Florida is well known for its natural beauty, especially the beauty that comes from our coastline. From clear waters and thriving seagrass beds to coral ecosystems and mangrove-lined shorelines, these environments are what make waterfront living in Florida so special. For property owners exploring private dock construction in Florida, it’s important to understand the requirements for waterfront construction permitting early in the planning process.

Because of this, the State of Florida has designated many of these areas as Aquatic Preserves, setting them aside to protect their biological, aesthetic, and scientific value for future generations. While these protections are essential, they also come with additional considerations for private dock construction in Florida, particularly when it comes to waterfront dock construction or permitting, such as the construction of a new dock in Florida.

If your property is located within, or even near, an Aquatic Preserve, understanding these rules early in the dock design process in Florida can make or break a project.

Why Dock Design Matters in Aquatic Preserves

Aquatic Preserves are intended to remain in essentially natural conditions. That means any new over-water structure in Florida, including private residential docks in Florida, must be designed to avoid impacting submerged resources.

In South Florida, this is especially important in areas like the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where protected resources commonly include:

• Seagrasses
• Corals
• Sponges
• Other benthic (bottom-dwelling) communities

These resources are not always visible from the surface, which is why careful planning and proper biological or benthic assessments for dock construction are so critical.

When docks are designed without accounting for these resources, it can lead to shading impacts, physical damage, or long-term degradation of the ecosystem. Regulatory agencies take this seriously, and projects that overlook these factors often face delays, redesigns, or denials.

Careful Dock Design Is Not Optional, It’s Required

Dock projects within Aquatic Preserves Florida are subject to specific design criteria intended to minimize impacts to submerged resources. These standards influence everything from how far a dock can project into the waterway to how it is constructed above the water.

Some of the key baseline requirements include:

• The dock’s projection into the waterway is limited to no more than 20% of the width of the waterbody, measured from the mean high water line on one side of the waterbody to the mean high water line on the opposite side, or 500 feet, whichever is less.
• Access walkways are limited to a maximum width of 4 feet.
• Terminal platforms are limited to 160 square feet.
• Docks must terminate at a maximum depth of minus four (-4) feet mean low water, which can significantly limit dock length in certain shoreline conditions.

However, when submerged resources are present, the design requirements become more specific.

Within Aquatic Preserves, submerged areas are classified as Resource Protection Areas (RPA 1, RPA 2, and RPA 3) based on the quality and presence of natural resources.

• RPA 1 areas contain the highest quality and most sensitive resources.
• RPA 2 areas are transitional zones where resources are present but less dense.
• RPA 3 areas are generally characterized by the absence of significant submerged resources.

If a dock is proposed within an RPA 1 or RPA 2, additional standards apply.

• Docks in these areas must maintain adequate water depth, meaning there must be at least one foot of clearance between the bottom of a vessel and the top of submerged resources at mean low water (MLW). This requirement directly affects dock length, placement, and how vessels can safely access the structure.
• If a terminal platform is located within an RPA 1 or RPA 2, it must be elevated a minimum of five feet above mean high water to reduce shading impacts. Access walkways over resources must meet this same elevation requirement.
• Decking design is also regulated. In RPA 1 and RPA 2 areas, planking may be no more than eight inches wide and must be spaced at least one-half inch apart, allowing sunlight to reach the resources below. These details are often where projects either align smoothly with regulations or begin to run into challenges.

For single-family residences Florida, the criteria are even more specific. Aquatic Preserve guidelines limit properties to one private dock per residence, designed to accommodate no more than two boats, reinforcing the balance between private waterfront access and environmental protection.

The Role of Benthic and Biological Assessments

One of the most important parts of designing a dock in Florida Aquatic Preserves is understanding what resources actually exist on the seafloor.

In many South Florida jurisdictions, including Miami-Dade County, agencies require biological or benthic assessments to verify that proposed structures will not impact protected resources. In practice, this often means divers are sent out to document seagrass coverage, corals, sponges, and other benthic features.

If resources are present, the dock design must be tailored around them. This could involve adjusting the dock alignment, increasing elevation, modifying platform placement, or reducing overall over-water coverage.

