Process of Building a Dock in Florida

Florida’s coastline stretches 1,197 statute miles, the longest in the contiguous U.S. Its stunning coastlines include an intricate network of lakes, rivers and estuaries, making it appealing to own waterfront properties. However, various local and state regulations and riparian rights laws in Florida control how docks are built in the state.

These regulations apply to private, personal and public waterfront properties and aim to protect the state’s recreational, environmental and economic landscape. This article breaks down the process of building a dock in Florida.

Florida Dock Building Regulations

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates the construction of marine lands, but the rules or regulations vary by state, town or city. In Florida, building docks is under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or city planning. Riparian land rights allow you to build docks next to the water body on your property to maximize usage while complying with environmental regulations.

Types of Dock Building Permits

You need one of the following permits to build a dock in Florida:

General Permits

General dock building permits are provided for minimal environmental impact activities with a limited duration. They cover:

• One private, non-commercial dock.
• Up to 2,000 square feet of over-water surface area.
• Docks designed for mooring up to two water vessels at a time.
• A general or streamlined application process.
• Access to elevated walkways and handrails.
• A terminal platform that cannot be located over resources.

Individual Permits

Individual environmental resource permits (ERP) involve a detailed review to safeguard natural resources and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. These apply to docks that satisfy the following criteria:

• When your project doesn’t fulfill the minimal impact jurisdiction.
• Any watersport activities that don’t qualify for general permit or exemptions.
• Specific design criteria according to location and available resources.

Exemptions

You don’t need to obtain permits if:

• The activities meet the thresholds dictated by the Florida Statute (FS) or the Florida Administrative Code (FAC).
• The dock doesn’t exceed 500 square feet over the water.
• The dock is not more than 1,000 square feet total.
• The dock is constructed outside protected waters.
• The dock is private and meant for non-commercial purposes.

The design and installation of floating docks are subject to the same permitting requirements as traditional fixed docks. You also need a green light from the Department of Environmental Protection before installing floating docks.

Permit Application Process

The dock permitting process in Florida can be lengthy and complex to protect the state’s natural waterways. With residential or general permits, you must undergo a self-certification process detailed on the DEP business portal. You can access your dock permit application documents and submit them through the DEP. Feel free to seek the help and guidance of local officials to fill out the application and pass the environmental impact assessment.

The permit application process also involves investigating the environmental impact of the dock projects, including the impact on water quality, coastal erosion, submerged lands and marine life. Incomplete or incorrect applications may significantly delay permit approvals. Working with reliable and experienced dock designers and installers like EZ Dock makes obtaining permits easier and faster. We’ll also help you construct a durable dock that lasts many years and complies with local ordinances.

What to Consider When Constructing a Dock in Florida

The process of building a dock involves considering some key factors:

• Location: Choose a location on your property with adequate water depth all year round without extreme tides, water level fluctuations or strong currents.
• Size and weight capacity: To protect the ecosystem, make sure your dock meets the weight, length and weight limits stipulated by your local government.
• Usage: The right dock for your waterfront should be able to secure your boat, personal watercraft (PWC) or kayak between uses, facilitate leisure activities, and entertain friends and family.
• Water bed conditions: The condition of the water bed determines the best type of dock for your property. For instance, deep and muddy water beds make it more difficult to anchor traditional docks, making floating docks the best option.

Are There Other Dock Building Requirements?

While Florida has specific dock-building requirements and regulations, you should also consider some general dock-building regulations:

• The dock must have minimal impact on the aquatic ecosystem by minimizing shading and staying off the vegetation.
• Check that there are no dock material restrictions in your local area.
• Docks can’t extend over 20% of the waterbody width or more than 500 feet waterward of the mean high water (MHW) level.
• The access walkways must be 5 feet above the MHW and no more than 4 feet wide.
• It should not block or enclose any areas with public water access.
• Leave enough space between adjacent docks and moored boats.
• You should display dock IDs containing their address and dock permit number.
• The dock should allow water to continue flowing naturally underneath.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Boat Dock in Florida?

The costs of building a boat dock in Florida vary widely based on numerous factors. These include the dock building materials, type, size, local regulations and permit costs. They are also determined by location and the complexity of the design.

Generally, wooden docks are more affordable initially but have high treatment and maintenance costs. Aluminum docks may be more expensive upfront but more affordable to maintain. Floating plastic docks save you money overall because they’re easier to install and maintain and last significantly longer than other dock alternatives.

Should You Build an Environmental Friendly Dock in Florida?

Environmental preservation is a major consideration when building docks in Florida. Docks can negatively affect the environment by blocking the sunlight from reaching the flora in ponds, lakes and oceans. Fixed docks involve drilling anchors to the ground that may provide a place for invasive fish species to thrive. Some docks also leach chemicals and contaminants that harm the ecosystem.

Building an environmentally friendly dock involves:

• Using durable and recyclable materials like rubber and plastic.
• Choosing dock materials from synthetic materials that don’t flake or leach toxins into the water.
• Selecting docks with good light penetration to ensure sunlight reaches the plants in the water.
• Working with easy and quick-to-install components that don’t need heavy machinery.

Consider Floating Docks for Your Florida Waterfront Property

EZ Dock provides innovative solutions that comply with Florida’s dock-building regulations. Our modular floating docks are the best in the market, featuring cutting-edge designs and high-quality materials. They’re suitable for commercial and residential use and provide durability, minimal maintenance and environmental friendliness.

Design your dream dock online today, or contact a local representative for more information about building a dock in Florida. You can also explore our blog for tips on building a dock.