WallDockDeck
Jupiter · Palm Beach County

What are the boat lift rules in Jupiter?

Allowed; 1 boat lift + 1 PWC lift per dockR-1/R-2; no covered lifts

In Jupiter's single-family and duplex districts each dock may carry one boat lift and one personal watercraft lift. The jet ski lift is limited to 3,000 pounds and two mooring pilings, and a small boat may sit on it only if it has no rigid canopy above the gunwale. Covered boat lifts are not permitted at all, lifts in canals must run parallel to the bulkhead, and lifts must respect the district side setback.

Source: Town of Jupiter Code of Ordinances Sec. 27-2626 (Supp. 24); s. 403.813(1)(s), F.S. (2026); 33 CFR 322.3(a) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

How manyOne boat lift plus one personal watercraft lift per dock in R-1 and R-2; each owner on a shared dock may have one of each - Code Sec. 27-2626(b)(9)
Jet ski liftNo more than 3,000 lb lift capacity and limited to two mooring pilings; two personal watercraft may share it, or one small boat without a permanent rigid canopy (T-top, tower or shade) above the gunwale, with any shade structure retracted, lowered or removed - Sec. 27-2626(b)(9)
CoversCovered boat lifts and docks are not permitted, and lifts may not be decked or planked for any other use - Sec. 27-2626(b)(14)
Side setbackNo boat lift mooring space, davit or other mooring facility nearer the side lot line than the district side setback, measured along the extended side line; the planning and zoning director may waive it where side lines converge if other agencies have permitted it and neighbours are notified - Sec. 27-2626(b)(6)
OrientationDocks, boat lifts and personal watercraft lifts in canals must be parallel to the bulkhead - Sec. 27-2626(b)(11)
ReflectorsNight reflectors on any dock, mooring piling, davit or elevator structure extending more than 5 feet; three reflective devices on each side of every mooring piling - Sec. 27-2626(b)(13)
ChannelAt least 50% of the waterway width must stay clear at the centreline, or a 15-foot channel under an approved alternative - Sec. 27-2626(b)(15)
Permit papersA signed and sealed survey no older than six months and a copy of the DEP, Army Corps or SFWMD permit - Sec. 27-2626(b)(6)b
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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