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Brevard County, FL Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County setback line
25 feet west of 1981 CCCL
Seaward of the line
No new major structures
Nesting season
May 1 through October 31
Nighttime
9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
Setback penalty
Up to $500.00, each day separate

Summary

Brevard County sets its own coastal setback line 25 feet west of the 1981 FDEP control line. No new major habitable structure may be built seaward of it, and Chapter 46 restricts beachfront lighting during marine turtle nesting season.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Brevard County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) Program regulates structures and activities that can cause beach erosion, destabilize dunes, damage upland properties or interfere with public access. CCCL permits also protect sea turtles and dune plants. The following are topics to help guide CCCL permit applicants and educate the public on the coastal construction permit program. You can also give us a call at 850-245-8570 or contact us via email . Get More Information or Help with CCCL Issues LOCATE the CCCL and other geographic information ASK and get answers to your coastal construction related questions APPLY and receive assistance with the CCCL application process CCCL Permit Managers CCCL Field Inspectors The Florida Hurricane Restoration Reimbursement Grant Program 62B-33 F.A.C. Rulemaking The Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) Program is an essential element of Florida's coastal management program, protecting Florida's beaches and dunes while ensuring reasonable use of private property. Recognizing the value of the state’s beaches, the Florida Legislature initiated the CCCL Program to protect the coastal system from improperly sited and designed structures that can destabilize or destroy the beach and dune system. Once destabilized, these valuable coastal resources are lost, as are important recreation, upland property protection and environmental habitat values. Adoption of a CCCL establishes an area of jurisdiction in which special siting and design criteria are applied for construction and related activities. These standards may be more stringent than those already applied in the rest of the coastal building zone because of the greater forces expected to occur in the more seaward beach zone during a storm event.

Source: Brevard County Code of Ordinances (Municode)View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 62-4210 establishes a county coastal setback line 25 feet west of the line also known as the 1981 FDEP Coastal Construction Control Line. Section 62-4212 prohibits new major habitable or major accessory structures seaward of that line, allows minor structures only where they are pile-supported and elevated enough for dune vegetation to survive beneath them, and bans excavation. Building seaward of the county control line also triggers extra submissions to the building official under section 62-4208, including certification by a registered engineer or architect. Chapter 46, Article III governs beachfront lighting: nesting season runs May 1 through October 31 and nighttime means 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Violations & Fines

Violating the coastal setback article carries a fine of up to $500.00 or up to 60 days in the county jail, with each day a separate offense. Marine turtle lighting violations carry up to $500.00 or six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build seaward of Brevard County's coastal setback line?
No new major habitable or major accessory structure may go seaward of it. Minor structures are allowed only where pile-supported and elevated so dune stabilizing vegetation can grow beneath them.
What lighting rules apply to beachfront property?
Fixtures must not be directly visible from the beach and must not illuminate areas seaward of the frontal dune. Floodlights, uplights and spotlights visible from the beach are prohibited.

Sources & Official References

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