Palm Bay, FL Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Docks per lot
- One dock maximum per lot
- Max height
- 4 feet above mean high water
- Max size
- 800 sq ft or 12x length
- Channel setback
- 25 feet from marked channels
Summary
Palm Bay requires a city building permit plus a state submerged-land authorization from DEP, the St. Johns River Water Management District, and the Army Corps of Engineers before building any pier, dock, or boathouse.
(N) A city building permit shall be obtained for the construction of any pier, dock, or boathouse... (O) A dock permit and submerged land lease or exemption letter shall be obtained for all proposed construction of piers, docks, or boathouses from the St. Johns River Water Management District, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-41: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2026-13, passed 5-21-26).
Full Breakdown
Only one dock, pier, or boathouse is allowed per lot, and boathouses can't have walls or sides beyond one covered structure. Docks may extend no more than 33% of the waterway's width or 250 feet, whichever is less, and must sit at least 25 feet back from a marked navigation channel. Deck height is capped at four feet above the mean high-water line, and total surface area is capped at 800 square feet (or 12 times the dock's length) plus 1,000 square feet for a covered boathouse.
Violations & Fines
Building a pier, dock, or boathouse without both the city building permit and the required state or federal submerged-land authorization, or exceeding the size and setback limits, violates § 174.011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need more than a city permit to build a dock?
How big can my dock be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Bay
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Bay to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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Boat Dock Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle boat dock permits.