In accordance with FEMA requirements, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is publishing the following public notice regarding federally funded Hurricane Irma recovery and hazard mitigation work.
Public Notice: FEMA Public Assistance Project at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a Final Public Notice regarding funding under the Public Assistance (PA) Program for repairs and hazard mitigation improvements at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens related to damages sustained during Hurricane Irma (DR-4337-FL, PW-8524).
The project includes repairs to the Main House interior and exterior as well as mitigation measures designed to improve the site’s resilience to future flooding and storm events. Planned and completed work includes improvements to the café, electrical systems, roofing, drainage, seawall, flood barriers, and other historic building elements.
Because portions of the project are located within the 100-year floodplain and Coastal High Hazard Area, FEMA is providing this final public notice in accordance with Executive Order 11988 and 44 CFR Part 9.
Public Comments
Interested persons may submit comments, ask questions, or request a map of the project by writing to:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 4
3005 Chamblee-Tucker Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
Or by email to:
Please include the subject line:
FL-4337-PW-8524, Miami-Dade County
Comments must be received within 15 days of the date this notice is posted.
FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received the subgrant application for Miami-Dade County Vizcaya Museum and Gardens repairs due to damages in Hurricane Irma (DR-4337-FL PW 8524). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 and 44 CFR Part 9.12, final notice is hereby given of FEMA’s intent to provide funding for this project under the Public Assistance (PA) Program.
An initial disaster-wide Public Notice was published October 6, 2017 for Hurricane Irma. Comments and other information received were fully evaluated by FEMA along with evaluation of social, economic, environmental, and safety considerations. This notice serves as a project-specific final notice for FEMA’s funding action located within the floodplain.
Funding for the proposed project will be conditional upon compliance with all applicable federal, tribal, state and local laws, regulations, floodplain standards, permit requirements and conditions. This action complies with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.
Responsible Entity: FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program
Applicant: Miami-Dade County
Project Title(s): PA-04-FL-4337-PW-08524 – Vizcaya – Cat E – Comprehensive – All Buildings
Location of Proposed Work: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (25.744452, -80.210406)
Floodplain: Project is located in the AE, otherwise known as the area of 100‐year and the VE Zone, otherwise known as the Coastal High Hazard Area, per Miami-Dade County FIRM Panel #1208C0477L dated 09/11/2009 and Preliminary FIRM Panel #12086C0477M dated 02/25/2021.
Proposed Work and Purpose: A previous Final Public Notice was posted; however, this notice informs the public of modifications to the scope of work in repairs and mitigation. Miami-Dade County has repaired the Main House Interior and Exterior including walls, ceiling, windows, roof, furniture, historical details. The county also has a hazard mitigation proposal to wet floodproof interior walls in cafe, and waterproof the pool concrete wall, and use water resistant components in the café. Mitigation also includes dry floodproofing of electrical outlets and relocation of electrical to 42” Above First Floor (AFF). Mitigation to the exterior will be completed by installation of waterproof glass handrail system, extension of seawall with compensatory storage area, and Tiger Dam (or other deployable) flood barrier system. Mitigation work completed includes installed hurricane corrosion-resistant clips for roofing, upgraded gutters and downspouts. This mitigation will make the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens more resilient in future storm events.
Project Alternatives: The alternative that has been considered is the no action alternative. This alternative is not feasible as the area will remain vulnerable to flood risk, including property damage and hazards to human life and safety. Alternate locations were not considered as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark. The extension of the seawall is functionally dependent upon its location and other areas provide open space use for recreation.
Comments: This will serve as the final public notice regarding the above-described action funded by the FEMA PA program. Interested persons may submit comments, questions, or request a map of this specific project by writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region 4, 3005 Chamblee-Tucker Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341 or by emailing [email protected]. Comments should be sent in writing with the subject line FL-4337-PW-8524, Miami-Dade County at the above address within 15 days of the date of this notice.
Posted Date: 07/24/2026
