Docks
Most Broward docks are fixed docks on pilings, decked in pressure-treated wood or composite, or concrete docks tied into the seawall cap. Composite decking costs more at the start but avoids the yearly sanding and sealing that wood needs in salt air. Concrete lasts longest, and is often poured as part of a seawall job.
Docks and lifts are limited by how far they may extend into the waterway and how close they may come to your neighbors' lines. Those limits are set by each city's code. A local contractor should confirm them for your lot before drawing anything up.
Boat lifts
- Elevator lifts mount on the seawall or on pilings and raise the boat straight up. They're popular where canals are narrow.
- Four-post lifts stand on their own pilings, and suit larger boats or lots with room to spare.
- Floating lifts and davits suit jet skis, tenders and smaller boats.
Size the lift to the boat's loaded weight (fuel, water, engines and gear), with a margin. Check the water depth at low tide and the electrical supply too. Lifts need regular service. Cables, motors and switches wear fastest in salt water, and many contractors repair existing lifts as well as installing new ones.
What docks and lifts cost
| Work | Published range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed dock on pilings | $20–40 per sq ft | National average (HomeAdvisor). South Florida with permits and marine access usually runs higher. |
| Floating dock | $15–35 per sq ft | National average (HomeAdvisor) |
| Boat lift, installed | From a few thousand dollars for small lifts to well over $15,000 for large ones | Depends on capacity, type, pilings and power |
A combined job, such as a new seawall, cap, dock and lift, is often cheaper than doing each one separately, because the barge, crane and permits are shared.
Permits
Broward County requires a licence for "any work in, on, over or under" its waters. Repairing or replacing an existing dock without adding fill on the water side, dredging or touching wetlands can usually use the county's streamlined general licence. Larger projects need a regular licence. Your city issues the building permit, and some projects need state or federal approval as well. Details are on our Broward permits page.
Broward County's guidance says over-water structures under 500 sq ft, or exact replacements of existing docks, don't require riprap. Other projects may.
Choosing a dock or lift contractor
Look for a contractor licensed for marine work (a state specialty or general contractor licence, or a Broward County certificate), with insurance and recent local reviews. They should pull the permits in their own name. Our contractor checklist covers what to ask and what the contract should say.
Related: dock repair · boat lift installation · boat lift repair · dock permits
This page summarizes published rules and prices for general information. It isn't engineering or legal advice, and codes change. Your contractor, engineer and building department have the final word for your property.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to replace my dock in Broward?
Yes. Any work in, on, over or under Broward's waters needs a county environmental licence. Replacing or repairing an existing dock without adding fill on the water side can usually go through the county's streamlined general licence. Your city will also want a building permit.
Do I need riprap (boulders) in front of my dock or seawall?
Not always. Broward County's guidance says an over-water structure under 500 square feet, or an exact replacement of an existing dock, doesn't require riprap. Other projects may. Your contractor will check when they apply for the licence.
What size boat lift do I need?
Size the lift to the boat's loaded weight (with fuel, water, engines and gear), not its dry weight, with a margin to spare. Water depth at low tide, the space between your seawall and the channel, and the power supply also decide which lift fits.