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Bay Harbor Islands · Miami-Dade County

What are the boat lift rules in Bay Harbor Islands?

Allowed; no cover or canopy25 ft beyond seawall cap; 10 ft off side lines

Bay Harbor Islands has a dedicated boat lift and davit rule. No part of a lift may extend more than 25 feet beyond the outside face of the seawall cap, the lift and the lifted boat must stay 10 feet from the projected side property lines, and the lift may not be fastened to or supported by the seawall. Covers and canopies are not permitted, and the town manager must approve the plans in writing.

Source: Town of Bay Harbor Islands Code Sec. 23-12(6) (Supp. 10 Update 2); Miami-Dade Code Secs. 24-48, 24-48.2 (Supp. 136); s. 403.813(1)(s), F.S. (2026); 33 CFR 322.3(a) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

DefinitionAny device used to raise or lower a boat or other water vehicle to or from the water surface - Code Sec. 23-12(6)(b)(i)
Side setbackNo part of the lift or davit, or of the watercraft on it, closer than 10 feet to the projected side property lines - Sec. 23-12(6)(b)(ii)
ReachNo part of a boat lift or davit more than 25 feet beyond the outside face of the seawall cap - Sec. 23-12(6)(b)(iii)
Not on the seawallNo attachment or fastening to the seawall or seawall cap; lifts and davits must be structurally self-supporting - Sec. 23-12(6)(b)(iv)
CoversNo cover or canopy may be erected in connection with any boat lift or davit - Sec. 23-12(6)(b)(v)
ApprovalNo boat lift or davit until the plans are approved in writing by the town manager - Sec. 23-12(6)(b)(vi)
Bay Harbor WaterwayDocks between the east and west islands are limited to 15 feet and vessels to 30 feet beyond the seawall cap - Sec. 23-12(6)(a)(iv), (ix)
Miami-Dade CountyAny work in, on or over tidal waters needs a county permit from the Department (DERM). A single-family boat lift, davit or floating dock that protrudes no more than 25% of the waterway width may use the short-form application, as may installing a boat lift or davit on a dock, seawall or bulkhead - Miami-Dade Code Secs. 24-48(1)(d), 24-48.2(I)(A)(2), (8), (20).
State and federalFloating boat lifts and floating vessel platforms that meet s. 403.813(1)(s), F.S. (they float at all times, hold the vessel out of the water, and either sit inside a previously permitted slip or total no more than 500 sq ft - 200 sq ft in Outstanding Florida Waters - beside a qualifying dock or bulkhead) need no state permit; a local government may then ask only for a one-time registration unless the platform is attached to a bulkhead with no dock. Structures in navigable waters otherwise need Army Corps authorization unless exempt or under a general permit - 33 CFR 322.3(a).

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The county rule behind this

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Miami-Dade CountySeawall requirements county-wide

The same question, nearby

The rule changes at the city line, not the county line.

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