Our beaches are maintained through the Broward County Shoreline Protection Project (SPP), which is a partnership with the federal government to address coastal erosion in Broward County.
Beach and Shoreline Ecosystem
The County speaks to many property owners, residents, and visitors at outreach events throughout the year about the importance of the beach ecosystem, from seaweed to sand dunes.
Beaches and Beach Renourishment
Broward County is dedicated to protecting coastal resources and the public’s common interest through strategic planning, coordination, and the permitting of projects.
Our beach and dune system projects and programs have the primary mission of protecting, restoring and managing Broward County’s coastal systems.
Restored beaches provide storm protection for properties along the barrier island, recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, and habitat for sea turtles, shorebirds, and other marine life.
Here's what's happening now.
Like any other major infrastructure, restored beaches must be maintained to stay healthy. Here’s what to expect in the future.
Active Projects
Beach Segment II
In 2016, the Broward County Shore Protection Project - Segment II placed approximately 650,000 cubic yards of sand along Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, and Fort Lauderdale shorelines to restore and improve the beach and dunes. To mitigate for unavoidable impacts to nearshore hardbottom habitat associated with the sand placement, project permits (issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and United States Army Corps of Engineers) required the construction of 6.8 acres of nearshore mitigation reef directly offshore of the sand placement shoreline.
Approximately half of the mitigation reef has been constructed to date. The remaining half of the reef is anticipated to be constructed in the spring/summer 2026.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning a Federal Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies project for Segment II, with construction anticipated to begin as early as January 2027.
Beach Segment III
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a Federal Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies project in April 2024 along the shorelines of Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Dania, Hollywood, and Hallandale Beaches. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed dune construction in Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park and the County completed the remaining Segment III Dune Project (in Dania, Hollywood, and Hallandale Beaches) in May 2026.
The Segment III Dune Project l added an additional 50,000 cubic yards of sand to upland project areas and planted approximately 177,000 native dune plants to stabilize the beach.
Port Everglades Sand Bypass
After decades of planning, design, and permitting, Broward County has commenced long-awaited Sand Bypass Project at Port Everglades. The Sand Bypass project will be completed through four phases of work: dredging, north jetty improvements, artificial reef mitigation, and rubble clearing. Dredging work is expected to be complete in early 2027. Jetty improvements is expected to be complete in summer 2027.
Dune Grant Program
The Broward County Natural Resources Division (NRD) has implemented a dune initiative program that provides grant opportunities to local municipalities, coastal property owners, civic associations and non-profit groups to conduct dune restoration and enhancement projects. Further information about the grant program can be found by submitting an email to CoastalDunes@broward.org.
Natural Reefs
Broward County has 24 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Coral reefs follow the coast offshore and are part of the Florida Reef Tract. The Florida Reef Tract extends from the Dry Tortugas to the St. Lucie Inlet, nearly 360 linear miles, making it the third largest barrier reef ecosystem in the world. Florida is the only state in the continental United States to have coral reefs close to the coast.
Seawalls and Flood Barriers
Recently, increased flooding has prompted both public and private investment in seawall improvements. Yet individual investments have not fully delivered expected flood protection benefits when adjacent and nearby seawalls continue to allow the trespass of water. Effective community flood protection requires a holistic approach.
Consistent seawall heights are necessary to protect the community from escalating impacts. Broward County has created regional guidance so that coastal flood barriers will continue to provide protection, even under future sea level rise conditions.
Coastal Dunes
The Natural Resource Division is implementing an action plan that seeks to create or restore sand dunes along 80% of the County's shoreline to enhance our coastal resilience. Native dune vegetation traps and accumulates sand to create a reservoir that serves as a natural barrier to combat the effects of erosion and flooding caused by severe storms and hurricanes. Beaches with vegetated dunes are more resilient and perform better during storms than beaches without dunes.
Manatees
During the winter months, Broward County's manatee population can reach over 900 of the slow-moving gentle giants. Manatees move south during the cold season to seek refuge in the warm water effluents of the Lauderdale and Port Everglades Power Plants.
Mooring Buoy Program
Broward County's reef tracts have 122 mooring buoys installed in ten locations to allow boaters to enjoy the marine environment without damaging the reefs by anchoring.
Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are marine reptiles that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, over 110 million years ago. Today, there are seven species of sea turtles worldwide and the five species found in Florida are protected by federal law. Broward County protects sea turtles by supporting efforts to conserve their nesting and in-water habitats.
Broward County has 26 miles of coastline, 24 miles of which are monitored for turtle nesting activity by the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program (BCSTCP). Broward County is considered a “medium-density” nesting area by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and hosts an average of 2,000 nests annually.
Coastal Cleanup
Each year the Beach and Marine Section, in conjunction with the Ocean Conservancy, coordinates the International Coastal Cleanup at 12 sites along the County's shoreline. The date is set for the 41st Annual Coastal Cleanup: Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9am to 12pm! T-shirts and hats will be distributed at all sites while supplies last and were allotted based on the number of pre-registrations.
