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Key West · Monroe County

How high does a seawall have to be in Key West?

No minimumset in local code

Key West's Code of Ordinances sets no minimum or maximum seawall top elevation in any datum. The city's land development rules discourage vertical seawalls altogether: shoreline hardening is allowed only when erosion is a critical peril and vegetation has failed, and riprap comes first. Any wall height is set by your engineer and your permits.

Source: City of Key West Code of Ordinances, Subpart B Land Development Regulations, Sec. 110-182 (Shoreline vegetation and stability); also Sec. 118-361 and Sec. 34-139; online version Aug 21, 2026 · Verified 2026-10

The detail

No fixed elevationKey West Code Sec. 110-182 (Shoreline vegetation and stability) controls shoreline hardening and states no seawall top elevation in NAVD88, NGVD29 or any other datum.
When hardening is allowedRiprap, bulkheads or similar devices are not allowed unless erosion constitutes a critical peril to upland property and vegetation has failed to stabilize the shoreline. Riprap shall be the first alternative. Sec. 110-182(c).
Vertical walls discouragedSuch shoreline hardening structures shall generally not be vertical seawalls or bulkheads, and pervious interlocking systems, filter mats and similar methods are to be used instead of vertical walls whenever feasible. Sec. 110-182(c) and (c)(2).
LocationThe structure may not sit waterward of the mean high water line unless shown to be in the public interest, and must first be approved by the other public agencies with jurisdiction. Sec. 110-182(c)(3) and (c)(4).
RevegetationThe design must include a program of shoreline vegetation or revegetation. Sec. 110-182(c)(5).
PermitBulkheads, piers and docks along the shoreline are installed under permit from the building official. Sec. 118-361.
Flood zonesThe floodplain chapter lists bulkheads and seawalls among other development regulated in flood hazard areas. Sec. 34-139.

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 Monroe County, and where each city departs from it.

Monroe CountySeawall requirements county-wide

The same question, nearby

The rule changes at the city line, not the county line.

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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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