Miami, FL Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Boat dock permits in Miami involve multiple agencies. The City of Miami Building Department issues building permits for dock construction, and Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (DRER) issues Class I environmental permits for work in tidal waters — including dock construction, replacement, installation of boatlifts, davits, mooring pilings, and fender pilings. Under Miami-Dade Code Chapter 7 (Boats, Docks, and Waterways), all recreational boat docking facilities with 10 or more slips, moorings, davit spaces, or vessel tie-up spaces, and all commercial docking facilities regardless of size, must obtain an annual Marine Facilities Operating Permit from the county. Single-family residential docks with fewer than 10 slips are exempt from the annual operating permit but still require construction permits. Docks must comply with setback requirements from property lines and navigational channels. Florida DEP may also require a Sovereign Submerged Lands authorization for structures extending beyond mean high water. Dock lighting must be shielded to avoid impacts on marine life, particularly sea turtles during nesting season (March-October). Live-aboard vessels are regulated separately under county code.