Miami, FL Environmental Rules: Sea Wall & Bulkhead (2026)

The City of Miami's seawall ordinance (Miami Code Chapter 29 — Land and Water Improvements) requires all waterfront property owners to maintain their seawalls, bulkheads, living shorelines, or other shoreline protection structures in good repair. A structure is presumed to be in disrepair if it allows upland erosion, transfer of material through the barrier, or allows tidal waters to flow unimpeded over or through the wall. For new construction and replacement, seawalls east of US-1 and north of the Rickenbacker Causeway must be built to a minimum top elevation of 6 feet NAVD 88 — a requirement designed to address projected sea-level rise. Properties fronting the Miami River have separate requirements. Seawall construction or replacement requires a building permit from the City of Miami Building Department plus a Class I environmental permit from Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (DRER) for work in tidal waters. Living shorelines (mangrove-based or hybrid solutions) are encouraged as alternatives where feasible. Property owners in tidally influenced areas must ensure their shoreline protection adequately prevents saltwater intrusion onto upland property.