Indian River County, FL Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)
Key Facts
- CCCL statute
- Fla. Stat. §161.053 (barrier island)
- Permit
- FDEP coastal construction permit
- Estuary
- Indian River Lagoon (aquatic preserve)
- Mangroves
- Protected, §403.9321-.9333
- Seawalls/dredging
- ERP plus state lands consent
Summary
Indian River County fronts the Atlantic on a barrier island and cradles the Indian River Lagoon. Under Fla. Stat. §161.053, an FDEP permit is required to build seaward of the coastal construction control line, and mangroves and the lagoon are separately protected.
Upon such filing with the Department of State, no person, firm, corporation, or governmental agency shall construct any structure whatsoever seaward thereof; make any excavation, remove any beach material, or otherwise alter existing ground elevations; drive any vehicle on, over, or across any sand dune; or damage or cause to be damaged such sand dune or the vegetation growing thereon seaward thereof, except as hereinafter provided.
Full Breakdown
Two coastal regimes govern Indian River County. On the Atlantic barrier island through Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Sebastian Inlet, Fla. Stat. §161.053 requires a Department of Environmental Protection permit before any construction, excavation, or ground alteration seaward of the coastal construction control line, and damaging the dunes and their sea oats is barred. Along the Indian River Lagoon, work is shaped by the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act (Fla. Stat. §403.9321-.9333), seagrass protection, and manatee slow-speed zones in this designated aquatic preserve. Seawalls, docks, and dredging need an Environmental Resource Permit and, on sovereign submerged lands, state authorization.
Violations & Fines
Building seaward of the control line without an FDEP permit violates Fla. Stat. §161.053, and unpermitted mangrove trimming, seawall work, or dredging in the lagoon brings stop-work orders, civil penalties, and mandatory restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state permit to build on the barrier island?
Can I trim the mangroves along my lagoon lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indian River County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Indian River County to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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