Why Having the Right Team Makes All the Difference

Navigating dock projects in Aquatic Preserves requires coordination between designers, engineers, environmental professionals, and multiple regulatory agencies. Trying to manage this process without guidance can quickly become overwhelming.

Having a marine construction consultant involved from the beginning can make all the difference. A local marine consulting expert can assist with:

• Confirming whether a property is located within an Aquatic Preserve or a marine sanctuary
• Coordinating benthic and biological surveys
• Verify bathymetry and water depths
• Working with design professionals to tailor dock layouts around protected resources
• Prepare and organize permitting documentation so agencies receive clear, complete, and proactive submittals

Most importantly, it gives property owners one point of contact to manage the process from start to finish. This proactive approach reduces surprises, minimizes redesigns, and helps projects stay on track in some of Florida’s most environmentally sensitive areas.

The Way Forward

Aquatic Preserves play a vital role in protecting coastal ecosystems, and building within these areas requires thoughtful design and careful planning. With the right strategy and the right team in place, it is absolutely possible to design a dock that meets your needs while respecting environmental and regulatory requirements.

If you’re considering a dock project in an Aquatic Preserve or within the Florida Keys, having an experienced marine permitting team guiding the process can make all the difference. From environmental assessments to agency coordination, a streamlined and informed approach leads to smoother approvals and better outcomes for everyone involved.For guidance and detailed regulations, property owners can refer to official resources such as Florida Aquatic Preserves, Florida DEP Aquatic Preserve Requirements, Florida Dock Design Guidelines, or consult Breezy Permits for professional permit management.

Coastal construction in Florida offers a unique opportunity, but it also comes with complex approval procedures. Projects such as docks, seawalls, boat lifts, shoreline stabilization, and waterfront home improvements must follow strict environmental and structural rules. Multiple agencies review each proposal to protect marine ecosystems, public shoreline access, and property safety.

Because of these layered requirements, many property owners and contractors experience long wait times, repeated document requests, and costly project pauses. However, permit delays are not unavoidable. With proper preparation, clear communication, and professional process management, approvals can move faster and with fewer complications.

Below are 5 essential practices that help reduce coastal construction approval time and position your project for smooth success.

Essential Tips for Quick Florida Marine Construction Permitting

1. Begin With Complete and Accurate Documentation

Incomplete permit applications are the most common cause of slow approvals. Florida coastal permits often require site surveys, boundary confirmations, construction drawings, elevation data, environmental reports, and ownership verification. The agency expects precise formatting and specific supporting materials.

A missing survey page or an unsigned form can send an application back to the start of the review queue. That setback alone can cost weeks.

Step-by-Step Guidance Checklist

• Collect property surveys early and confirm boundary lines match county records.
• Ensure construction plans are prepared by qualified engineers familiar with marine structures.
• Double-check application forms for correct parcel numbers and owner details.
• Attach supporting reports, such as soil data or shoreline condition assessments, when required.
• Prepare a document checklist before submission to avoid missing items.

A fully prepared submission tells reviewers that the project is organized and ready for evaluation. This often leads to quicker first responses and fewer follow-up requests.

2. Identify All Required Permits From the Start

Coastal construction rarely involves a single permit. A dock may require a state coastal approval, a local building permit, and, in some cases, a federal authorization. A seawall replacement may need environmental resource clearance, along with city engineering review.

Many delays occur when an applicant files for one permit, only to discover later that another agency must also review the project. This can pause progress while new applications are prepared.

Step-by-Step Guidance Checklist

• Confirm if the property falls within the Coastal Construction Control Line zone.
• Check county and city building requirements for waterfront structures.
• Determine if environmental resource permits apply based on the water body type.
• Verify if federal review is needed for work near protected habitats.

By mapping all permit needs at the start, the project can move through parallel review tracks instead of waiting for sequential discoveries.

3. Schedule Pre-Application Meetings With Agencies

Regulators appreciate early communication. Many Florida agencies offer pre-application meetings where project plans can be discussed before official submission. This allows reviewers to highlight potential concerns and suggest adjustments before drawings are finalized.

