Docks and Seawalls

Regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP - 863-314-5975) and the Highlands County Building Department (402-6643)

The construction and maintenance of docks and seawalls is regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  In addition, you must obtain a permit from the County Building Department (402-6643) to construct a seawall.

You may or may not need a permit from the DEP to construct a dock or seawall, click one of the links below for more information from the DEP (up-to-date as of May 20, 2004):
Docks
Seawalls and Shoreline Stabilization

Unless your home is located on a canal, you are not likely to receive permission to construct a seawall.  There are much more environmentally friendly methods to stabilize shorelines, including the use of aquatic plants, riprap, and upland retaining walls.