Miami Beach to Sunny Isles: Dozens of Oceanfront Buildings Experiencing Sinking, Study Finds

A new study from the University of Miami reveals that nearly 35 oceanfront buildings, from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles Beach, are sinking due to subsidence—a process where the ground settles. The sinking ranges from two to eight centimeters, with the most significant effects in Sunny Isles Beach and Surfside, where the 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse occurred. Other affected areas include Miami Beach and Bal Harbour.

Using satellite radar data from 2016 to 2023, researchers found that fixed building elements like balconies and rooftops showed “millimeter-scale” displacements. Although subsidence is common in newly constructed buildings, the study highlights that sinking can continue for many years.

Scientists suggest that the sinking may be caused by shifting sand layers under the buildings, vibrations from nearby construction, or the natural cracking of South Florida’s limestone. The study, published in Earth and Space Science, also noted that no displacement signals were detected before the Surfside collapse, indicating that subsidence wasn’t to blame for the tragedy. Researchers call for further monitoring to understand the long-term implications of these shifts on coastal buildings.