Broward County, FL Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max dock projection
- 5 ft past property/bulkhead line
- Side clearance
- 10 ft from neighbor's plot line
- Mooring piling limit
- 33% of waterway width or 25 ft
- Applies only in
- unincorporated Broward County
Summary
Unincorporated Broward caps private docks at 5 feet past the property line into a waterway and 10 feet from a neighbor's plot line.
Docks and moorings for pleasure boats, yachts and other noncommercial watercraft shall be permitted in residential zoning districts on any waterway or water area as an accessory use... No dock shall project more than five (5) feet into any waterway beyond the property line along the waterway or the established bulkhead line. No dock shall extend closer than ten (10) feet to the plot line of any other residentially-zoned property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward County Code § 39-275(12) lets homeowners in unincorporated Broward build private docks and moorings as an accessory use to a residence on any waterway. A dock may project only 5 feet past the property line or established bulkhead line into the waterway, and must stay at least 10 feet from a neighboring residential plot line. Mooring pilings can extend farther but are capped at 33% of the waterway width or 25 feet, whichever is less, and also need 10 feet of side clearance. This chapter applies only in the unincorporated area (§ 39-2); Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and Broward's 27 other municipalities enforce their own dock and waterway codes.
Violations & Fines
Docks or mooring pilings that exceed the setback or projection limits are code enforcement violations under Chapter 8½, subject to citation and required removal or reconstruction to conform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a dock anywhere on my waterfront lot in Broward?
Does this rule apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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