What Sunny Isles’ “Sinking Buildings”
Study Means for Residents, and How to Prepare for a Future Move
Adapted from reporting by Denise Hruby, published December 17, 2024, in the Miami Herald, and based on a study by the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
Full article at: Miami Herald

Introduction
A recent University of Miami (UM) study has ignited fresh discussions about the structural stability of high-rises along Miami-Dade’s barrier islands. Led by researchers at UM’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, the study revealed that 35 buildings in Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, and Miami Beach are sinking at an “unexpected extent”—from 0.8 inches to over 3 inches—between 2016 and 2023.
While local officials, including Sunny Isles Beach Mayor Larisa Svechin, assert that modern skyscrapers built to Florida’s rigorous construction codes remain “100 percent safe,” the revelations raise pressing questions for anyone considering a move into a coastal condo or high-rise. At Forward Van Lines, we specialize in relocations throughout Florida and beyond, and we aim to keep our customers informed about important developments that affect moving and storage decisions.
What Local Officials Say
- Mayor Larisa Svechin (Sunny Isles Beach):
“We are 100 percent confident that everything is safe.”
City officials and building inspectors have been re-checking structures mentioned in the UM study to reassure residents and visitors. - Engineer John Pistorino:
A longtime Miami engineer who sits on Florida’s state engineering board, Pistorino believes the buildings are likely stable but says ongoing monitoring is crucial. - Why It Matters for Coastal Residents and Movers:
The study has generated significant public interest in the structural integrity of high-rise condo complexes. Given Florida’s susceptibility to hurricanes, storm surge, and sea-level rise, residents want to know whether their investments—and their homes—are secure for the long haul.
Implications for Moving and Storage
For those looking to buy or rent in high-rises near the Florida coast, it’s vital to stay informed. Here’s how potential relocators and existing residents alike might want to respond to the UM findings:
- Request Building Inspection Records
- Before signing a lease or purchasing a property, inquire about recent structural reviews or engineering inspections, especially ones done after 2021, when Florida introduced stricter re-inspection mandates post-Champlain Towers South collapse.
- Check Community Disclosures
- Most condo associations provide periodic updates on building conditions. Ask for meeting minutes, special assessments, and maintenance records that detail any structural improvements or concerns.
- Stay Alert to New Construction Projects Nearby
- If you’re relocating to a rapidly developing area, be mindful that fresh construction might temporarily accelerate subsidence. Condos located next to new high-rise projects could experience vibrations or shifting due to pile driving.
- Evaluate Insurance Options
- Flood insurance is standard for coastal living, but also consider broader condo owner’s insurance or renter’s insurance. Some policies may not cover damage resulting from land subsidence.
- Use Secure Storage Solutions
- If you’re concerned about building inspections or potential subsidence, consider storing valuables (like art, memorabilia, or important documents) in climate-controlled storage off-site. That way, if your building needs repairs or if you’re temporarily displaced, your items will remain safe.
Forward Van Lines: Helping You Navigate Moving Challenges
At Forward Van Lines, we don’t just move boxes—we aim to help you make informed decisions about your relocation. Whether you’re moving to a new condo in Sunny Isles Beach, across town in Fort Lauderdale, or heading out of state, it’s crucial to consider the broader context of South Florida’s environment and building codes.
Our services include:
- Residential and Commercial Moves – Local, long-distance, and international relocations tailored to your needs
- Short-Term & Long-Term Storage – Secure, climate-controlled facilities ideal for safeguarding belongings during renovations or inspections
- Pre-Move Consultations – We can advise on packing strategies, building access logistics, and coordination with condo management teams
With decades of experience in Florida moving and storage, we know the ins and outs of coastal relocations. Even in the midst of complex structural considerations and evolving city regulations, our goal is to simplify your move so you can focus on settling in.
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Moving Forward Safely and Confidently
The Sunny Isles sinking study underscores a broader conversation around how coastal development interacts with geology and climate change. As the region grows and adapts, prospective homeowners or renters should stay proactive—ask questions, review inspection reports, and ensure your building is meeting updated safety guidelines.
If you’re planning a move to or within South Florida, remember that Forward Van Lines is here to help you navigate the process smoothly and securely. From packing to storage to final delivery, we strive to ensure a stress-free relocation that keeps pace with evolving local conditions.
