Permits, Policies & Waterfront Projects: What You Need to Know Before Building a Dock or Seawall in South Florida

Understanding Permits, Zoning, and Compliance for a Smooth Marine Construction Process

If you’re planning to build a dock, seawall, or other waterfront improvement on your property, one of the most critical first steps is making sure your project meets all permitting and zoning requirements.

At Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction, we help homeowners and developers across South Florida navigate the complexities of marine construction regulations. In this post, we’ll explain:

• What permits are required to build docks and seawalls

• How to navigate local zoning laws for waterfront properties

• Why working with an experienced marine contractor matters

  
  

What Permits Are Required for Docks and Seawalls?

Building anything in or near a waterway in Florida means dealing with multiple levels of permitting and compliance. Depending on the location and scope of your project, you may need permits from:

1. Local Building Departments

Your city or county may have specific ordinances that apply to:

• Dock length, width, and setbacks

• Seawall height and tieback placement

• Environmental buffers or view corridor regulations

  
  

✅ Tip: Always check with your local municipality before starting design work.

2. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

The FDEP regulates construction that affects state waters, including:

• Mangrove trimming or removal

• Seagrass bed impacts

• Shoreline modifications

• Dredging or filling activities

  
  

✅ Projects near these sensitive areas will often require environmental assessments, mitigation, or special conditions in the permit.

3. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The Corps oversees navigable waters and wetlands under federal jurisdiction. If your project involves:

• Intracoastal Waterway access

• Docks extending into navigable channels

• Wetland fill or alteration

You may need a Section 10 or Section 404 permit, depending on scope and impact.

✅ Our team handles these applications in-house and ensures all required documentation is submitted accurately.

Additional Permits May Include:

• Submerged land leases (for structures over state-owned water bottoms)

• Manatee protection zone compliance

• Coastal construction control line (CCCL) permits for beachfront areas

• Water management district reviews

  
  

How Do You Navigate Zoning Laws for Waterfront Properties?

Permits are only part of the picture—zoning laws and property restrictions can influence what you can build, how large your structure can be, and where it can be located.

Here’s how we help you stay compliant:

1. Review Local Zoning Maps & Code

We check your property’s zoning designation and waterfront use classification to determine:

• Allowed structure types (residential, commercial, mixed-use)

• Setback requirements from property lines or existing structures

• Restrictions on overwater coverage, lighting, or accessory features

  
  

✅ We help ensure your design falls within your zoning allowances, avoiding rework or costly delays.

2. Evaluate Property Surveys & Riparian Rights

Your shoreline may come with riparian rights (the right to access and use the water), but boundaries can still be impacted by:

• Adjacent docks

• Canal width or navigation access

• Erosion setbacks or easements

  
  

✅ We coordinate with surveyors when needed and ensure dock layout complies with both legal and spatial requirements.

3. Consult HOAs and Community Development Rules

If your property is within an HOA, gated community, or coastal development zone, you may need:

• Community architectural review approval

• Specific material or height restrictions

• Shared dock usage or view protection policies

  
  

✅ We communicate with HOAs and community boards directly to expedite the approval process.

Why Permits and Zoning Matter More Than You Think

Cutting corners with permitting or ignoring zoning regulations can result in:

• Fines and stop-work orders

• Mandatory removal of unauthorized structures

• Delays in closing or refinancing property

• Difficulty insuring or selling your home

  
  

✅ Working with a licensed, knowledgeable marine contractor is the best way to protect your investment.

Build with Confidence – Let Us Handle the Paperwork

At Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction, we take the stress out of marine permitting. From concept to construction, we manage:

• All required permits at the local, state, and federal levels

• Environmental assessments and mitigation

• Zoning compliance, HOA approvals, and legal documentation

• Scheduling and inspections with regulatory agencies

  
  

You get peace of mind—and a dock or seawall that’s 100% compliant, safe, and built to last.

📞 Call us at 954-564-3715

🌐 Visit www.AtlanticHarborMC.com

📩 Schedule your consultation to begin your project the right way