Marine construction in Key West covers docks, boat lifts, seawalls and pilings. Every project has to meet the Florida Keys dock siting rules, pass city or county permitting, and clear marine sanctuary review when corals could be affected.
866-398-9323Licensed seawall specialists — FL · GA · SC
Seawall Repairs by Solid Foundations provides marine construction in Key West, FL for waterfront homeowners, HOAs, and commercial owners. Typical projects include new docks on New Town and Riviera Canal lots, replacement docks after storm damage, and new seawalls built at a higher cap. Call 866-398-9323 or use the quote form to book a free on-site inspection.
The Keys have their own state dock siting rule, Florida Administrative Code 18-21.0041. For a private residential dock, it sets these limits (Fla. Admin. Code 18-21.0041):
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Dock width | 4 ft max |
| Terminal platform area | 160 sq ft max |
| Terminal platform width | 8 ft max |
| Water depth at docking area | -4 ft mean low water minimum |
| Seagrass, coral and other bottom life | None where mooring areas, piles or structures go |
These rules push many Key West docks toward long, narrow walkways that reach deeper water with a bare bottom. We lay out your dock around the survey of what's on the bottom, not the other way around.
Replacing a dock can be simpler. Florida law exempts replacing or repairing an existing dock within 5 feet of the same location and no larger in size, with no fill (Fla. Stat. 403.813). City permits still apply.
If your seawall is near the end of its life, build the wall first. See bulkhead replacement in Key West.
Irma destroyed more than 1,800 boats in the Keys, according to Monroe County, and damaged docks and lifts up and down the chain. New work here should assume it will face surge, waves and floating debris. That means tying decking down firmly, choosing lift hardware rated for the loads, and setting seawall caps with future water levels in mind. The city's 2024 stormwater plan already calls for raising some seawalls along Riviera Canal.
Marine construction in Key West typically costs $400–$800 per linear foot for new dock construction and $250–$600 per linear foot for new seawall or bulkhead construction. Walkway length to reach legal depth, pilings in rock, and water access all shape the price.
For soft or uneven ground under pilings, see marine foundation repair in Key West. We also build in Miami. Ready to start? Contact us or visit our Key West seawall repair page.
The state's Keys dock rule caps private residential docks at 4 feet wide, with a terminal platform up to 160 square feet and 8 feet wide.
The rule looks for at least -4 feet mean low water where boats moor, so some docks extend farther out to reach it. We measure depth before designing.
Often, yes. Florida exempts replacing a dock within 5 feet of its old location and no larger. You still need a city permit.
Permitting takes longer than building, especially when sanctuary review is involved. Once approved, most residential docks take a few weeks.
Licensed, insured, NCFI-certified. Serving Florida, Georgia & South Carolina since 1996.
866-398-9323