: Drainage improvements are currently underway in Victoria Park, which is prone to tidal flooding. Bonds have been issued to begin construction in the remaining neighborhoods identified in Phase 1 including Southeast Isles, which has significant tidal impacts. Phase 2 neighborhoods that experience compound flooding from rainfall concurrent with king tides, such as Middle River Terrace, will soon begin design and permitting of drainage systems.
- Watershed Asset Management Plan (WAMP): We are advancing work on mapping, monitoring and maintaining our stormwater and drainage networks. Over the past year, we have been focusing on the Middle River Watershed where we are cleaning stormwater mains that are larger than 30 inches and inspecting the pipes using cameras to assess their condition. This process is crucial for planning future maintenance and repairs.
- Elevating Seawalls: Guided by our Phase 2 Seawall Master Plan, the City is investing $1.5 million annually in the restoration, elevation and replacement of City-owned seawalls along critical transportation corridors. Upcoming seawall construction along Sebastian Street and Seville Street will reduce tidal flooding on the barrier island. A seawall in Victoria Park will be built as part of the ongoing neighborhood-wide stormwater improvements. Upcoming seawall projects along Aurelia Place, Delmar Place and Solar Plaza Drive are in design. The City also requires new seawalls to be built to a minimum top elevation of 5 feet. We are working closely with property owners to address deteriorating private seawalls that may be contributing to localized tidal flooding on roadways.
- Tidal Valves and Infrastructure Maintenance: City crews work year-round to inspect, clean and maintain 215 tidal valves across our network. Inspected quarterly, these valves allow rainwater to drain but prevent tidal saltwater from backing up onto neighborhood streets. Crews are also clearing storm drains and catch basins, monitoring pump stations and raising electrical panel boxes for sanitary sewer pump stations to keep critical utilities running during high-water events.
- Response and Hardening Initiatives: To respond to active flooding, the City is investing in new high-water clearance vehicles for timely safety assessments and is prepared to use contract vacuum trucks to clear flooded streets. On our coastline, crews are stabilizing beach dunes by burying seaweed to minimize wave impact.
- Policy and Regional Coordination: Fort Lauderdale continues to implement higher regulatory development standards through our upgraded Comprehensive Plan and Climate Change Element. We are actively participating in the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact to coordinate resilience efforts regionally, and we continue to support the Community Rating System, which secures flood insurance premium discounts for our neighbors.
How Neighbors Can Prepare
For those living near the water or in low-lying areas, taking proactive steps is essential:
- Inspect and, if Needed, Elevate Your Seawall: Ensure your seawall is well-maintained and, if it is being overtopped by the tide, elevated to the City's current 5-foot standard.
- Protect Your Property: Consider flood barriers, such as sandbags, which are available to Fort Lauderdale residents at local parks (including George English Park, Holiday Park, Mills Pond Park, Floyd Hull/Morton Center and Riverland Park) on the third Saturday and Sunday of each month through November. You can also install check valves on private drainage systems and relocate electrical panel boxes, water heaters and appliances to elevated locations.
- Verify Your Insurance: Homeowner and renter insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. We strongly encourage neighbors, especially those in Special Flood Hazard Areas, to review and secure flood insurance. Start today by requesting a Flood Risk Information Letter from our floodplain manager to better understand your property's flood zone.
- Stay Safe During Floods: Be aware of the high tides each day and plan your travel accordingly. Never walk or drive through flooded streets. Saltwater causes severe, corrosive damage to vehicles and driving through flooded roads can push water into adjacent private properties. If a street floods, please ensure storm drains are clear of debris and move your waste collection carts to a safe location after they are emptied to prevent blockages.
- Stay Informed:Receive timely alerts on City initiatives and emergency notifications, ensuring you're always in the know and empowered to participate in shaping the future of our city. Sign up to receive emergency notifications at fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl.
Building a resilient Fort Lauderdale requires a collaborative partnership between the City and our neighbors. By continuing to invest in sustainable infrastructure and working together, we are securing our community for generations to come.
To report impassable roadways, unusual flooding or clogged storm drains, please contact our Customer Support Center at 954-828-8000, visit fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl or use the FixIt FTL mobile app.
Dean J. Trantalis
Mayor
The City is actively planning for high tides and king tides in the short term and sea level rise in the long term. Action to support a more resilient community has been a Commission Top Priority since 2020. We are actively investing in elevating seawalls, installing tidal valves, implementing the Stormwater Master Plan, and adopting more sustainable and resilient policies.
The following lists provide an overview of steps the City takes to mitigate localized flooding.
