SINGLE-FAMILY DOCK CONSTRUCTION

To protect Florida's fragile waterways, the DEP requires an Environmental Resource Permit for construction of certain single-family docks. If the dock you are planning does not meet the criteria below, you will need a permit from the DEP prior to construction.

Docks Which Do Not Require a Permit from DEP:

A Single-Family Dock built in a wetland or waterbody which is not part of an Aquatic Preserve and which meets the following:

 - 500 square feet or less if in a waterbody designated an  Outstanding Florida Water

 - 1,000 square feet or less if not in a waterbody designated an  Outstanding Florida Water

 - one dock per property

 - extends no further out than 25% of the width of the waterbody

 - does not impede navigation

 - if the length of your shoreline is 65 feet or greater:

 - docks with an access walkway must have a 25 foot setback from the property lines

 - docks without an access walkway must have a 10 foot setback from the property lines

 - if the shoreline length is less than 65 feet, the dock should be centered on your shoreline

 - structures built on the dock such as gazebos and boat shelters are not enclosed with walls and doors, are not used for living, commercial activities, or storage of materials other than recreational supplies. If the roof of a structure overhangs the dock platform over the water, this overhanging area must be counted in the square footage calculation for the dock.

2. A Single-Family Dock built in a wetland or waterbody which is part of an Aquatic Preserve and which meets the following:

  - access walkway is no more than 4 feet wide

  - terminal platform is no larger than 160 square feet

  - extends no further out than 20% of the width of the waterbody, or 500 feet, whichever is less

  - extends to a water depth of no greater than 4 feet below mean low water

  - does not impede navigation

  - if the access walkway is built through seagrasses, it is elevated 5 feet above the mean or ordinary high water line

  - if the terminal platform is built through seagrasses, at least 75% of it is elevated 5 feet above the mean or ordinary high water line.

  - if over seagrasses, boards used to construct the surface of the dock are no more than 8 inches wide and are spaced at least 1/2 inch apart.

  - if the length of your shoreline is 65 feet or greater:

  - docks with an access walkway must have a 25 foot setback from the property lines

  - docks without an access walkway must have a 10 foot setback from the property lines

  - if the shoreline length is less than 65 feet, the dock should be centered on your shoreline

  - structures built on the dock such as gazebos and boat shelters are not enclosed with walls and doors, are not used for living, commercial activities, or storage of materials other than recreational supplies. If the roof of a structure overhangs the dock platform over the water, this overhanging area must be counted in the square footage calculation for the dock.

3. A private dock in an artificially-created waterway which:

  - does not violate water quality standards

  - does not impede navigation

  - does not cause flooding.

4. Repairing or replacing an existing dock and mooring piles which are:

  - still intact and useable at the time of repair/replacement

  - in the same location, configuration, and dimensions as the existing structure

  - built using no fill other than the pilings.

Construction tips:

  - Boat hoists on mooring piles are good for your boat and the environment.

  - Alternative materials are available for dock construction.

  Concrete, recycled plastic, and flexible PVC-sleeved pilings are less toxic and often more durable than wooden pilings.

We hope that this information is useful to you. Preserving Florida's environment is every citize's responsibility.