Miami Beach Buildings Sink at Uneven Rates
A study by Florida and German university researchers links differential subsidence in Miami Beach towers to nearby construction activity.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Construction
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A study led by Florida and German university professors found Miami Beach buildings are sinking at different rates, with the findings highlighted in recent Miami Herald coverage. The research used satellite-based radar to document sink rates for 35 buildings over a decade.
Why it matters
Uneven settling can stress building structures and raise the risk of cracking, leaking and insurance claims for owners and residents. The study attributes the subsidence to construction activity that may restart as new projects begin nearby.
Satellite radar tracked 35 Miami Beach buildings, with some sinking about 2 centimeters from 2016 to 2023 and structures in Sunny Isles Beach and Surfside dropping more than 8 centimeters. The study does not state whether the rates pose an immediate structural threat to any individual building.
The players
Miami Herald
A Miami-based newspaper that highlighted the subsidence study in recent news coverage.
Earth and Space Science
A peer-reviewed journal in which the subsidence study was published in late 2024.
The details
The researchers attribute the subsidence to load-induced, prolonged creep deformation of sandy layers within limestone, with construction activity accelerating the process. Managers of all buildings cited in the study declined to comment to the Herald.
Timeline
2016 to 2023: Measured sink rates of about 2 centimeters for some structures.
2021: Champlain Towers South collapsed, killing 98 people.
Late 2024: Subsidence study published in Earth and Space Science.
Legal Context
The 2021 collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside killed 98 people, and engineering reports blamed it mostly on deteriorated support columns rather than subsidence. The new study shows nearby towers, including the 87 Park tower adjacent to the collapse site, are now showing signs of sinking.
Owners and residents of Miami Beach towers may face cracking, leaking and insurance claims if differential settling continues. Nearby construction could restart subsidence, so property owners should watch for new structural signs.
The takeaway
Differential settling can develop slowly and quietly, so building owners near active construction should monitor for cracks and leaks. Early attention to subsidence data can help avoid costly repairs and insurance disputes.
Further reading
Explore more on construction projects reshaping the coastline and their effects on nearby structures.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Claims Journal.
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