City Steps to Address High Tides and King Tides
- Conduct inspections and cleaning of the nearly 200 tidal valves already installed throughout the City to confirm they are operating properly and mitigating tidal flooding as expected
- Inspect and clean storm drains and catch basins to remove any blockages to facilitate drainage and minimize water accumulation
- Monitor pump stations to ensure the stormwater system is operating efficiently
- Monitor vulnerable locations to actively respond to flooding concerns
- Coordinate investigations into reported flooding through the Customer Service Center
- Expedite tidal valve installation, when possible, to prevent tidal water from backing up in the storm drain system and flooding City streets
- Bury seaweed in the sand to stabilize the beach up to a certain threshold of wave impact
- Place “No Wake” signs on roadways to encourage drivers to proceed slowly through neighborhoods to reduce damage to private property
- Place barricades and lane delineators near waterways to protect swales and prevent vehicles from driving off the road into the adjacent waterway
- Implementing the Seawall Master Plan, elevating City-owned seawalls near critical transportation corridors
- Monitor a City-installed tide gauge on the New River to get accurate local tide measurement to make more informed decisions
- Disseminate information through a variety of outreach methods to advise neighbors of high tides and appropriate safety precautions to protect life and property
- In the event of significant flooding, use in-house and contract vacuum trucks to remove ponding water at low tide to keep roadways safe and drivable
- Reach out to local government agencies to raise awareness of flooding on State and County roads that are located in Fort Lauderdale, but out of the City's jurisdiction
- Implement temporary road closures on flooded streets as a precautionary safety measure
- Cite property owners whose seawalls are contributing to roadway tidal flooding
- Require that new seawalls be built to a minimum elevation that reduces impacts from high tides now and into the future
- Gather information on locations experiencing tidal flooding and work to implement solutions to reduce impacts in the following annual tide cycle
City Steps to Address Sea-Level Rise
- Included measures to address sea-level rise in the citywide Vision Plan, Five-Year Strategic Plan, and Commission Annual Action Plan
- Annually designated locations vulnerable to coastal flooding as Adaption Action Area and prioritize funding for projects in the five-year Community Investment Plan
- Identified key issues and implement citywide strategies to build community resilience
- Implementing the 2018 stormwater master plan with $200 million to be invested in seven (7) key neighborhoods
- Continued support of the Community Rating System which results in discounts on residents' flood insurance premiums
- Implemented pilot projects such as constructing an earthen berm on the south side of Las Olas Boulevard to reduce tidal flooding
- Increased staffing positions in floodplain management and Stormwater Operations to coordinate resources and implement long-term initiatives to minimize our vulnerability to flooding and strengthen our community
- Adopted new Flood Insurance Rate Maps and updated the floodplain ordinance to establish higher regulatory standards for future development to minimize vulnerability to flooding
- Adopted an upgraded Comprehensive Plan, including a dedicated Climate Change Element, with a focus on sustainability and resilience
- Amended the seawall ordinance to set a minimum top elevation of 5 feet in an effort to protect properties and minimize flooding caused by breached seawalls
- Installing a blend of permeable pavers, bioswales, and exfiltration trenches to maximize water retention and the capacity of the storm drain system to minimize localized flooding
- Created an Infrastructure Task Force Advisory Committee to help prioritize City infrastructure needs and recommend funding methods
- Raised electrical panel boxes for sanitary sewer pump stations to maintain the infrastructure above tidal flood levels and prevent power outages
- Incorporated sea-level rise as planning criteria for all infrastructure master plans and improvements
- Worked with Broward County to renourish the beach to mitigate wave impacts
- Participated in the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact and Broward Resilience Roundtable to engage in a regional approach to foster sustainability and climate resilience by implementing mitigation and adaptation initiatives
- Sought and maintained partnerships with agencies such as Florida Department of Transportation, Broward County, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to implement innovative solutions such as the rebuilding of A1A following the impacts of Tropical Storm Sandy
Neighbors are advised to be vigilant during high tides and king tides. Please take the time to be aware of the anticipated king tide dates, review important safety tips, evaluate your property's readiness, and review your flood insurance policy.
During high tides, neighbors are reminded to closely monitor their waste carts, and to remove them from the street as quickly as possible after they are emptied. If your street floods, you may want to store your sanitation carts in a safe and secure location until your next regularly scheduled collection day. View the sanitation service tips page for more information.
Property Protection
Precautions you can take to protect your property from damage and reduce financial losses include:
- Purchase flood insurance
- 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 Flood Awareness & Safety Guide page.
- Address property drainage concerns which may include regrading your lot (permit may be required)
- Construct barriers, such as a floodwall to stop floodwater from entering the building
- Visit Tidal Barrier Ordinance page to familiarize yourself with the City’s tidal barrier ordinance, which may impact your property. 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.
- Relocate electrical panel boxes, air conditioners, water heaters, and washers and dryers to elevated locations
- Install check valves in private drainage systems to prevent floodwater from backing up into private properties
- Install storm shutters, impact windows, and a reinforced garage door for wind and rain events
The City responds to flood protection inquiries. If you have a question regarding flood, sewer or drainage problems, contact the City of Fort Lauderdale Customer Support Center at 954-828-8000.
