🌊 2026 King Tides in SE Florida: What Homeowners Need to Know This Year

Living in SE Florida means embracing the beauty of our coastline — but also understanding the seasonal realities that come with it. One of the most important of these is King Tide season, when the highest tides of the year push water levels well above normal. As a local real estate agent who works, lives, and invests right here in our community, I’m committed to helping homeowners stay informed, prepared, and protected.

And this year, the stakes are higher than ever.

🌴 King Tides Are Increasing — And 2026 Is a Big Year

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts at least 40 days of King Tides in 2026 — meaning more than 10% of the year will experience unusually high water levels. This reflects a growing trend: seasonal flooding is becoming a regular part of life in coastal SE Florida.

These tides can cause:

• Street flooding
• Saltwater intrusion
• Drainage backups
• Delays in travel
• Impacts on low‑lying homes and businesses

Even neighborhoods that rarely flood may see temporary water accumulation during these events.

📅 Predicted 2026 King Tide Dates for Broward County

September 26 – October 1 | October 7–13 |  October 24–31 | November 5–11 | November 22–28 | December 24–25

While these are the official forecast windows, flooding can occur outside these dates. Environmental factors such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, high water tables, and storm systems can elevate tides even further.

🌧️ Why Flooding Sometimes Happens Outside the Forecast

SE Florida’s coastal systems are interconnected. Even on “non‑King Tide” days, conditions like:

• Persistent rainfall
• Onshore winds
• Blocked drainage systems
• High groundwater levels
• Storm surge from distant weather systems

can push water into streets and yards. This is why staying aware — not just during the official dates — is essential.

🏡 How Homeowners Can Prepare for King Tide Season

Preparation is the best protection. Here are practical steps every SE Florida homeowner should take:

1. Inspect Your Property’s Drainage

• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Check yard grading
• Ensure French drains or swales are functioning
• Remove debris from storm drains near your home

2. Protect Your Home’s Entry Points

• Install or check flood barriers
• Seal low‑lying door thresholds
• Use sandbags in historically vulnerable areas

3. Safeguard Electrical & HVAC Systems

• Elevate outdoor AC units if possible
• Protect electrical outlets in lower areas
• Move valuable items off ground level

4. Prepare Your Vehicle

• Avoid parking in low‑lying streets
• Know alternate routes in case roads flood
• Never drive through standing water

5. Document Your Property

• Take photos of your home’s exterior and interior
• Keep insurance documents easily accessible
• Note any previous flooding for future claims

6. Stay Informed Daily

Bookmark or follow:

• NOAA Tide Predictions
• FEMA Flood Maps – Search by Location/Address
• City of Fort Lauderdale Alerts
• Local weather apps with tide tracking (Tides Near Me, Tide Alert NOAA, High Tide, Navionics Boating, Surfline)

🛡️ How to Protect Your Home Long-Term

King Tides are part of a larger trend in coastal water levels. Consider these long‑term resilience upgrades:

• Elevating landscaping or walkways
• Installing backflow preventers
• Upgrading to flood‑resistant materials
• Adding sump pumps in vulnerable areas
• Exploring private flood insurance options
• Reviewing your home’s elevation certificate

These improvements not only protect your home — they can increase property value and make your home more attractive to future buyers.

📞 Helpful Local Resources

If you ever need assistance or want to stay updated, here are trusted contacts:

• Broward County Flood & Drainage Services
• City of Fort Lauderdale Public Works
• City of Fort Lauderdale Stormwater Division
• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• NOAA Tide & Flooding Forecasts

As your local SE Florida REALTOR®, my mission is more than helping you buy or sell property.

As we move through the 2026 King Tide season, staying proactive and informed is one of the best ways to protect your home and our coastal community. I’m here not just as your REALTOR®, but as your neighbor — someone who understands the unique challenges and beauty of living along the SE Florida shoreline, making sure you feel confident, informed, and supported as a homeowner. King Tide season is something we face together, and with preparation and awareness, we can protect our homes and our neighborhoods. Together, we can continue enjoying the coastal lifestyle we love. If you’re ready for tailored support, contact me today — I’m here to help.

CONTACT ANNETTE

Let’s start working together!

Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR^®, ABR^®, AHWD^®

Coldwell Banker Realty

901 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

808.747.3686

Annette.Dammeyer@cbrealty.com

www.AnnetteDammeyer.com

SL 3535792