Are There New Restrictions in Florida for Building a Dock?

Building a new dock is an excellent choice for many and offers a wide range of benefits. Hiring a company that specializes in marine construction is essential to ensure you are happy with the results. Using a residential dock construction company will also ensure that you comply with all of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection rules.

Do Floating Docks Require Permits in Florida?

Floating docks are a popular option for many people. These docks are easy to install and offer much more versatility than traditional docks. However, you must comply with local ordinances before hiring a marine construction company to build a dock. Riparian Law gives you the legal right to wharf out to a navigable waterway. Still, some stipulations may be due to the agencies that oversee dock marine construction projects. Keeping a few things in mind will help determine if your floating dock requires a Florida permit.

U.S Army Corp of Engineers Oversees Permits

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers primarily focuses on major marine construction projects, as they allow Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to oversee residential dock construction. The DEP offers three different kinds of permits for managing residential dock construction.

Exemptions – A permit isn’t needed if the dock meets the defined thresholds created by the FL Statute.
General Permits – General permits are available for activities that will only have a minimal environmental impact.
Individual Permits – Any activities that don’t qualify for general permits or exemptions.

Are Residential Docks Usually Exempt?

Most residential docks are exempt from permits, but they must meet three criteria to be exempt from state and federal permits. Failure to meet these regulations will require you to apply for a permit for building a dock. These three requirements include:

Dock needs to be 1,000 sq. ft. or less
Dock isn’t built in protected waters
Dock isn’t used for commercial purposes

Self-Certification Process for Residential Docks

Residential docks must undergo a self-certification process. You can view this information by visiting the DEP business portal. Self-certification is only available for single-family projects, as DEP staff are required to review commercial and multi-family docks. A dock marine construction company can also help you if you have any questions about this process.

Ultimately, building a dock on your property is an excellent investment that makes it much more convenient for you to access the water. A dock marine construction company can handle all the paperwork for getting permits, and they can check to see if you are eligible for the self-certification process. These professionals will work on your behalf to ensure that you comply with local ordinances while building a dock that will look great and last for many years.

Florida Water Management District – 5 Regions

The DEP created five different regions in Florida for overseeing marine construction projects. These water management districts include Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each county and municipality also have its local ordinances for managing marine construction projects and wetlands. A residential dock construction company will work with your local and city officials to ensure everything stays in compliance, while also handling all paperwork.

Emergency Permit Moratorium

Florida declared an emergency permit moratorium due to the impact of Hurricane Ian. This permit moratorium applies to building permits, development orders created by the government, and any permits sent by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The emergency permit moratorium covers any counties that declared a state of emergency due to the effects of Hurricane Ian.

Why You Should Hire a Residential Dock Construction Company

Working with an experienced dock marine construction firm is always recommended if you want to build a floating dock. These professionals can quickly build a dock to your specifications while staying in compliance with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

A dock marine construction company will also take care of the permitting process, saving you time and stress. You can also reach out at any time if you have questions or need to make changes. Working with a marine construction company makes everything more manageable, and you can choose from a variety of design options.