Miami Beach is accepting applications for seawall improvement grants through its Fight the Flood Private Property Adaptation program, offering eligible property owners assistance valued at up to $20,000.

The city announced the seawall funding round Oct. 6. Its program website says seawall applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until capacity is reached, with reviews conducted in the order applications arrive.

The application portal includes an active Seawall Expedite Application link.

What the grant covers

The current round is limited to seawall projects at residential and commercial properties. Docks, decking, dock foundation piles, pile wraps and unrelated work are excluded, according to the city's announcement.

The general PPA program terms describe assistance of up to $20,000 as a $2,500 assessment plus up to $17,500 in reimbursable matching funds for design and construction. Qualifying low- to moderate-income applicants are exempt from the matching requirement. The city's seawall announcement says eligible low- to moderate-income applicants may receive full project funding up to $20,000. Applicants should confirm the seawall-specific award breakdown with the program before committing to work. Reimbursement follows project completion.

How to apply

Required documents include a property elevation certificate, active flood insurance, proof of ownership and identification. Additional documents apply to income-based assistance, condominium associations and other ownership arrangements. The portal lists the complete requirements.

For assistance, contact the Environment and Sustainability Department at 305-673-7084 or [email protected].

Flooding adds urgency

The National Weather Service listed a coastal flood warning for coastal Miami-Dade through 8 p.m. Oct. 28. Residents should check current alerts before traveling in flood-prone areas.

About 50 of Miami Beach's 55 miles of seawalls are privately owned, the city said. Its Oct. 6 announcement also stated that 93% of the city's buildings are within a Federal Emergency Management Agency Special Flood Hazard Area.