TownPermit list includes 'Docks, boatlifts, seawalls, and other water-related development' and 'Structural repairs' (Building Permits page); Florida Building Code as adopted by Palm Beach County incorporated - Sec. 6-16
IssuerBuilding Division of the Development Services Department; applications and plans by mail or in person, with a digital copy (Building Permits page); fees are collected at submittal by cash, check or money order only, with no credit cards or online payments (Building Permitting FAQ)
ChecklistFlorida-registered engineer drawings; two copies of the DEP permit or self-certification; for seawalls, location, depth and distance from the existing seawall; a Notice of Commencement before inspection for permits over $2,500; dock rules in Sec. 23-134; no dredging for new docks, maintenance dredging allowed (Piers, Docks & Seawalls Checklist); applicants wanting expedited review under Chapter 553 must say so when they apply (Building Permits page)
Bulkhead lineNo building may be constructed or maintained beyond the bulkhead line - Sec. 5-52
Permit lifeWork counts as in active progress only if the permit gets an approved inspection within six months; the Building Official may grant written extensions of up to three months each, requested in writing with justifiable cause before the permit runs out (Building Permits page)
State (FDEP)Restoring a seawall in place or up to 18 in. waterward can be exempt from an Environmental Resource Permit where it was damaged within the last year by a discrete event or needs only minimal backfilling, and any chapter 161 permits are obtained (s. 403.813(1)(e) F.S.; r. 62-330.051(12)(b) F.A.C.); batter piles, king piles or a cap used only to stabilize and repair a wall are also exempt (r. 62-330.051(12)(d))
State-owned bottomExempt work on sovereign submerged land still needs separate authorization under chs. 253 and 258 F.S., which the Board of Trustees grants by rule for many exempt activities (r. 62-330.051 intro; r. 18-21.005(1)(b) F.A.C.)
CountyPalm Beach County ERM's Permitting and Regulation page lists no seawall or shoreline permit program among its topics (PBC ERM Permitting and Regulation page)
Ocean sideSeaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line a wall needs a separate state coastal construction permit; the chapter 161 repair exemption expressly excludes seawalls (s. 161.053(2)(a), (11)(a) F.S.)
Small-job exemptionThe state's under-$7,500 single-family permit exemption does not cover structural work or property in a flood hazard area (s. 553.79(1)(g)2. F.S.)
FederalA U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Department of the Army) authorization is required for structures or work in or affecting navigable waters, unless exempt or covered by a nationwide or regional general permit - 33 CFR 322.3(a) (Rivers and Harbors Act s. 10)