Skipping this step often leads to revision requests later in the process. Early discussion can prevent redesign costs and repeated submissions.

Step-by-Step Guidance Checklist

• Request meetings with state coastal reviewers for shoreline projects.
• Meet local building officials to confirm code interpretation.
• Discuss environmental survey expectations with resource agencies.
• Ask reviewers what documents they most commonly see missing.

These conversations clarify expectations and create working relationships that support smoother permit progress later.

4. Complete Environmental Surveys Early

Environmental protection is central to Florida coastal permitting. Many projects require biological surveys to identify seagrass, corals, mangroves, or other sensitive resources. These surveys are essential because Florida agencies rely on them to assess project impact and determine permit approval.

Key agencies reviewing environmental surveys for Florida coastal projects include:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) – Oversees environmental resource permits and coastal management compliance.
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) – Reviews impacts on wildlife, including marine species, seagrass, and mangroves.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Required for work affecting navigable waters or federal wetlands, such as dredging or shoreline modifications.
• Local County Environmental or Natural Resource Departments – Counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach require survey reviews for compliance with local shoreline regulations.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Florida Projects

• Engage qualified Florida marine biologists early in the planning stage.
• Ensure survey methods meet the current guidelines of FDEP, FWC, and local authorities.
• Submit survey findings along with permit applications to the relevant agencies.
• Plan around seasonal survey windows if applicable to Florida marine life.

Proactive environmental preparation prevents delays. Early, accurate surveys allow reviewers to assess impacts without waiting for additional fieldwork, helping your Florida coastal permit move forward efficiently.

5. Prepare for Local Code Variances in Advance

Every coastal property is different. Some lots have unusual shoreline shapes. Others may need dock lengths or seawall positions that exceed standard guidelines. In these cases, a variance or special approval may be required.

If variance requests are prepared only after reviewers flag issues, the application cycle resets, and review time expands.

Step-by-Step Guidance Checklist

• Review local waterfront code requirements before final design finalization.
• Ask engineers to identify potential non-standard elements early.
• Prepare justification documents explaining the project’s necessity and safety.
• Submit variance requests at the same time as permit applications when possible.

Proactive variance planning prevents sudden redesigns and keeps approvals moving forward.

Why Professional Permit Management Makes a Difference

Coastal permitting involves technical language, strict formatting rules, and frequent agency communication. Many property owners and contractors lose time simply tracking application status or responding to reviewer comments.

Dedicated permit management services handle document collection, submission, reviewer communication, and progress tracking. This keeps applications active in review queues and ensures responses to agency questions are provided quickly and correctly.

Professional coordination also helps align engineers, surveyors, and environmental consultants so every document supports the others. That consistency reduces revision cycles and supports steady permit advancement.

Building Trust Through Process Expertise

Agencies respond faster when applications are organized, consistent, and complete. A structured permit process demonstrates respect for regulatory requirements and environmental responsibility. This not only speeds approvals but also protects projects from compliance risks later.

For property owners, faster permitting means fewer construction delays. It is reliable for contractors for project scheduling. For investors, it means improved confidence in project timelines.

The Way Forward

Florida coastal construction permitting will always require careful oversight. This oversight protects shorelines, ecosystems, and public safety. Delays, however, are not unavoidable. With complete documentation, early agency coordination, environmental preparedness, and structured variance planning, permit timelines can be reduced. Breezy Permits provides expert guidance, thorough documentation, and proactive agency coordination, turning complex approval processes into a clear, organized path so that coastal projects move from planning to construction with confidence, clarity, and predictable progress. This is why many clients trust Breezy Permits for their marine construction permitting needs.

Building a dock is an essential part of waterfront property ownership in Florida. The right design improves access, supports safe boating, and adds lasting usefulness to a home or commercial property. At the same time, these projects must follow local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations. Careful planning protects the shoreline, keeps the project on track, and avoids unexpected regulatory delays. The process can feel overwhelming without the right guidance at first, but with clear marine permitting solutions and proper preparation, the process becomes much simpler to handle.

This guide explains how dock projects move from planning to completion. It offers clear information for property owners, contractors, and project managers. It covers common requirements, agency steps, design considerations, and the value of professional permit support. 

