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Boca Raton · Palm Beach County

What are the boat lift rules in Boca Raton?

Allowed except in the Inlet25% of waterway or 20 ft (raised)

Boca Raton has its own boat lift section. A lift is allowed in any waterway except the Boca Raton Inlet, may reach 25% of the canal width or 20 feet - measured with the lift fully raised - whichever is less, and must sit at least 10 feet from the neighbour's property line. Past 20% of the canal width only wood pilings may be used, and every lift must be designed by a state-registered engineer.

Source: City of Boca Raton Code of Ordinances Ch. 22, Art. III, Secs. 22-57, 22-58, 22-63, 22-64, 22-69 (Supp. 72 Update 1; Ord. 5598, 2021); s. 403.813(1)(s), F.S. (2026); 33 CFR 322.3(a) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

Where allowedAny waterway other than the Inlet - Code Sec. 22-63
ReachIn the fully raised position, 25% of the canal or waterway width or 20 feet, whichever is less. Beyond 20% of the width only wood pilings may be used and no part of the lift may stick out past the face of the pilings nearest the canal centre - Sec. 22-63(1)
Exceptions to the reach ruleIt does not apply in the Hillsboro or C-15 canals, which follow South Florida Water Management District rules, or to a lift beside a finger pier or dolphin that goes no further out than that pier or dolphin - Sec. 22-63(1); Sec. 22-69
Side setbackAt least 10 feet from the property line of the adjacent lot - Sec. 22-63(2)
ReflectorsThe outermost lift pilings need a reflective band about 6 inches wide, about 2 feet below the top - Sec. 22-63(3)
ProhibitedWhere the lift would create a navigation or safety hazard, or where the site abuts a marsh, swamp or mangrove area - Sec. 22-63(4)
DesignLifts must be designed by a state-registered professional engineer; plans must show the waterway section, soil type, piling length, embedment and load capacity, wood treatment and fastenings - Sec. 22-64
Compared with docksA dock may project only 6 feet into a waterway under 100 feet wide, 8 feet if wider, so the lift limit is separate and larger - Sec. 22-58(1)
Not in the codeNo lift height, raised-boat height, canopy rule or per-lot number appears in Chapter 22
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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