Florida Statutes 161.053 establishes the Coastal Construction Control Line, a state-administered seaward setback that applies to all coastal counties regardless of local zoning. Construction seaward of the CCCL requires a Florida DEP permit and meets statewide structural and elevation standards.
F.S. 161.053 directs the Department of Environmental Protection to establish CCCLs along Florida's sandy beaches, defining the area subject to severe storm and erosion impacts. Any construction or excavation seaward of the CCCL, including dwellings, swimming pools, fences, and additions, requires a state DEP permit independent of local building approvals. Permits impose minimum elevation, foundation, and structural design criteria intended to withstand a 100-year storm event, and may restrict structure height, footprint, and dune impacts. Local governments cannot waive CCCL requirements, though they may impose additional setbacks. F.S. 161.052 separately establishes a 50-foot construction setback from the mean high-water line in non-CCCL areas.
Construction without a CCCL permit is a third-degree misdemeanor under F.S. 161.054, with fines up to $10,000 per day per violation, plus restoration orders.
See how Vero Beach's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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