Water Damage Restoration in Miami, FL
Miami by the numbers: 215 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 15 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Florida insurance rules and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Miami
- Storm flooding: wait until the water stops rising and officials allow re-entry; wear boots and gloves (flooding steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Miami Floods
Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties logged flooding on 215 days from 2016 to 2025 (420 NOAA reports), October most often.
At the Miami Beach gauge, September is the wettest month with 8.5 inches on average.
Hurricanes, tropical storms or storm surge added 14 report days.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 2.3 |
| February | 6 | 2.3 |
| March | 5 | 2.5 |
| April | 8 | 3.4 |
| May | 19 | 4.9 |
| June | 28 | 7.8 |
| July | 11 | 6 |
| August | 24 | 7.5 |
| September | 30 | 8.5 |
| October | 54 | 6.5 |
| November | 23 | 3.3 |
| December | 5 | 2.3 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade County | 138 | 198 |
| Broward County | 84 | 123 |
| Palm Beach County | 64 | 99 |
Storms and Disasters in South Florida
Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties were named in 15 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- October 9, 2024: Tornado, EF3 (Palm Beach County)A tornado originated in the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, where there was an observed radar-based circulation and a video of a tornado captured in this area from western Delray Beach.
- August 21, 2024: Thunderstorm wind, 87 mph gust (Miami-Dade County)A passing thunderstorm, with strong microburst wind gusts, cause localized damage at the Homestead General Airport. Numerous small airplanes flipped, as well as bent fencing and light posts.
- April 12, 2023: Flash flood (Broward County)During the afternoon and evening of April 12th, prolific rainfall occurred across southern and central metro Broward County, including the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Dania Beach, and Wilton Manors.
- September 9, 2017: Hurricane (Miami-Dade County)Hurricane Irma produced maximum sustained winds of 60 to 75 mph across inland sections of Miami-Dade County, with a maximum sustained wind reading of 76 mph five miles southwest of Florida City.
- April 15, 2016: Hail, 2 inch hail (Palm Beach County)Numerous reports were received from trained spotters, broadcast media, and social media of large hail falling over a 20-minute period across southeastern Palm Beach County.
Federal disaster declarations
- October 11, 2024: Hurricane MiltonHurricane, FEMA DR-4834
- October 7, 2024: Hurricane MiltonHurricane, FEMA EM-3622
- April 27, 2023: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And FloodingFlood, FEMA DR-4709
- December 13, 2022: Hurricane NicoleHurricane, FEMA DR-4680
- November 8, 2022: Tropical Storm NicoleTropical Storm, FEMA EM-3587
- September 29, 2022: Hurricane IanHurricane, FEMA DR-4673
- September 24, 2022: Tropical Storm IanHurricane, FEMA EM-3584
- July 4, 2021: Tropical Storm ElsaSevere Storm, FEMA EM-3561
Miami Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Miami (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 223,826 housing units, a median build year of 1979, 51% built before 1980, 39% before 1970, 31% owner occupied.
Florida Insurance Rules for Water Claims
Florida insurers must review and acknowledge a claim communication within 7 calendar days and pay or deny a property claim within 60 days after notice (Fla. Stat. 627.70131).
Claim problems in Florida go to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Miami flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Miami
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Miami
The same 24/7 line covers the South Florida metro area, including:
- Miami
- Hialeah
- Fort Lauderdale
- Pembroke Pines
- Hollywood
- Miramar
- Coral Springs
- West Palm Beach
- Pompano Beach
- Miami Gardens
- Davie
- Boca Raton
Other Florida city guides
Questions
Does Florida license mold assessment or remediation?
Florida law bars anyone from performing or offering mold assessment without meeting the state's mold assessor licensing law (Fla. Stat. 468.8419).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, Fla. Stat. 627.70131, Fla. Stat. 468.8419, EPA mold guide.