Sea Level 2040

Florida’s Rising Seas includes an introductory report and two separate studies, Sea Level 2040 and Sea Level 2070. This report focuses on Sea Level 2040, which reflects the impacts of sea level rise on Florida’s lands and land use over the next two decades. It includes two scenarios, which cover potential futures dominated by additional sprawl or efforts to contain growth and protect important conservation lands:

Sprawl 2040, assumes 2019 densities and patterns of development will continue over the next two decades and also factors in the impacts of sea level rise on Florida’s lands and the resulting need for population relocation.

Conservation 2040, accounts for the same population growth and sea level rise by 2040, but also emphasizes protection of much of the state’s highest priority lands for conservation, and assumes that any new development will be 30% more compact.