How Florida’s Coastal Erosion Impacts Property Boundaries

Florida is renowned for its stunning coastlines, which are a major attraction for tourists and contribute significantly to the state’s high property values. However, coastal erosion is an ongoing and escalating issue, with Florida expected to be one of the most severely impacted states. A 2022 report from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) found that over half of the state’s 825 miles of coastline under its supervision are classified as critically eroded (FDEP, 2022). This concerning trend extends across the entire state’s shoreline, presenting a growing challenge for property owners and state officials alike.

Coastal erosion is a natural process where coastlines gradually diminish due to the persistent forces of wind, waves, and oceanic currents. This process is exacerbated by rising sea levels and the increasing frequency of severe hurricanes, both of which contribute to a faster rate of land loss. For Florida property owners, this means that erosion not only threatens their land’s physical structure but also impacts the legal boundaries of their property. By 2050, engineers estimate that over 140,000 properties in Florida will be significantly affected by coastal erosion, leading to substantial reductions in property values, loss of tax revenues for the state, and potential financial losses for homeowners (WUSF News, 2022).

Among the most at-risk areas in Florida are Monroe and Miami-Dade counties, which are expected to face severe consequences due to coastal erosion. Projections indicate that approximately 52% of surveyed land in Monroe County—amounting to an estimated $3.47 billion in value—will shift from non-flood to flood zones by 2050. Meanwhile, 2.4% of Miami-Dade County’s surveyed land, valued at approximately $3.81 billion, is anticipated to experience similar changes (WUSF News, 2022). These shifts in flood zones can have long-term economic and structural impacts, affecting everything from insurance costs to property development opportunities.

While coastal erosion is an inevitable natural phenomenon, there are steps property owners can take to mitigate its effects and slow down the process. The first and most crucial action is to obtain a Florida boundary survey and a flood elevation insurance certificate survey. These surveys provide a detailed assessment of current flood risks and property boundaries, allowing homeowners to monitor erosion over time and take proactive measures. Additionally, a topographic survey can help pinpoint areas at higher risk for erosion, enabling property owners to focus their efforts on the most vulnerable spots. To actively combat erosion, homeowners can implement strategies such as stabilizing seawalls, constructing jetties, planting vegetation, and participating in beach nourishment programs. These methods can help preserve property boundaries and maintain property values for a longer period. However, property owners need to act quickly, as each passing hurricane season accelerates the rate of erosion. Once land is lost to erosion, re-establishing property boundaries can be incredibly challenging, if not impossible. For those who own beachfront property in Florida, taking action now is imperative. First Choice Surveying is a trusted provider of flood elevation certificates, boundary surveys, and spot elevation surveys, serving a vast majority of the state. Protect your coastal investment today—contact First Choice Surveying for a quote and safeguard your property’s future against the ongoing threat of coastal erosion.

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References

Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2022). Sea level rise and the future of Florida's coastlines: Implications for property and infrastructure. Florida Department of Environmental Protection. https://www.wusf.org/environment/2022-09-09/sea-level-rise-affect-property-lines-florida-coastal-counties-report

WUSF News. (2022). Florida’s vanishing beaches: The fight against coastal erosion. https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/floridas-vanishing-beaches-the-fight-against-coastal-erosion

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