Common Florida Dock Questions
It is important to know if you can build a dock on your Florida Waterfront Property. It is also very important to know if your current dock is up to code - and to know if you need a permit to repair or replace existing pilings or structures.
Here are some answers to commonly asked dock permitting questions. Also please remember that the permitting rules are not all the same through out the state and may vary from county to county - and even the city within a county - so be sure to check your local codes before proceeding. -We at LightHouse Marine Services will be sure to assist you every step of the way.
A permit or other written authorization from the State of Florida is NOT required for a single-family dock in an artificially created body of water where:
(1) The construction will not violate water quality standards.
(2) The dock will not impede navigation.
(3) The dock will not affect flood control: and the dock, including the lifts is 1,000 square feet or
less in surface area.
A permit or other written authorization from the State of Florida is NOT required for the repair of replacement of existing docks or mooring piles that are:
(1) Not located within an aquatic preserve or manatee sanctuary.
(2) Still functional or only recently damaged by a storm or accident.
(3) To be replace in the same location, configuration, and dimensions as the existing structure.
A permit or other written authorization from the State of Florida is NOT required to build a dock for a single-family dock that meets the following criteria:
(1) Is not located within an aquatic preserve or manatee sanctuary.
(2) The dock, including boat lifts, is 500 square feet or less - in over water (including wetlands) surface area - if located in an "Outstanding Florida Water".
(3) The dock, including boat lifts, is 1,000 square feet or less - in over water (including wetlands) surface area - if NOT located in an "Outstanding Florida Water".
Docks that are exempt from the requirement for a permit or other written authorization from the State of Florida are subject to the following limitations:
(1) They may be used only for recreational, noncommercial activities.
(2) There is no dredging or filling except for the necessary to install pilings.
(3) The dock and pilings do not impede the flow of water of navigation.
(4) Only one dock is allowed per lot - and no more then one dock is to be constructed per single-family home.
(5) The structure does not unreasonably interfere with Florida Riparian Rights.
Docks that are not exempt from the requirement of obtaining written authorization from the State of Florida because they are located within an aquatic preserve or manatee sanctuary - and are located on State owned submerged lands - may qualify for a "Letter of Consent" if the dock meets the following criteria:
(1) The dock is set back a minimum of 25 feet from the side property lines - or 10 feet from marginal structures.
(2) The dock does not extend beyond 20% of the width of the water body - or 500 feet - whichever is less.
(3) The access walkway of the dock is no more then 4 feet wide.
(4) The terminal platform is no larger then 160 square feet.
(5) Any part of the dock over sea grass must be elevated at least 5 feet above the mean or ordinary high water line.