Seawall and bulkhead planning for waterfront businesses
Get a plan for the seawall while accounting for boat slips, customer access, utilities and busy seasons.
Tell us how the business uses the waterfront.
- Shoreline sections, approximate lengths and any reports of movement, erosion or damage.
- Slips, docks, shore power, fuel, water and other utilities in or near the work area.
- Customer and staff routes, emergency access, accessible entrances and delivery needs.
- Busy seasons, events, lease requirements and preferred dates for the work.
- Boat movements, space for equipment and limits on access from the water.
Check what the wall supports.
Show the engineer any docks, pavement, equipment and utilities connected to or near the wall. These can affect its design and repair cost. Get a project-specific assessment and budget for the commercial work.
Plan permits and business access together.
Ask the project team to list the permits needed and who will handle each application. Florida DEP’s application instructions explain the information needed for marina and shoreline projects.
Ask whether work can be done in stages. Plan temporary protection, any closures and changes to slips or utilities before the work begins.
Common questions
Can the business stay open during work?
It depends on the work and safe access. Tell the project team which operations need to continue and ask for a plan showing any closures or temporary changes.
Can repairs be scheduled outside peak season?
Share your preferred dates and peak season. Confirm the feasible work schedule with the project team before relying on a preferred date.
Are dock and utility changes included?
Ask for dock connections, electricity, water and fuel systems to be listed in the work description and price. Some systems may need a separate specialist.
Can I use a homeowner calculator for this budget?
It can help organize known prices and missing costs. For the marina’s budget, use prices based on its own design, equipment access, utilities and permit needs.
Who handles permits and operational approvals?
Ask the project team to list the local, state and federal permits needed and name who will handle each application.
Is emergency stabilization available?
If there is immediate danger, move people away and contact local emergency services. For movement, soil loss or serious wall damage, seek prompt help from a seawall professional.
Phase the work around protected species and permits
Marina bulkhead work typically falls outside single-family exemptions. Expect manatee and protected-species conditions, turbidity curtains and possibly individual permits; in Duval, the Manatee Protection Plan’s boat-facility siting rules apply to facilities beyond small single-family docks. Fernandina Beach’s $12.5 million marina redevelopment is a local example of phasing.
Standard Manatee Conditions for In-Water Work (2011) · Protected Species Construction Conditions, NOAA Fisheries SERO (Revised June 2026) · City of Jacksonville Manatee Protection Plan, 4th Edition · Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina redevelopment
Spill reporting
Report fuel or hazardous spills to the State Watch Office at 800-320-0519 or the National Response Center at 800-424-8802, both 24 hours.
Show sourcesHide sources
- Standard Manatee Conditions for In-Water Work (2011)Source reviewed 2026-10-24
- Protected Species Construction Conditions, NOAA Fisheries SERO (Revised June 2026)Source reviewed 2026-10-24
- City of Jacksonville Manatee Protection Plan, 4th EditionSource reviewed 2026-10-24
- Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina redevelopmentSource reviewed 2026-10-24
- Discharge NotificationSource reviewed 2026-10-24
Discuss a waterfront business project
Record the affected shoreline and the decision you need to make. Use the notes when discussing scope with the appropriate professional.