When you are preparing for a new marine construction project in the state of Florida, it is important to keep the permitting process and required approvals at the forefront of your mind. No construction project can begin without the necessary permits and approvals. Skipping this process is not recommended, as it can become extremely costly in the long run.

Permits are required to ensure projects are built in accordance with the Florida Code and to protect everyone involved. In marine construction, approvals from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers are required in addition to local approvals. These agencies help ensure potential environmental impacts are minimized and natural resources are protected for future generations.

Marine construction approvals typically include state approval through FDEP, federal approval through USACOE, and local approvals from the applicable municipality or county. For example, we recently obtained permits for three boat lifts on a commercial dock with existing slips. This project required FDEP approval, USACOE approval streamlined through FDEP, DERM approval, and approval from the City of Sunny Isles.

Obtaining SPGP Approval

Federal approvals from the USACOE typically take the longest to obtain. The Army Corps states that application processing usually takes between three and four months. To help streamline approvals and improve efficiency, the State Programmatic General Permit was implemented in July 2017.

This program authorizes five types of activities including shoreline stabilization, boat ramps, docks, and boat lifts. Not every project within these categories qualifies, but when applicable, SPGP allows FDEP and other authorized agencies to issue federal approval on behalf of the Army Corps. This eliminates the need to submit an individual application directly to USACOE and avoids the extended review period.

Authorized agencies include FDEP, St Johns River Water Management District, Hillsborough County, Broward County, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. FDEP is the most commonly used agency and states that it makes reasonable efforts to process applications within 30 to 60 days, depending on permit type. When all required information is available and the project qualifies, state and federal approvals can be issued in under one month.

Determining SPGP Eligibility

To make a preliminary determination on SPGP eligibility, one of the first steps is reviewing the distance from the project site to the nearest federal channel. As a general guideline, if the project is located more than three hundred feet from a federal channel, the required supplemental forms are gathered and submitted with the initial FDEP application.

Using the FDEP MapDirect Tool

A key resource used during this review is the FDEP MapDirect tool. This tool allows overlays to be applied to evaluate environmental resources, navigation channels, and permitting constraints within the project area.

While the initial screening process and preparation of supplemental forms may require additional time at the beginning, streamlining approvals through FDEP and qualifying for SPGP often result in faster project starts and smoother coordination across agencies.

Outsourcing Your Approvals to a Team of Specialists

If you do not currently outsource the permitting side of your business, this may be an ideal time to consider it. By carefully reviewing permitting requirements and available approval options, contractors can save valuable time and reduce unnecessary challenges. The permitting process often involves complex steps such as detailed surveys and regulatory coordination, as explained in our article on Dock Construction & Permitting Support for Waterfront Projects.

The permitting process often involves extensive correspondence and documentation, which can overwhelm busy contractors and team members managing other responsibilities. Hiring a team that focuses specifically on marine permitting approvals can simplify the process and allow your team to focus on core operations.

Breezy Permits continuously stay aligned with agency requirements and local municipalities across the State of Florida. Our team works to ensure a positive experience by reviewing each project carefully and identifying opportunities to streamline federal approvals through FDEP whenever possible.