County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33034, 33035
Florida City, located in Miami-Dade County, is particularly vulnerable to hurricane threats due to its geographic location. It is barely five miles from the coast and experiences quite a flat, low-lying terrain with an average elevation of only 7 feet. This makes Florida City susceptible to storm surges and excessive flooding during heavy rainfall, both of which are common features of major hurricanes in the region. Moreover, the town's proximity to major water bodies like the Everglades and Biscayne Bay could further contribute to the flood risk. High speed winds could also impact infrastructure and cause power outages and damage. Historically, Florida City has been severely affected by several major hurricanes due to its location. Hurricane Andrew in 1992, one of the most destructive hurricanes in US history, had devastating impacts on Florida City, causing severe infrastructural damage and flooding. More recently, the city experienced the impacts of Hurricane Irma in 2017, leading to widespread power outages, flooding, and significant structural damage. Therefore, preparedness for such events, including strategic stormwater management planning, is crucial to minimize the potential impacts on the town in future hurricane seasons.