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Cutler Bay · Miami-Dade County

What are the boat lift rules in Cutler Bay?

Allowed within the setbackno town size limits

Cutler Bay's land development rules say boat lifts and davits may be placed within the required setback, as long as nothing goes into a recorded easement without the easement holder's approval. The town code sets no lift dimensions of its own, so the Miami-Dade County environmental permit governs size and reach.

Source: Town of Cutler Bay Code Sec. 3-159 (Supp. 11); 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

SetbacksBoat lifts, davits, walks and yard lights are permitted within the setback, but no structure may go in a recorded easement without the easement holder's approval - Code Sec. 3-159(4)
Not in the codeNo town projection, height, canopy rule or count for lifts was found (searched lift, davit, hoist, dock)
Water use districtRamps, docks and piers in the WU district need site plan approval; one per lot, at least 4 feet wide, reaching no more than 20 feet past the lot line on lakes and 6 feet on canals, set back 10 feet from side property lines and 20 feet from neighbouring docks, and similar in design and height to those on adjoining lots - Code Sec. 3-64(1)b, (2)
ShorelinesIn the WU district, natural and nature-based features are required where shoreline stabilization is needed unless the director approves another method; the district takes in all basins, canals, lakes, waterways and submerged lands in the town - Sec. 3-64 (Ord. 12-03, 20-06)
What the WU district coversPublic and privately owned bodies of water, including ponds, lakes and canals, are permitted uses in the district - Sec. 3-64(1)a
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

What applies across Miami-Dade County, and where each city departs from it.

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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Other questions about Cutler Bay

Seawall permit processDo I need a permit to repair a seawall in Cutler Bay?Flood zone & elevationWhat flood zone is Cutler Bay in, and what does it require?Dock permit & size limitsHow big a dock can I build in Cutler Bay?

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