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Residents of Miami Beach could be awarded up to $20,000 to help \u201cfloodproof\u201d their homes as part of an ongoing effort to improve the city’s climate resilience.<\/p>\n
“Miami Beach is a low-lying community and many buildings are vulnerable to different types of flooding, including King Tides, storms, and sea level rise,” the program’s website states. “In fact, most of Miami Beach is located in the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area.”<\/p>\n
The city of Miami Beach plans to award up to $20,000 in matching funds to selected applicants to \u201cassess the flood risk of their property and implement flood risk mitigation improvements,\u201d according to a post made to the city\u2019s Facebook page. It\u2019s a part of Miami Beach\u2019s larger \u201cRising Above\u201d initiative, which intends to help the city adapt to the effects of climate change.<\/p>\n
Qualifying property owners of low- to moderate income won’t be required to match funds, according to the city. Instead, it’ll fully fund the project for up to $20,000.<\/p>\n
According to the city’s website, a designation of “low-income” requires a total annual gross household income that does not exceed 80% of median annual income, adjusted for family size \u2013 which was $87,200 in Miami-Dade County in 2025, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Moderate-income” requires a total annual gross household income that does not exceed 120% of the median annual income, adjusted for family size.<\/p>\n
The deadline to submit an application in 2026 is April 24.<\/p>\n
All applications submitted will be reviewed and prioritized “according to available funds,” according to the city’s Facebook post, though submitting an application does not guarantee funding.<\/p>\n
To apply, residents will need to provide a property elevation certificate, proof of active flood insurance and proof of property ownership, as well as proof of identify and income information, among other items.<\/p>\n
For a full list of requirements, visit the website for the city’s private property adaptation initiative.<\/p>\n
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida\u2019s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter,<\/em> Florida TODAY<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n