Local Guide · Seawall and dock contractors · Florida
What permits does a Florida dock or seawall need?
Florida exempts some small private docks and in-place seawall restorations from state environmental permits, but federal and local rules still apply. Here is how it works.
Florida exempts certain private recreational docks within size limits, and seawall restoration at the previous location or within 18 inches waterward, from some state environmental permits. Federal Section 10 rules and local building permits still apply, and the work should be done by a licensed contractor you can verify on DBPR.
Who licenses seawall and dock contractors providers in Florida
Florida DBPR (contractors); Department of Environmental Protection (state environmental permits). Florida Statutes 403.813 lists activities that don't need certain state permits, including some private docks within size limits and seawall restoration at the previous location. Local permits and federal authorization may still be required. Verify contractors on DBPR's license search.
Check a license →Key facts for Florida
- Florida exempts certain private docks of 1,000 square feet or less of over-water surface from some state permits, or 500 square feet or less in Outstanding Florida Waters.
- Florida's dock exemption requires the dock to be on pilings or floating, without filling or dredging beyond what pilings need.
- Florida's dock exemption requires that the dock not substantially impede water flow or create a navigational hazard.
- Florida's dock exemption covers recreational, noncommercial use.
- Florida exempts restoration of seawalls at their previous locations, or upland or within 18 inches waterward, from certain state permits.
- Florida's seawall exemption does not exempt projects from coastal construction permits under Chapter 161.
Which docks are exempt?
Florida Statutes 403.813 exempts private recreational docks with limited over-water area, built on pilings or floating, that don't impede water flow or create navigational hazards, among other conditions. The limit is smaller in Outstanding Florida Waters.
Can you rebuild a seawall?
Restoring a seawall at its previous location, upland of it, or within 18 inches waterward is exempt from certain state permits. The law says this doesn't exempt projects from coastal construction permits under Chapter 161.
What else applies?
Federal rules require Department of the Army authorization for structures in navigable waters unless exempt or covered by a general permit (33 CFR 322.3). Local building permits still apply. Check the contractor on the DBPR license search.
How to choose a provider in Florida
- Ask whether a state exemption applies and get it documented.
- Confirm federal authorization.
- Get local building permits.
- Check the contractor's license on DBPR.
- Ask about Outstanding Florida Waters if near protected areas.
Questions people ask
Do small Florida docks need a state permit?
Some private recreational docks within size limits are exempt under conditions.
What's the dock size limit?
1,000 square feet of over-water surface, or 500 square feet in Outstanding Florida Waters.
Can I restore my seawall without a state permit?
Restoration at the previous location, or within 18 inches waterward, is exempt from certain state permits.
Does the seawall exemption cover coastal construction permits?
No.
Do I still need a local permit?
Yes, typically.
Do federal rules apply?
Structures in navigable waters generally need Department of the Army authorization.
Sources
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