How Neighbors Can Stay Safe
- Avoid walking through flood waters, it is dangerous and can be a health hazard
- Avoid driving through flooded areas, turn around and find another way; in addition to being a threat to life safety, the salt water can lead to both short and long-term damage to your vehicle
- Follow posted road closure and detour signs
- Do not drive around barriers, damaging private lawns
- If you drive through flooded areas, please note that creating waves can cause additional damage to surrounding landscaping and property
- Be careful around manhole covers, as they can become dislodged by the high tides
- Boaters are advised that high tides cause lower clearance under fixed bridges, check the tides before leaving the dock
Review additional information about flood insurance rate maps, coastal high hazard areas, property flood depths, natural conservation areas and wetlands, flood insurance, and floodplain management regulations.
Request a Flood Risk Information Letter for your property.
Know Your Flood Zone
Knowing the flood zone for your property can help you better understand your vulnerability to flooding. To determine the flood zone for your property, use the GIS Application on the City website, complete the “Flood Zone Request” form on the City website, or call the City’s floodplain manager, Richard Benton at 954-828-6133.
Insure Your Property
Homeowner and renter insurance policies usually do not cover flood damage. The City of Fort Lauderdale encourages neighbors who rent or own property in a Special Flood Hazard Area to purchase flood insurance to protect their home and possessions against loss from flood damage.
Build Responsibly
Prior to starting any construction, residents or builders should contact the City’s Development Services Department at 954-828-6520 to ask about required permits.
State law prohibits dumping anything into the storm drain system and unauthorized obstructions or alterations of the drainage features. Residents should report illegal dumping into the stormwater system or clogged storm drains by calling the City of Fort Lauderdale Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.
The word “tide” is a generic term used to define the rise and fall of sea level with respect to land. Tides are influenced by the gravitational attraction of the moon and sun. In addition, tides are affected by other factors such as: coastline configuration, local water depth, wind, the speed of local currents, and weather conditions. Twice a day, tides peak to a high and low water level, commonly referred to as “high tide” and “low tide.” Typically, the City of Fort Lauderdale experiences its highest tides during the months of September, October, and November.
Knowledge of the tide times and predicted heights are important to various applications such as: emergency preparedness; maritime navigation; the construction of bridges, docks, and seawalls; and the operation of wastewater and storm water collection systems. Tide information is indispensable to the fishing, boating, surfing, and other water-related industries. Currently, this information is critical to understanding flooding which impacts the City during weather events, particularly in low-lying areas.
Tide Predictions
Tide predictions are generated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and can differ from the observed sea level that occurs. Predicted tidal heights are those expected during average weather and oceanic conditions. When weather conditions differ from what is considered average, water levels can be significantly altered. Generally, prolonged onshore winds (wind towards the land) or low barometric pressure can produce higher sea levels than predicted, while offshore winds (wind away from the land) and high barometric pressure can result in lower sea levels than predicted.
Flood insurance will help recover losses from flood damage, but additional precautionary measures can be taken to minimize those losses and protect yourself, your family and your property.
Before a Flood
- Make sure you are covered. Ask your insurance agent about the NFIP and flood insurance.
- Prepare a family disaster plan and a disaster supply kit.
- Know the City’s flood warning procedures and local evacuation routes.
- Know how to turn off your utilities. Contact your local utility company now if you are not sure how to do so.
- Bring outdoor belongings in and move your valuable possessions to higher ground.
- Keep materials such as sandbags, plastic or burlap bags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber and shovels handy for emergency waterproofing.
During a Flood
- Use a battery-operated NOAA weather radio to monitor emergency information.
- Fill containers with clean water in case drinking water becomes contaminated.
- If instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main power switch, close the main gas valve, and shut off propane tanks.
- If instructed to evacuate by authorities, do so immediately. Follow evacuation routes.
- Do not walk or swim in floodwaters. If you must walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to check water depths and probe for unseen hazards.
- Do not drive through a flooded area; turn around and find another way. Never drive around roadblocks.
- Avoid power lines and electrical wires. Electrical current can travel through water.
After a Flood
- Report downed power lines to FPL at 800-4-OUTAGE, use the FixIt FTL app, or call the City of Fort Lauderdale's Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.
- If an evacuation order was issued, do not return home until authorities announce it is safe to do so.
- Use caution when entering buildings. If your property was flooded, inspect it for damages.
- Check for gas leaks. Do not smoke or use candles unless you know the gas has been turned off.
- Do not use wet appliances. Appliances can keep a charge even after unplugged.
- Take pictures of damage to your home and belongings for insurance claims.
- Be patient. In most situations, the water ponded on the roadways will dissipate without intervention within 24 hours.
King Tide Virtual Town Hall Meeting
In this recording of a virtual town hall meeting held on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, Dr. Nancy Gassman, Assistant Director of the City's Public Works Department, shares a brief presentation on observations related to the September 2020 king tides event as well as City response efforts and long-term adaptation strategies to minimize flooding and create a stronger and more resilient community. A brief question and answer session follows the presentation.
The City website provides detailed information about flooding including flood zones, mitigation, safety, and protection measures. The site includes links to useful guides, maps, and resources from the City, Broward County, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other organizations.
Neighbors may visit the following links for additional information:
Neighbors may contact the City’s Neighbor Support Center at 954-828-8000 with questions or concerns or to report incidents of flooding. Customer Support may also be reached via FixIt FTL.