Allowed whereBoat davits, hoists and similar mooring devices may be erected on a seawall or dock - ULDR Sec. 47-19.3(b). Mooring devices are defined to include boat davits, hoists and boat lifts - Sec. 47-19.3(a)(1)
How manyOne mooring device for the first 100 feet of lot width or portion of it, and one for each additional 100 feet. A second device on a lot wider than 100 but under 200 feet needs Site Plan Level II approval by the development review committee, which looks at neighbours' views and the device's height, width and length - Sec. 47-19.3(b)(1)
Jet ski liftIn addition, one lift designed and used solely for a personal watercraft is allowed per development site - Sec. 47-19.3(b)(2)
Size and heightThe davit, hoist or other device may not exceed one square foot in cross section or 6.5 feet above lot grade - Sec. 47-19.3(b)(3)
Boat when raisedThe lowest appendage of the vessel may not be hoisted more than one foot above the seawall cap, or above average grade where there is no seawall - Sec. 47-19.3(b)(4)
CoversNo boathouse, permanent covering or temporary covering for a boat is allowed within the zoning setback area, and none may be placed over a public waterway - Sec. 47-19.3(g)
ProjectionThe code sets no separate reach for the lift itself; it goes on the seawall or dock, and docks and similar mooring structures may extend 25% of the waterway width or 25 feet, whichever is less, from the property line. Moored boats may extend up to 30% of the canal width - Sec. 47-19.3(c); Code Sec. 8-91(e)
Principal building firstDavits, hoists and similar mooring structures may only be built on a lot that already has a principal building and abuts a waterway - Sec. 47-19.3(c)
PermitA permit from the Development Services Department is required before erecting boat davits, hoists or similar mooring structures; on navigable waters every regulating agency must also approve, and the applicant must own the waterfront land or have the owner's written consent - Code Sec. 8-91(b)
Guide poleAny part of a lift that can be submerged needs a vertical guide pole at least 1.5 inches in diameter, standing at least 6 feet above the water at all times, with a reflective finish - Code Sec. 8-91(d)
Melrose Park and Riverland RoadIn these annexed areas a boat lift may not exceed 15 feet in height, must stay 10 feet from side plot lines and may extend no more than 33% of the waterway or 25 feet; lifts more than 5 feet out need night reflectors - ULDR Sec. 47-39.A.1.b(11)
Broward CountyBoatlifts and davits are listed among the projects that qualify for a county general environmental resource license, which the code says is issued within ten days of a complete application - Broward County Code Sec. 27-336(a)(1)f.
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).