• IPCC predicts sea level to increase by 18-59 cm by 2100 (not taking into account the melting of the polar ice caps). More recent analyses suggest that global sea level could rise by about 1.4 meters by 2100 and perhaps substantially higher (Rahmstorf et al. 2007; CCSP, 2008) (Overpeck et al. 2006, Mitrovica et al. 2009). • Approx. 12,250 km2 in Florida is below 1.5 m in elevation; • Future sea level rise will substantially alter Florida’s coastal ecosystems, dependent species and human communities;