WallDockDeck
Surfside · Miami-Dade County

What are the boat lift rules in Surfside?

No lift-specific rule; marine structures 10 ft off side linesIndian Creek 35 ft, Bay 45 ft

Surfside's code does not mention boat lifts. Its rules cover 'marine structures' - a dock, pier or mooring structure - which must sit 10 feet from the waterward extension of every property line, may project only 10 feet or 10% on Point Lake and the North and South canals, and must leave a 25-foot channel with the moored boat. Before the permit issues, owners within 300 feet get mailed notice.

Source: Town of Surfside Code of Ordinances Sec. 90-57 (Supp. 55; Ord. 26-1797); Miami-Dade Code Secs. 24-48, 24-48.2 (Supp. 136); s. 403.813(1)(s), F.S. (2026); 33 CFR 322.3(a) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

ScopeSec. 90-57 governs construction of a dock, pier or mooring structure, each called a marine structure; no section names boat lifts or davits (searched lift, davit, hoist) - Code Sec. 90-57
SetbackAt least 10 feet from the waterward extension of any property line of the lot - Sec. 90-57(6)
ProjectionPoint Lake (named lots): lesser of 10% of the lot's frontage or 10 feet; other Point Lake, North Canal and South Canal lots: lesser of 10% of the waterway or 10 feet; Indian Creek: 10% up to 35 feet; Biscayne Bay: 10% up to 45 feet - Sec. 90-57(2)-(4)
ChannelNo marine structure where the dock and moored vessel together would leave less than a 25-foot-wide channel - Sec. 90-57(5)
Two frontagesOnly on the side facing the widest waterway - Sec. 90-57(1)
Neighbour noticeCourtesy notice by first-class mail, return receipt, to owners within 300 feet; no permit until 15 days after proof is filed with the town planner - Sec. 90-57(10)
Miami-Dade CountyAny work in, on or over tidal waters needs a county permit from the Department (DERM). A single-family boat lift, davit or floating dock that protrudes no more than 25% of the waterway width may use the short-form application, as may installing a boat lift or davit on a dock, seawall or bulkhead - Miami-Dade Code Secs. 24-48(1)(d), 24-48.2(I)(A)(2), (8), (20).
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).

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.

Done — it is on the way to your inbox. Not there in a minute? Check your Promotions or Spam folder, and move it to your inbox so the next ones arrive.

The county rule behind this

What applies across Miami-Dade County, and where each city departs from it.

Miami-Dade CountySeawall requirements county-wide

The same question, nearby

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

Miami-DadeMiami BeachMiami-DadeCoral GablesMiami-DadeKey BiscayneMiami-DadeMiami

Other questions about Surfside

Seawall height requirementHow high does a seawall have to be in Surfside?Seawall permit processDo I need a permit to repair a seawall in Surfside?Flood zone & elevationWhat flood zone is Surfside in, and what does it require?Dock permit & size limitsHow big a dock can I build in Surfside?Checking a marine contractorHow do I check a marine contractor in Surfside?Storm prep & documentationWhat are the storm and debris rules in Surfside?

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.

Done — it is on the way to your inbox. Not there in a minute? Check your Promotions or Spam folder, and move it to your inbox so the next ones arrive.