Is parking really free during a king tide in Miami Beach?

Yes, for eligible residents who register. The city's King Tide Flood Relief Parking Program offers free parking in three city garages, first come, first served, but only while an active flood notification is in place.

How do I know if my Miami Beach street qualifies?

The city uses street elevation. Streets about 2 feet or less above mean sea level are low enough to flood from king tides. Check your address on the city's elevation map, linked from the flood relief parking page on miamibeachfl.gov.

How do I sign up for the Miami Beach flood relief parking program?

Register at apps.miamibeachfl.gov/ParkingFloodRelief. The city then emails you when flooding is possible and when the program is turned on. Questions go to the Parking Department at 305-673-7505.

Why does Miami Beach flood on sunny days?

During king tides, the tide can rise above low streets and storm drains, so salt water backs up through the drains and onto the road even without rain. A city commissioner said pumps alone cannot stop flooding driven by the tide.

How do I get Miami Beach emergency alerts by text?

Text MBALERT to 888777 to sign up for MB Alerts, the city's traffic and public safety notifications.

Storms & safety

Miami Beach king tide flooding: how to get free city garage parking before the water comes

If your street sits 2 feet or less above sea level, the city will let you park free in a city garage during a flood alert. The catch: you have to sign up before the water comes.

October 19, 2026 · 3 min read · Miami Beach, West Avenue, South Beach

Late on Saturday, September 26, 2026, tide water poured into the garage of the Sunshine Bay condominium on West Avenue in Miami Beach. Residents told NBC 6 the water came in fast and hard. One said water rushed out when she opened her car door in the garage. Some residents went days without power. It was one of the biggest king tides the area had seen since 2017, and it flooded streets across low parts of the city.

Most homeowners cannot stop the tide. But if you live on a low street, there is one free thing the city offers that can save your car: parking in a city garage while a flood alert is on. Here is how it works, who qualifies, and how to sign up.

What is a king tide?

A king tide is an unusually high tide. In South Florida the highest tides of the year usually arrive in the fall. When the tide climbs above the level of low streets and storm drains, salt water can back up through the drains and spread across the road even on a sunny day with no rain at all. That is why Miami Beach streets can flood when the sky is clear.

After the September flooding, Commissioner Alex Fernandez told NBC 6 that stormwater pumps alone cannot stop flooding that is driven by the tide. The city says it is spending more than $100 million in the West Avenue area to raise roads and seawalls. That work takes years. The parking program is what you can use now.

Who qualifies for free garage parking

The city's King Tide Flood Relief Parking Program is for residents whose property sits in an area where the street is low enough to flood from king tides. The city's rule of thumb is a street elevation of about 2 feet or less above mean sea level. The city publishes an elevation map, as a PDF and as an online viewer. If your address is next to a low roadway on that map, you are eligible.

How the program works

Register online at apps.miamibeachfl.gov/ParkingFloodRelief.
After you register, the city emails you when flooding is possible in your area.
The city emails you again when the program is turned on. Parking is free only while that flood notice is active.
There are three city garages in the program. Spaces are limited and first come, first served.
The city says it cannot guarantee timely notice, so watch the tide yourself as well.

What to do now

Look up your street on the city's elevation map, linked from the flood relief parking page on miamibeachfl.gov.
If you qualify, register now. Do not wait for the night the water is in the street.
Sign up for MB Alerts, the city's own alert system: text MBALERT to 888777.
If you live in a condo, ask your building manager what the garage plan is for a king tide, and when cars should be moved.
Keep chargers, extension cords and anything electric off the garage floor during king tide season.
If salt water reaches your car or garage, take dated photos before you clean up, and tell your building manager in writing about any damage you see.

Why it matters for your home

Salt water is hard on cars, garage doors, elevators, electrical rooms and concrete. One flooded night can mean a ruined car and repairs your association has to pay for. Moving your car to higher ground before the tide peaks costs nothing if you are already registered. It only takes a few minutes to sign up, and it is free.

Common questions

Is parking really free during a king tide in Miami Beach?: Yes, for eligible residents who register. The city's King Tide Flood Relief Parking Program offers free parking in three city garages, first come, first served, but only while an active flood notification is in place.
How do I know if my Miami Beach street qualifies?: The city uses street elevation. Streets about 2 feet or less above mean sea level are low enough to flood from king tides. Check your address on the city's elevation map, linked from the flood relief parking page on miamibeachfl.gov.
How do I sign up for the Miami Beach flood relief parking program?: Register at apps.miamibeachfl.gov/ParkingFloodRelief. The city then emails you when flooding is possible and when the program is turned on. Questions go to the Parking Department at 305-673-7505.
Why does Miami Beach flood on sunny days?: During king tides, the tide can rise above low streets and storm drains, so salt water backs up through the drains and onto the road even without rain. A city commissioner said pumps alone cannot stop flooding driven by the tide.
How do I get Miami Beach emergency alerts by text?: Text MBALERT to 888777 to sign up for MB Alerts, the city's traffic and public safety notifications.