Dock projectionWaterways over 50 ft: fixed or floating docks and wharves may extend 10% of the waterway width or 8 ft, whichever is less, measured from the measurement reference line - Code 151.03(G)(1). Waterways 50 ft or narrower: no more than 5 ft - 151.03(E). Docks are measured to the end of the decking; other structures to the end including pilings - 151.03(A)
Measurement reference lineUsually the recorded property line; the wet face of the original tidal flood barrier or rip-rap is used instead when the property line is seaward of it, or more than 1 ft landward of it - Code 151.01(B)
Navigational channelThe middle 45% of a waterway wider than 40 ft (55% if 40 ft or narrower). No structure or vessel may enter it, and no variance may be granted - 151.01(B), 151.03(C), 151.09(B)
Side setbackNo mooring structure, and no part of a moored vessel, within 5 ft of an extended side property line - 151.03(B). Docks may be built inside the 5 ft only with a recorded agreement with the abutting owner, a fire suppression system, and still no vessel within 5 ft - 151.03(H)
Finger piers20% of the width or 20 ft, whichever is less; no wider than 4 ft and at least 25 ft apart - 151.03(G)(2)
Deck heightNo higher than the abutting tidal flood barrier or rip-rap, plus up to 2 inches to match its surface finish - 151.03(G)(3)
Lifts and platformsDavits, lifts and floating vessel platforms may reach 28 ft from the reference line when fully raised; an elevator-lift access platform may extend 3 ft beyond the dock and be no more than 10 ft wide - 151.03(G)(4),(5)
PilesWaterways more than 50 but under 150 ft wide: not beyond the navigation channel boundary; 150 ft or wider: 40 ft maximum; beside single-family lots, two piles or two clusters per lot; 6-inch reflective band 2 ft below the top - 151.03(G)(6)-(9)
No roofsNo roof or covering over any canal or waterway - 151.03(G)(10)
PermitAn engineering permit from the City Engineer plus a building permit; plans by a Florida-licensed engineer; engineering fee 4% of construction cost, minimum $100. Replacing 25% or less of the decking in a calendar year needs no permit - 151.02(A)(1),(C),(D)
VariancesHeard by the Zoning Board of Appeals after review by the Marine Advisory Board - 151.09(A),(C)
Broward County licenseWork in the county's regulated aquatic resources, which include canals and tidal waters, needs a Broward County Environmental Resource License - County Code 27-332, 27-333(a)(1). A new dock, floating dock or other over-water structure of 500 sq ft or less, measured from the seawall's wet face at mean high water, with no dredging or filling beyond the pilings, qualifies for a general license issued within 10 days of a complete application - 27-336(a)(1)e. A county ordinance that sets minimum environmental-protection standards prevails over city ordinances - Broward County Charter Sec. 11.01
State exemptionA private, non-commercial dock on pilings with 1,000 sq ft or less of over-water surface (500 sq ft in Outstanding Florida Waters), and the only exempt dock along 65 ft of shoreline (or one per lot if the lot is narrower), needs no state environmental permit - Fla. Stat. 403.813(1)(b). The exemption does not grant permission to use state-owned submerged lands and does not override city or county rules - 403.813(1)
FederalStructures in navigable waters need a Department of the Army permit, general or individual - 33 CFR 322.3(a)