Understanding the Setting

Florida is home to an extensive network of rivers, lakes, canals, and coastline. Every location has unique circumstances and sensitivity. Seagrass surveys and other protected benthic resources can be found in certain areas. Others have stronger currents and deeper water. The measurements, location, and materials of a dock can be influenced by regulations that differ by county, city, and waterbody. The final design may also be influenced by environmental or navigational requirements specific to the location.

Local regulations may place restrictions on the materials that can be used or how far a structure can go into the water. Additionally, some neighborhoods have their own standards. Understanding the regulations that apply to a property helps prevent future design modifications because requirements vary throughout Florida. 

Examining the immediate environment is helpful before making a plan. Examine the shoreline’s shape, soil type, water depth, and surrounding structures. A safe and useful layout is supported by a thorough comprehension of these details.

Why Permitting Exists

Dock projects have an impact on shared waterways and natural resources. Permits ensure the structure is built safely and complies with the regulations for that specific waterway. Every plan is examined by agencies to avoid problems like blocked navigation or effects on adjacent properties. Additionally, these reviews aid in safeguarding regions that might contain wildlife, seagrass, or other delicate elements.

The procedure can involve multiple steps, all of which contribute to the long-term, secure use of the waterfront. A well-thought-out plan satisfies property owners’ needs while maintaining a healthy environment for everyone.

Preparing for the Permitting Phase

Clear and comprehensive information is the foundation of a strong permit package. To verify the precise boundaries and shoreline for the design, a current property survey is required. The engineer uses the survey to create precise plans that are signed and sealed. While the local city typically requests the survey during its own review, the majority of environmental agencies concentrate on examining those plans.

Next, detailed drawings are prepared that outline the dock’s size, placement, materials, and any additional features such as a boat lift or platform. Before you wrap up the plans, it helps to visit the site in person to confirm water depth, evaluate substrate stability look for anything along the shoreline you should include in the plans. Agencies like to see clear photos and straightforward measurements, too, so they can tell exactly how the dock fits with everything nearby.

Agents may also ask for:

• Photographs of the shoreline
• A description of the purpose of the dock
• Contractor information
• Proof of property ownership
• A clear site layout that marks distances to property lines and neighboring docks

The permit review becomes much smoother when these items are organized early.

Local Differences that Matter

Rules can vary from county to county. Some areas limit the length of a dock. Others limit how far it may extend from the shoreline. Some locations set guidelines on material choices or request extra environmental paperwork.

For example, canals may require a design that keeps the center line clear for passing boats. Lakeside properties may focus more on maintaining a natural view. Coastal districts may ask for stronger materials that withstand storms and saltwater over time.

Research your county rules before preparing final plans. This avoids surprises and prevents multiple plan revisions.

In a lot of places, there’s a hard limit on how far a dock can project into the waterway. This comes up a lot in narrow canals, where boats need enough space to get by without trouble. 

Usually, you need to keep the center clear so boats can move through. Over by the lakes, it’s less about boat traffic and more about keeping the view natural. Down on the coast, people care about materials that won’t fall apart after a few storms or from saltwater.

So, before you draw up your final plans, spend a bit of time digging into the local rules. You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches and avoid having to redo things later.

Construction Considerations that Improve the Project

Once the permit is approved, construction becomes the next step. Quality materials strongly influence long term performance. Saltwater environments usually require materials and hardware that can withstand long-term saltwater exposure. Composite decking, marine-grade hardware, and properly sized pilings help support durability in Florida waterfront settings. Pilings should be chosen to handle both the structure and the movement of the water.

Many homeowners add a lift to reduce hull wear and make daily use easier. Others prefer a simple platform suited for fishing. When preparing these features, think about daily habits, safety needs, and future upkeep.

Lighting can also improve safety and usability. Low-level lighting is a popular choice because it guides evening use while reducing glare for neighbors and limiting effects on nearby wildlife.

Why Professional Permit Support Helps

Many owners and contractors choose to work with a service that focuses on permitting. Permit specialists prepare complete and accurate applications so agencies have everything needed for review. They help confirm that the engineered plans meet agency expectations, which can lower the chance of revision requests.

