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

North Miami enforces floodplain management regulations through its Code of Ordinances in compliance with FEMA requirements and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The city contains extensive FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas including Zone AE (areas subject to 100-year flooding with determined base flood elevations) and Zone VE (coastal high-hazard areas subject to wave action) along Biscayne Bay. New construction and substantial improvements in the SFHA must elevate the lowest finished floor at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as shown on the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Substantial improvement is defined as any repair, reconstruction, or improvement where the cost equals or exceeds 50 percent of the structure's market value before the improvement. In Zone VE, the lowest horizontal structural member must be at or above the BFE, breakaway walls are required below the BFE, and the use of fill for structural support is prohibited. Enclosures below the BFE must be used only for parking, building access, or storage and must have flood openings. The city participates in the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS), which provides flood insurance premium discounts to policyholders based on the community's floodplain management activities. Elevation certificates are required for all new construction and substantial improvements in the SFHA. All development in the SFHA requires a floodplain development permit in addition to standard building permits.