Study Finds Dozens of South Florida Beachfront Buildings Sinking Faster Than Expected

Researchers identify subsidence in 35 high-rises, raising questions about construction practices and environmental factors.

A study using satellite data from 2016 to 2023 found that 35 beachfront buildings in Miami-Dade County are sinking by 2 to 8 centimeters, faster than anticipated.
The affected buildings are located in areas like Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, Miami Beach, and Bal Harbour, with Sunny Isles experiencing the most significant subsidence.
Researchers suggest factors such as the weight of tall buildings, construction vibrations, groundwater flow, and geological conditions may be contributing to the phenomenon.
Experts emphasize that while the sinking is notable, it does not currently pose an imminent structural risk unless uneven subsidence occurs, which was not investigated in this study.
The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and further research to understand long-term implications for coastal infrastructure in South Florida.