These professionals also track each stage of the review and follow up with agencies regularly to keep the project moving. Coordinating with surveyors and engineers helps maintain consistency across all documents, supporting a smoother review.

Common Reasons for Permit Delays

Some delays occur when key details are missing, and others happen when the design does not match local rules. The points below show the most frequent causes and how to reduce them.

• Outdated surveys can slow the review because the shoreline or property details may have shifted over time. A current survey helps agencies confirm boundary lines and the exact setting of the project.
• Signed and sealed engineered plans must clearly show all dimensions, materials, and construction details. Incomplete drawings often lead to requests for corrections.
• Agencies also look for a clear site layout that shows how the proposed dock relates to property lines and nearby structures. Simple measurements and a clear layout help reviewers understand the position of the structure.
• If sensitive areas are present, an agency may pause the review until additional environmental information is provided.
• Contractor license and insurance details should be included at the start so reviewers do not need to request them later.

When these issues are handled early, reviews tend to move forward without trouble.

Common Steps Before You Begin Construction

1. Walk the site and photograph the entire shoreline.
2. Request a current survey if yours is more than a year old.
3. Meet with a marine contractor to discuss design ideas.
4. Confirm local county rules and neighborhood restrictions.
5. Prepare engineering plans that show every detail clearly.
6. Submit the permit package through a professional service if possible.
7. Wait for final approval before ordering materials.

Following these steps keeps your project organized and safe.

The Value of a Well-built Dock

A quality dock becomes part of daily life. It supports boating, fishing, relaxing, and simple access to the water. It also adds value to the property by providing a clean and dependable structure that serves the owner for many years. In Florida, a well built dock can also improve access during seasonal tides and water level changes.

Durable materials and proper construction help the structure hold up in changing weather conditions. Once construction is complete, consider scheduling annual inspections. These checks can reveal early signs of wear from sun exposure, tides, and saltwater, such as loose boards or weakened fasteners.

The Way Forward

Florida dock construction calls for patience, clear planning, and a solid understanding of local rules. Learning the city, county, and Florida environmental requirements early helps keep the approval steps moving in a steady way. Proper planning also makes it easier to design a structure that fits the property and the specific waterway. 

Working with permitting professionals can help keep documents organized and confirm that all required details are submitted accurately. A well-prepared project usually moves through reviews with fewer setbacks and leads to a dock designed for long-term, dependable use. When each stage is handled with care, the result is a structure that supports daily access to the waterfront.

Building permit violations are typically issued by local building departments when construction work is completed without the required approvals or payment of associated fees. In the case of marine construction projects in Palm Beach or Broward County, these violations can be more complex because such projects must first receive environmental approvals before any local permits can be granted.

When a permit violation is issued, it usually includes a deadline for resolving the issue. Since marine projects involve multiple layers of approval, the process can take several months. To stay compliant and avoid penalties, or even potential legal action, it’s important to request an extension before each deadline until all requirements are met.

In both Palm Beach County and Broward County, marine construction approvals often involve the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Depending on your project location, additional approval may also be needed from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) or the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD).

For projects located in Broward County, there are a few more steps. You’ll also need to obtain a Broward County Environmental Resource License and a Certificate of Competency before the violation can be fully resolved and the project brought into compliance.

After-the-fact Applications to Resolve Violations

When it comes to resolving a violation for a marine construction project in Palm Beach or Broward County, the first and most important step is securing approvals from both the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).

If the work has already been completed before obtaining permits, the process involves submitting what’s called an after-the-fact application. As the name suggests, these applications are filed after construction has taken place. Normally, when permits are applied for in advance, both agencies can streamline the review through the FDEP’s State Programmatic General Permit (SPGP VI), a faster option that saves time. However, after-the-fact applications don’t qualify for this route, meaning the Army Corps must issue a separate approval.

This step is especially important because the Army Corps of Engineers can take around 6 to 9 months to issue approvals due to their review volume. That’s why submitting your application as soon as possible is critical to keeping your project on track and resolving the violation efficiently.

