Flooding in low-lying areas is more likely when the close proximity of the moon, high tides, rising sea levels and inclement weather conditions combine to exacerbate flooding risks.  As a beautiful coastal community with 300 miles of canal coastline and numerous low-lying areas, Fort Lauderdale will experience these impacts and neighbors are advised to be especially vigilant during the upcoming "King Tides."  The City anticipates above-average high tides on the following dates in 2015: 

• August 29 - September 2
• September 26 - October 2
• October 24 - 31
• November 24 - 27

We are sharing this information to inform our neighbors and encourage them to prepare for potential tidal flooding.  Please take the time to evaluate your property's readiness, review your insurance policy, create an emergency plan and read the tips below. The City's website also provides a wealth of information on tides, flood prevention activities and what the City is doing to increase Fort Lauderdale's Climate Resiliency. 

Stay Safe

• Do not walk through flood waters. It is dangerous and can be a health hazard.                                 
• Do not drive through flooded areas, turn around and find another way. In addition to being a threat to life safety, it can lead to both short and long term damage to your vehicle. Also, creating waves in flooded areas can cause additional damage to landscaping and property.
• If you are a boater, be aware that these high tides cause lower clearance under fixed bridges. Check the tides before leaving the dock.

Know Your Flood Hazard

• To determine the flood zone for your property, use the GIS Application on the City website, complete the Flood Zone Request form on the home page of 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.

Protect Your Property

• Neighbors that drive through tidally flooded streets should consider taking their vehicles through a car wash equipped with an undercarriage sprayer to remove the saltwater.
• The City responds to flood protection inquiries. If you have a question regarding flood, sewer or drainage problems, contact the City of Fort Lauderdale's 24-Hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.

 Build Responsibly

• Prior to starting any construction, residents or builders should contact the City's Department of Sustainable Development at 954-828-6520 to ask about required permits.

Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

• 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 24-Hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.

Local Proactive Measures 

• The location and natural geography of the City makes certain neighborhoods more susceptible to flooding from high tides and extreme rainfall. Fortunately, the City and the region are actively planning for events like these in the short term and for sea level rise concerns in the long term.
• The City has a robust stormwater master plan and is instituting both aggressive maintenance and innovative adaptation solutions such as tidal valves. Since 2011, more than 50 tidal valves have been installed in affected neighborhoods to reduce the impacts of high tides in those locations.
• Storm drains and catch basins are regularly cleaned and maintained to minimize potential flooding.
• In addition, the City has worked hard to earn points toward the Community Rating System resulting in a 20% discount for flood insurance premiums within the City.

Upcoming High Tide Table