Palm Beach County, FL Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential dock setback
- 5 feet from side property lines
- Large facilities
- 5+ slip projects need Manatee Protection Plan review
- Before you build
- Building Division construction permit required
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated county only, not the 39 cities
Summary
In unincorporated Palm Beach County, accessory boat docks on a residential lot must clear a five-foot side setback, and any dock, seawall, bulkhead, or pier built in state waters needs a Building Division construction permit first.
Accessory docks located on the same lot as a residence shall meet a five-foot setback from the side property lines. Accessory docks not located on the same lot as a residence shall comply with the following setbacks: 1) Dock in Publicly-Owned Waterway A minimum five-foot side setback measured from the extension of the property lines into the waterway. The property lines shall be extended into the waterway in the same direction and bearing as the side lot lines.
Full Breakdown
The ULDC requires accessory docks on the same lot as a residence to sit at least five feet from the side property lines. Docks not on a residential lot must keep the same five-foot side setback, measured from the extension of the property lines into the waterway if it is publicly owned, or get the waterway owner's signed consent if it is privately owned. New marine facilities or expansions of five or more slips must also follow the county's Manatee Protection Plan. Before construction starts, the Building Division requires a permit for any seawall, bulkhead, dock, or pier built in waters of the state. Applies only outside the county's 39 municipalities.
Violations & Fines
Building a dock, seawall, bulkhead, or pier without the required Building Division construction permit is a code violation subject to stop-work orders and enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a dock in unincorporated Palm Beach County?
How far must my dock be from my neighbor's property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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