For the Army Corps, after-the-fact applications are submitted using the Application for Department of the Army Permit (ENG 4345) form. This can be sent by mail or email to the appropriate regulatory office. Once received, it typically takes 1 to 3 weeks for sorting and assignment to a project reviewer. After the project is assigned, applicants must wait 10 days before contacting the reviewer. At Breezy Permits, our team always reaches out once that window passes to confirm progress and maintain communication.

For the FDEP, after-the-fact applications can be submitted through their Self Service Portal (recommended) or by mailing the appropriate form to the local district office. The FDEP operates six regional districts across Florida to provide focused review and timely approvals: Northwest, Southwest, South, Southeast, Central, and Northeast.

Can Your Local Building Department Issue A Violation For A Dock Replacement?

Yes, your local building department can issue a violation if they discover any marine construction work completed without the proper permits. This applies to a wide range of projects, not just dock replacements.

In the marine construction inductry, violations can be issued for unpermitted work such as boat lift installations, dock repairs or replacements, piling replacements, seawall construction seawall repairs, or seawall cap installations.

Understanding these requirements before starting a project can save you from unnecessary delays, added costs, and stress later on. Taking the time to secure the right permits upfront helps ensure your project meets all local and environmental regulations, and keeps you clear of any potential violations.

List of 6 Benefits to Hiring a Marine Construction Permit Specialist to Resolve a Violation

If you’ve received a violation for completing a marine construction project without the required approvals, working with a marine construction permit specialist can make a major difference. These professionals understand the permitting process inside and out and can help you get your project back into compliance as quickly as possible.

Here are six key benefits of hiring a permit specialist to help resolve your violation in Palm Beach or Broward County:

Expert Knowledge of the Permit Process:

Marine construction permit specialists have in-depth knowledge of the unique regulations that apply to docks, seawalls, boat lifts, and other waterfront structures. They understand the local, state, and federal rules that govern coastal construction in Florida, ensuring your project aligns with all required standards.

Efficiency and Accuracy in Application Preparation:

Submitting a permit application with missing or incorrect details can cause long delays. Specialists know exactly how to prepare and organize documentation so that it meets the expectations of the FDEP, Army Corps of Engineers, and local building departments. This helps keep your application process smooth and efficient.

Established Relationships with Authorities:

Experienced permit specialists often maintain strong working relationships with local building departments and environmental agencies. These connections can help speed up communication, improve clarity during the review process, and in some cases, help move your application through faster.

Access to a Network of Professionals:

Marine permitting often involves collaboration with engineers, surveyors, and environmental consultants. Permit specialists typically have an established network of trusted professionals, making it easier to coordinate the additional reports and assessments your project may need.

Handling Complications and Setbacks:

If your application receives a Request for Additional Information (RAI) or other agency feedback, a specialist knows how to respond quickly and effectively. Their experience allows them to address concerns, provide the right documentation, and minimize unnecessary delays.

Expert Consultation and Advice:

Beyond handling paperwork, a permit specialist can offer valuable advice tailored to your project. Their understanding of local procedures helps you avoid common mistakes and stay compliant, saving both time and money in the long run.

Seagrasses play an essential role in Florida’s aquatic systems by supporting marine life and helping maintain clear, healthy waters through natural sediment filtration. With thoughtful dock construction and proper permit support, these valuable habitats can be preserved while allowing waterfront access. Agencies such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Army Corps of Engineers provide clear guidelines that encourage responsible dock design and placement, helping protect seagrasses for present and future generations.

Regulations come in the form of specialized criteria for construction being completed in these areas, and also for the boating community to ensure that extra precaution is taken in these areas. If you’re a marine contractor in the industry and you have completed a project in an area that is surrounded by seagrasses then you’re likely familiar with the extent to which seagrasses are protected and how strict regulatory agencies can be when a project is being completed in an area that seagrasses are found. Throughout this article we will discuss both the economical and ecological role that seagrasses play along with some examples of guidelines enforced by regulatory agencies to make sure seagrasses stay protected. 

