Federal flood rules define substantial improvement as work on a structure whose cost equals or exceeds 50 percent of its market value before construction starts, and substantial damage as damage that would cost that much to restore (44 CFR 59.1). Those definitions are written for buildings. Cities set their own tests for seawalls, and they differ: Miami Beach measures repair cost per linear foot, while Delray Beach looks at how much of the wall's length is being worked on. The consequence is similar. In Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach and Miami, crossing the threshold means the property's whole shoreline must meet the current standard, not only the section being repaired.
Source: 44 CFR 59.1, Definitions (National Flood Insurance Program) · Checked 2026-10
Which agencies are involved, what each one wants, and the order they want it in.
One email. Unsubscribe in a click.
Done — it is on the way to your inbox. Not there in a minute? Check your Promotions or Spam folder, and move it to your inbox so the next ones arrive.