Coastal Communities Brace for Rising Tides: South Florida Battles Worsening 'King Tides'

As of October 27th, 2025, coastal communities in South Florida are facing a growing challenge from rising sea levels - a spike in "king tides," the highest high tides of the year. Residents have reported that the tides appear to be getting higher with each passing year, with one Miami resident, Skip Alligood, telling the Miami Herald that "it's getting worse and worse each year -- next year, it'll reach my driveway."

While the king tides have been manageable so far this year, the situation could worsen significantly if heavy rains or storms hit the region. Extreme weather events, which are intensifying due to the planet's overheating, could considerably raise flood levels and put both people and buildings at risk. Over the past 30 years, residents have already dealt with the sea level near their homes rising by 8 inches, enough to submerge docks, drains, and streets during king tides.

As a result, some homeowners have been forced to make difficult decisions, with one resident, Johanna Mead, telling the Miami Herald that she had to sell her coastal home and move to higher ground due to the rising sea levels. With various insurers pulling flood coverage across the country, more residents may be compelled to relocate in the face of this growing threat.

To combat the issue, local municipalities have invested millions into infrastructure improvements, including elevating roads, raising sea walls, and installing new stormwater pumps. Volunteers also gather annually for Florida International University's Sea Level Solutions Day, taking water samples and reporting flood data to help researchers better understand and address the effects of the rising tides.