Original Source & Further Reading
- Adapted from: Sunny Isles buildings ‘100 percent safe’ but city reviewing them in wake of sinking study
By Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, December 17, 2024 - Study conducted by: University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
- Funded by: Florida International University, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners
Keywords to Help You Find Us
- Sunny Isles high-rises
- Florida coastal sinking study
- University of Miami Rosenstiel School
- Climate change and real estate
- South Florida moving and storage
- Forward Van Lines relocation
- Condo structural inspections
- Subsidence and building codes
- Miami-Dade barrier islands
At Forward Van Lines, we believe in not only delivering your belongings but also providing knowledge that empowers your next steps. Contact us today for a free moving estimate or more information on safe coastal relocations.
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Use these Forward Van Lines service pages to turn this planning article into the right local, commercial, packing, storage, interstate, or international moving path.
Sunny Isles, High-Rise Buildings, and Condo Moving Planning
Sunny Isles Beach and nearby coastal markets create a very specific moving environment: high-rises, elevators, parking limits, property management rules, service entrances, insurance requirements, and careful scheduling around residents and building staff.
Turn the article into a moving plan
Any customer moving into, out of, or between coastal high-rise buildings should plan access before packing is finished. Elevator reservations, certificates of insurance, loading areas, and storage timing can matter as much as distance.
For Forward Van Lines customers, the useful question is not only what is happening in the housing market. The practical question is how that situation affects the move. A customer may need packing help, temporary storage, a flexible delivery window, elevator coordination, building insurance paperwork, or a long-distance plan that can adjust as the home timeline changes.
South Florida access details matter
Moves across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach often involve condos, high-rises, gated communities, waterfront homes, downtown parking, long carries, older buildings, HOA rules, and limited elevator windows. These details can change the labor, truck planning, packing approach, and storage recommendation.
When the move is connected to a home purchase, inspection, closing, renovation, downsizing decision, or seasonal schedule, it is better to discuss those timing issues early. That gives the moving specialist room to recommend a direct move, a storage-supported move, a phased move, or a packing plan that reduces last-minute pressure.
Helpful moving service paths
Use these related Forward Van Lines pages to connect the planning topic with the right moving service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a move be planned when the home search or closing date is uncertain?
Build flexibility into the plan. Confirm the likely move window, decide what can be packed early, identify items that may need storage, and keep the moving company updated as the closing, lease, renovation, or building-approval timeline becomes clearer.
When does storage become useful during a South Florida move?
Storage is useful when closing dates do not line up, a condo or building is not ready, renovations are delayed, downsizing is still in progress, or the customer needs to move out before the destination can accept delivery.
What building rules affect condo and high-rise moves?
Common rules include elevator reservations, certificates of insurance, loading dock access, parking restrictions, floor protection, time windows, service entrance requirements, security check-in, and limits on weekend or after-hours moving.
Why should customers think about packing before the move date is final?
Packing decisions affect labor, materials, time, and stress. Even if the move date is flexible, customers can sort, donate, label, protect fragile items, and decide whether professional packing help is needed.
How do market conditions affect moving plans?
A changing market can create uncertain dates, quicker closings, delayed inspections, temporary housing, storage needs, and schedule pressure. The moving plan should be flexible enough to handle those timing changes.
What should be shared when requesting a moving quote?
Share the origin, destination, move date or estimated timing, phone number, move size, stairs or elevators, condo rules, packing needs, storage needs, and any specialty items that may require extra planning.
Can Forward Van Lines help with moves between South Florida cities?
Yes. Forward Van Lines supports local moving, packing, storage, long-distance moving, senior moves, high-rise moves, and specialty moving across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and nearby South Florida markets.
How can customers avoid last-minute moving problems?
Confirm access rules early, reserve elevators, arrange parking, gather COI requirements, finish packing before crew arrival, label clearly, separate storage-bound items, and keep one decision-maker available on move day.
Should the mover know about renovations or repairs?
Yes. Renovations, repairs, inspections, construction delays, flooring work, painting, and furniture delivery schedules can all affect pickup, storage, delivery, and placement. Tell the mover before the quote is finalized.
What is the best next step?
Start with the route, date or timing window, phone number, move size, and any packing, storage, high-rise, or access concerns. A Forward Van Lines moving specialist can then help match the move to the right service path.
