Luxury and peril are colliding along Miami Beach’s iconic coastline, as new research reveals a disconcerting trend: more than 30 high-rise buildings in the area are slowly sinking. Yet, even as the land beneath these multi-million-dollar condos shifts, wealthy buyers are undeterred, continuing to flock to Florida’s sun-soaked shores.
A Hidden Threat Beneath the Surface
A study by the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science discovered that 35 upscale properties in areas like Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, and Bal Harbour sank between 2 to 8 centimeters from 2016 to 2023. The prestigious Faena House, Porsche Design Tower, and Surf Club Tower were among the affected buildings.
The phenomenon, known as subsidence, is typically seen in the years following new construction. However, the ongoing sinking of established buildings is raising eyebrows.
“The discovery of subsidence hotspots along South Florida’s coastline was unexpected,” said study lead author Farzaneh Aziz Zanjani. She stressed the importance of continued monitoring and research to fully understand the long-term implications for these structures.