ECONOMIC ROLE OF SEAGRASSES IN FLORIDA 

Sea grasses are important to the Florida economy because of the habitat, nursery grounds, and food source that they provide to economically important species along our coastlines. There are a plentitude of species that rely on seagrasses which some of these including: 

• West Indian Manatee 
• Spotted Sea Trout 
• Common Snook 
• Pink Shrimp 
• Striped Hermit Crab 
• Parrot Fish
• Green Turtle 

Not only do protected species such as manatees rely on seagrasses as a major food source, but “Seagrasses are typically considered a nursery habitat that provides structure for various life stages of commercially and economically important fish (such as drums and trout), crustaceans (stone crabs, shrimp, etc.), and shellfish (scallops, etc.) species” as stated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision. Our Florida coastlines are blessed with an abundance of marine wildlife that attracts hundred of thousands of tourist yearly and the FDEP directly states in their ERP Online Help Resource that “In 2006 alone, seagrass communities in Florida supported an estimated harvest of $71.4 million for stone crab, spiny lobster, yellowtail snapper, gray snapper, shrimp and blue crab.” With that statistic alone it is evident that seagrasses are vital to our economy and we can begin to understand why they are so protected by regulatory agencies throughout the state of Florida. In an effort to highlight this economic importance and showcase why their protection is vital, the FDEP estimates that each acre of seagrass has an economic value of $20,500 per year. With Florida being home to an estimated 502,000 acres of seagrass, we can estimate that seagrasses along our Florida coastlines hold an economic value of $1,029,000,000. 

ECOLOGICAL ROLE OF SEAGRASSES

Although the economic role seagrasses play along our coastlines might seem like the primary driving factor to their protection by regulatory agencies, their ecological role throughout the state of Florida is also important to understand. The ecological role seagrasses play along our coastlines is highlighted with their importance as a food source, habitat, and the part they play in maintaining water quality. In an effort to showcase this, the FDEP states in their Management and Protection of Seagrasses article that “Seagrasses improve water clarity by stabilizing bottom sediments and absorbing nutrients from the water column. They reduce coastal erosion by helping to diffuse wave energy during storm events.” Every year tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the beautiful and clear water that we are blessed to have here in Florida and the protection of seagrasses is an important aspect to ensuring that our waters remain clear. Not only do they play a vital role in minimizing erosion and filtering out tiny sediments to ensure our water remains clear, but they’re also an important food source and habitat for a plentitude of species. 

WAYS TO PROTECT SEAGRASSES 

The importance of protecting seagrasses is clear throughout the State of Florida. To support this effort, regulatory agencies such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Army Corps of Engineers have established guidelines for construction in areas where seagrasses are present. The FDEP outlines practical protection measures in its ERP Online Help Resource, including the following recommendations:

1. Build your dock, pier, marine or other structure away from seagrasses whenever possible. 
2. If a structure is proposed over seagrasses, include seagrass protection in the design.
   • Build your structure with material that allows light to penetrate (such as grating). 
   • Build a small structure instead of a larger one to prevent shading out seagrasses, and do not include roofs, walls, or other structures that block sunlight. 
   • Design your dock so that mooring areas and navigational access routes are in water deep enough to leave at least 1 foot between the top of vegetation and the bottom of your boat. 

The United States Army Corps of Engineers also showcases their criteria in their Dock Construction Guideline for Single Family Docks Article published in 2001, with some of their criteria for docks being constructed over submerged aquatic vegetation, including the following: 

• The pier/dock should be aligned to minimize the size of the footprint over SAV beds. 
• The height of the pier/dock shall be a minimum of 5 feet above MHW/OHW as measured from the top surface of the decking.
• If possible, terminal platforms must be placed in deep water, water ward of SAV beds or in an area devoid of SAV beds. 
• The width of the pier/dock is limited to a maximum of 4 feet. 
• The gaps between deck boards must be a minimum of ½ inch. 
• The spacing of pilings through SAV beds shall be a minimum of 10 feet on center. 
• Pilings must be installed in a manner that will not result in the formation of sedimentary deposits around the newly installed pilings. Pile driving is the preferred method of installation, but jetting with a low-pressure pump may be used.