A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science has identified that approximately 35 high-rise condominiums and luxury hotels along a nearly 12-mile stretch from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles Beach are experiencing unexpected rates of subsidence, sinking between 0.8 to 3.1 inches (2 to 8 centimeters) over a period from 2016 to 2023. Notably, about half of these structures are less than a decade old. (AP News)

The study attributes this subsidence primarily to the gradual reconfiguration of sand grains into denser packing within sandy layers interbedded in the limestone foundation. Additional contributing factors include vibrations from nearby construction activities, groundwater flow, daily tidal movements, and stormwater injection. The researchers utilized satellite imagery to monitor these changes, with the most significant settling observed in buildings located in Sunny Isles Beach. (AP NEWS)

It's important to note that while some degree of settling is common during and immediately after construction, the continued subsidence observed in these buildings is unexpected. The study's authors emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and a deeper understanding of the long-term implications for these structures. This discovery is particularly significant in the aftermath of the 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, which highlighted the critical importance of ensuring building stability in coastal areas. (AP NEWS)

Given these findings, it is crucial for buyers, sellers and Realtor to stay informed about the structural health of buildings in these areas of the outer Islands of Miami Beach and Sunny Isles and to request the engineering studies of same. 

See the SRIS Page on the Structural Reserve Integrity Study 

Continuous monitoring and further research are important to assess the potential risks associated with ongoing subsidence and to develop strategies to mitigate any adverse effects on property values and safety.

For a more detailed account of this study and its implications, please refer to the Miami Herald's story.