Miami Gardens, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Damage to Your Home or Business: The City of Miami Gardens' floodplain management ordinance includes a rule that is known as the 50% rule. [...] There are things you can do to minimize or eliminate property damage before a flood event occurs. Grading your property, elevating and securing electrical appliances, placing all low-lying electrical fixtures on separate electrical circuits, and using flood-resistant materials on exterior surfaces are some ways you can help yourself. [...] Buildings can also be permanently retrofitted for better flood protection! The entire building can be elevated, floodproofing materials can be permanently affixed to the structure, or you can add a second story to the building, and use the bottom story for parking, access and storage. [...] All new construction in the City of Miami Gardens requires the issuance of building permits prior to construction. Permits are obtained after submittal and approval of building plans. An important part of this review process is the requirement that structures be built high enough and use proper design techniques to protect against flood damage.