Doral sits on low, flat land about five miles west of Miami International Airport, with the Everglades and the Turnpike on one side and the Palmetto Expressway on the other. Incorporated in 2003, it mixes golf-course subdivisions and lakefront homes with condo buildings, townhome communities and a large warehouse and logistics district. Elevation is close to sea level, and in a wet summer the ground can hold only so much before water starts sitting in parking lots, streets and ground-floor units.
The Restoration Job is a referral line, free to use around the clock. Call (888) 317-9980 and we will connect you with an independent restoration provider that handles homes and commercial space in Doral. We do not employ technicians or perform repairs. Here is what to know about how water damage tends to unfold in this city.
How the call works: when you call (888) 317-9980, The Restoration Job connects you with an independent restoration provider that serves Doral. That provider inspects the damage, explains the scope and quotes the work. The Restoration Job doesn't perform restoration itself. Read our referral disclosure.
Saturated Ground and an Overloaded Drainage System
The city's building department explains the core problem simply: during the rainy season, repeated downpours saturate the ground and sometimes oversaturate it, which reduces the capacity of the stormwater drainage system. Doral averages about 69 inches of rain a year, mostly from May through October. Once the soil and lakes are full, an ordinary afternoon storm can flood streets that drained fine in April.
The city also notes that more than a quarter of flood insurance claims come from properties outside the mapped 100-year floodplain. A low-risk flood zone on your mortgage paperwork does not mean your ground floor is safe.
Flooding in the Warehouse District
Commercial properties take some of the worst of it. In May 2020, the wettest May on record for Miami-Dade, nearly 15 inches fell over three days, and flood-prone businesses in Doral and northwest Miami-Dade were hit hard. A separate news report from 2019 described a stretch of NW 96th Avenue in the warehouse district that stayed underwater for more than a month because private drainage pipes were clogged and damaged by tree roots; city officials suggested property owners join together to fund drainage upgrades.
For a flooded warehouse, office or showroom, cleanup usually has to move fast to protect inventory and keep the business open. A provider will typically:
- Pump or extract standing water and move stock off the floor.
- Remove wet drywall, insulation and carpet tile from offices and break rooms.
- Clean and dry concrete floors and check wall bases where water wicked up.
- Document losses carefully for commercial property and business interruption claims.
Condos, Townhomes and Shared Walls
Residents live in mixed-use condo and townhome areas such as Downtown Doral and Midtown Doral as well as in single-family areas such as Doral Park, Doral Isles and Costa del Sol. In shared buildings, a single failed water heater or washing machine hose can reach several units. Report it to the association or property manager at once, photograph everything, and find out which parts of the repair fall to the association and which to you. Florida condominium law and your community documents typically split responsibility between common elements and the interior of each unit.
In attached homes, quick water extraction limits how far water travels under flooring and into a neighbor's wall.
Wind-Driven Rain When Storms Pass Inland
Being inland does not mean being sheltered from wind. During Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the National Weather Service in Miami estimated sustained winds of 55 to 65 mph in western Miami-Dade, and gauges in Doral recorded gusts of 77 and 96 mph. Wind like that pushes rain past window seals, sliding doors and roof flashing, especially on upper floors of mid-rise buildings. After a storm, storm damage cleanup usually starts by sealing openings, then removing soaked ceiling drywall and insulation before drying the rest.
Keeping Mold Out of Closed-Up Spaces
Offices closed for a weekend, storage rooms and condo units left empty during travel are where mold usually gets a foothold after a leak. Doral's heat and humidity mean wet drywall can grow mold within a day or two if the AC is off or set high. Dry thoroughly, confirm with moisture readings, and have any area with visible growth or a lingering musty odor assessed before finishes are replaced.
Where Callers in the Doral Area Are
Calls come in from across Doral, including:
- Doral Park
- Doral Isles
- Costa del Sol
- Downtown Doral
- Midtown Doral
- Doral Estates
- Village of Doral Pines
The same line also serves nearby communities such as:
- Medley
- Sweetwater
- Miami Springs
- Hialeah
- Hialeah Gardens
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Doral's flood program lower my insurance cost?
Yes, for National Flood Insurance Program policies. The city participates in FEMA's Community Rating System at Class 6, which the city says gives a 20 percent discount to policyholders inside the Special Flood Hazard Area and 10 percent to those outside it. Your agent applies it automatically, but it is worth confirming on your declarations page.
Where can I get an elevation certificate for my property?
The city's building department keeps a searchable database of elevation certificates already on file, so check there first. If yours is not listed, a professional land surveyor can prepare one. Certificates signed on or after February 21, 2020 must use FEMA's newer form. An elevation certificate can affect your flood insurance rate and is useful when planning repairs after a flood.
My business flooded. Should I wait for the adjuster before cleanup starts?
Usually not. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and waiting lets mold and wicking spread. Photograph and video the water, the affected stock and the equipment first, keep damaged items if possible, and save every invoice. Let your insurer know cleanup has started so the adjuster can see the documentation.