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King Tides are the highest predicted high tides of the year. In South Florida they peak in the fall and can flood low-lying streets, yards and parking areas, even on sunny days. In 2026 the highest Miami-Dade periods are October 7 to 13 and October 24 to 30.
This guide shows the season dates, how to check your own street, how King Tides differ from hurricane flooding, and what to do before, during and after a high tide.
What Is a King Tide and Why Does It Flood South Florida Streets?
A King Tide is a popular term for an exceptionally high tide. According to NOAA, these tides usually happen during a new or full moon when the moon is also at its perigee, the point in its orbit closest to Earth. The technical name is a perigean spring tide.
Condado de Miami-Dade explains that the fall King Tides are the highest of the year in South Florida because the water is warmer and seasonal winds push water levels higher. The County also notes that sea level rise is making these tides happen more often, last longer and reach farther inland.
A single King Tide usually lasts about three hours, according to the City of Miami. The result is often called “sunny day flooding”: streets and sidewalks flood from the tide even when it is not raining.
2026 King Tide Dates for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach
The highest King Tides of 2026 in South Florida fall in October. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) predicts the annual maximum on the east coast on October 27, 2026.
| Period | Miami-Dade County dates | SFWMD east coast window |
|---|---|---|
| Late September | Sept 26 to 30 | Sept 24 to Oct 15 |
| Early October | Oct 7 to 13 (highest predicted) | Sept 24 to Oct 15 |
| Late October | Oct 24 to 30 (highest predicted) | Oct 22 to Nov 12 |
| Early November | Nov 6 to 9 | Oct 22 to Nov 12 |
| Late November | Nov 23 to 26 | Nov 22 to 29 |
| December | Not listed by the County | Dec 22 to 27 |
Sources: Miami-Dade County King Tides page and SFWMD 2026 King Tide Season Forecast.
Broward and Palm Beach timing is close to Miami-Dade but not identical. For exact local predictions, use the station nearest to you (see the next section).
How to Check If Your Street or Home Is at Risk During King Tides
The quickest way to check your risk is to look at a local tide forecast and a flood map for your address. These free official tools cover all three counties:
| What you want to know | Tool | Who runs it |
|---|---|---|
| Daily King Tide forecast for your area | Resilience Metrics Hub with stations at Virginia Key (Miami-Dade), Port Everglades (Broward) and Lake Worth (Palm Beach) | SFWMD |
| Which streets flood more often | Sea Level Rise Viewer, flood frequency tab | NOAA (recommended by Miami-Dade County) |
| Your property’s FEMA flood zone | FEMA Flood Map Service Center | FEMA |
| Weekly tide outlook by email | SFWMD weekly King Tide forecast signup | SFWMD |
| Current flood advisories | NWS Miami | National Weather Service |
SFWMD warns that King Tides can reach or exceed National Weather Service flood thresholds in parts of the region. If you live near the Intracoastal, a canal or the bay, check the forecast before each window.
To understand what your flood zone means for insurance and renovations, read our guide to South Florida flood zones and FEMA flood maps.
King Tides vs Storm Surge vs Heavy Rain: Which Flooding Is Which?
King Tides, storm surge, heavy rain and hurricane wind damage are four different risks. Each needs different preparation, so it helps to know which one you are dealing with.
| Risk | Cause | Predictable? | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Tide flooding | Moon and sun alignment, seasonal water levels | Yes, months ahead | About 3 hours around high tide |
| Storm surge | Abnormal rise of seawater pushed by a storm, above the normal tide (NHC) | Only when a storm is forecast | Hours to days |
| Heavy rain flooding | Rainfall faster than drainage can handle | Short notice | Hours to days |
| Wind damage | Hurricane or tropical storm winds and flying debris | Only when a storm is forecast | During the storm |
The biggest danger is when they overlap. A tropical storm or heavy rain during a King Tide window leaves stormwater with fewer places to drain. For storm season planning, see our guide to upgrades that make your home more hurricane resilient.
What Impact Windows and Doors Can and Cannot Do Against Flooding
Impact windows and doors do not stop tidal flooding. They are built and tested to resist wind pressure and flying debris during a storm. They are not flood barriers and are not designed to hold back standing water at ground level.
Where they help is in the storms that often arrive during the same season. Hurricane impact windows for South Florida homes y impact-rated entry and patio doors protect openings from wind-borne debris. Under the Florida Building Code, homes in Miami-Dade and Broward fall within the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, where window and door openings must be protected.
For tidal water, look at measures your city recommends, such as sandbags. The City of Miami advises that properties in low-lying areas use flood mitigation options such as sandbags. For permanent flood protection, talk to your local building department or a licensed engineer about what is allowed for your property.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover King Tide Flooding?
Standard homeowners insurance usually does not cover flood damage. Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, according to FloodSmart, the official National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) website run by FEMA.
Timing matters. An NFIP policy typically has a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts. Some exceptions apply, for example when a lender requires flood coverage as part of a loan. King Tide dates are published months ahead, so buy coverage well before the season, not during it.
Wind mitigation upgrades can affect your windstorm premium, but they don’t replace flood coverage. Read more about Mejoras en el hogar que pueden reducir las tarifas de su seguro de vivienda..
King Tide Checklist for South Florida Homeowners
This checklist follows guidance from Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach.
Before the King Tide window
- Check the SFWMD forecast for your nearest tide station
- Look up your address on NOAA’s Sea Level Rise Viewer and FEMA’s flood map
- Move vehicles to higher ground before high tide
- Keep sandbags ready if your property is in a low-lying area
- Review your flood insurance policy and its start date
During high tide
- Do not walk or drive through floodwater. It may be deeper than it looks, and hidden debris can cause flat tires (City of Miami)
- Keep children out of floodwater
- If you go boating, check tide levels first because bridge clearance is lower
After the water goes down
- Rinse your car’s undercarriage with fresh water if it went through saltwater (Playa de Miami)
- Rinse landscaping that sat in saltwater
- Report standing water that lasts more than 48 hours, since it can breed mosquitoes
- In the City of Miami, report street flooding by calling 311
Frequently Asked Questions About South Florida King Tides
When is the highest King Tide in South Florida in 2026?
SFWMD predicts the 2026 annual maximum for the east coast on October 27. Miami-Dade County lists October 7 to 13 and October 24 to 30 as its highest predicted periods. Check the SFWMD Resilience Metrics Hub for your nearest station.
How long does a King Tide flood last?
A King Tide usually lasts about three hours around high tide, according to the City of Miami. Water often drains as the tide falls, but rain or onshore wind can keep it around longer.
Will King Tides happen again next year?
Yes. King Tides return every year and are predictable. In South Florida the highest tides usually fall between September and November. This page is updated with new dates each season.
Is it safe to walk through King Tide water?
No. Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami both advise against walking or driving through floodwater. It can hide debris, and saltwater can damage vehicles. If you do touch floodwater, wash with soap and water.
What to Do Next
Check your nearest tide station and your FEMA flood zone before October 24, the start of the next peak window. If your home also needs storm protection for hurricane season, read how to protect your windows during a hurricane, or request a free estimate for impact windows and doors.