WallDockDeck
Hillsboro Beach · Broward County

How high does a seawall have to be in Hillsboro Beach?

5.0ft NAVD88, max BFE (7.0 if BFE is 5.0)

New seawalls in Hillsboro Beach must have a top elevation of at least 5.0 ft NAVD88. The top generally may not be higher than the property's FEMA base flood elevation; where the BFE is 5.0 ft the maximum is 7.0 ft NAVD88. Walls must also be designed so they can be raised at least 24 inches later.

Source: Hillsboro Beach Code of Ordinances Ch. 12 (LDC), Art. XIII, Sec. 12-268 (Ords. 2017-294, 2020-05, 2021-05) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

Minimum5.0 ft NAVD88 for newly constructed seawalls - Code Sec. 12-268(D)
Max (BFE of 5.0 or more)the property's base flood elevation - Sec. 12-268(D) table
Max (BFE equal to 5.0)7.0 ft NAVD88 - Sec. 12-268(D)
Max (X zone)per the code's definition of grade (BFE for lowest floor on the FIRM) - Sec. 12-268(D)
WaiverTown Commission may allow lower walls where the habitable finished floor is below 5.0 ft NAVD88 - Sec. 12-268(D)
Future raisingmust be designed to be raised at least 24 in - Sec. 12-268(D)(6)
Docksfixed docks max 10 in above the adjacent seawall - Sec. 12-268(D)(2)
Why the town wrote itKing tides pushing Intracoastal water over State Road A-1-A, which closes the road - Sec. 12-268(A)
Seepage holesWhere pressure relief is needed, walls must use seepage holes with backflow prevention or a valve with a backflow preventer, and must keep historic stormwater runoff patterns so adjacent roadways don't flood - Sec. 12-268(D)(1)
New homes pull in the wallAny new single-family or multifamily construction, or loss of more than 50% of a building's floor area or replacement value, requires compliance - Sec. 12-268(D)(3)(a)
Proof at permitEngineering drawings and calculations must show the cap and backfill can be raised the 24 in. - Sec. 12-268(D)(6)

Your city's height sheet

The elevation your city requires, the datum it is measured in, and the section of code that says so. One page.

Available for the cities whose rule we have verified and sourced.

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The county rule behind this

What applies across Broward County, and where each city departs from it.

Broward 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 Hillsboro Beach

Seawall permit processDo I need a permit to repair a seawall in Hillsboro Beach?Flood zone & elevationWhat flood zone is Hillsboro Beach in, and what does it require?Dock permit & size limitsHow big a dock can I build in Hillsboro Beach?Boat lift rulesWhat are the boat lift rules in Hillsboro Beach?Waterfront deck requirementsWhat are the deck setback and railing rules in Hillsboro Beach?Checking a marine contractorHow do I check a marine contractor in Hillsboro Beach?Storm prep & documentationWhat are the storm and debris rules in Hillsboro Beach?

Twelve signs a seawall is failing

What to look for, where to look for it, and what it means when you find it. Walk your wall in twenty minutes.

A screening sheet for owners, not an engineering inspection.

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