Home / Resources / Marine construction permits in Florida: what to expect

Permitting is where a lot of waterfront projects stall. Here's how the process generally works in Florida.

Why marine work is permitted so closely

Anything built in, on, or near the water touches public resources — navigable waterways, wetlands, submerged lands, and habitat. That's why marine construction in Florida is reviewed at more than one level, and why working with a contractor who knows the process saves time and avoids costly mistakes.

The levels of review

Most projects involve some combination of three: your county or local building department, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Which ones apply depends on the waterway, the scope, and whether the work affects wetlands or submerged lands.

Local / county

Local review covers zoning, setbacks, and building requirements. This is usually where the process starts and where inspections happen.

State (FDEP)

FDEP reviews work that affects state waters, submerged lands, and the environment. Many dock, seawall, and dredging projects need state authorization or qualify under a general permit.

Federal (Army Corps)

The Army Corps reviews work in navigable waters and wetlands. Some projects qualify under nationwide permits; larger or more sensitive ones need individual review.

How AVS Marine handles it

We coordinate the permitting path for your project from the start — identifying which approvals apply, preparing what's needed, and keeping documentation clean through inspection. The goal is a project that's compliant from day one and doesn't get held up.