Miami is located at an average elevation of about 6 feet (approximately 1.8 meters) above sea level. This low elevation is a characteristic feature of the coastal areas in Florida, especially in Miami, where much of the city is built on flat terrain near the Atlantic Ocean.
The city’s proximity to the coast not only influences its elevation but also its climate, geography, and susceptibility to sea level rise. As a result, Miami faces unique challenges concerning rising sea levels due to climate change, which is an issue that the local government and residents are actively addressing.