Pinellas County Water and Navigation
The county's Water and Navigation section, which grew out of the Water and Navigation Control Authority set up by a 1955 special act, reviews work in the county's waters, in the cities as well as unincorporated areas. Projects that may need its permit include:
- new docks and boat lifts, and dock expansions or modifications
- seawalls, riprap and other shoreline stabilization
- living shorelines and oyster reefs
- dredging and work on submerged land or in navigable waters
- certain boat ramps
Projects must meet nine review conditions in the county code (Chapter 58, Article XV, Section 58-530(b)). Inside a city, the county's review covers navigation, environmental resources, the effect on the waterway and public safety.
- How to apply: online through the Pinellas County Access Portal. Paper applications ended on July 1, 2024.
- Timing: the county publishes a Water and Navigation permit times dashboard.
- Contact: permits (727) 464-4170, main line (727) 464-4425, or WaterNavPermits@pinellas.gov.
Your city's approvals
Cities have their own approvals, building permits, zoning and setback rules on top of the county review. For example, in Clearwater:
- the city's Planning and Development Department must pre-approve a dock before you apply to the county
- boat lifts need a separate city building permit
See also St. Petersburg.
Army Corps of Engineers
The county notes that a standard federal permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can take six months to a year. Projects that qualify under the county's Programmatic General Permit can avoid a separate Corps review. Ask your contractor whether your project qualifies.
Contractor licensing
Contractors in Pinellas hold either a Florida state licence or a licence from the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board. The board was re-created by Chapter 2024-294, Laws of Florida, and its categories include marine specialty contractors. Contractors with state licences register them with the county.
- State licences: check them on the Florida DBPR licence search.
- County licences: use the county's find a licensed contractor search, or call (727) 582-6767.
Who should apply
Your contractor, in their own name, for both the county and the city permits. That ties the permits and inspections to the licensed professional doing the work. Our contractor checklist covers deposits and contracts.
Sources: Pinellas County, Docks / Dredge & Fill. City of Clearwater, Marine and Dock Permit Checklist. Pinellas County, Contractor Licensing.
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
Does Pinellas County review docks inside city limits?
Yes. The county's Water and Navigation section reviews docks and work in the water in the cities as well as unincorporated areas. Inside a city, its review covers navigation, environmental resources, the effect on the waterway and public safety, and your city handles its own approvals and building permit.
How do I check a contractor's licence in Pinellas?
State licences can be checked on the Florida DBPR licence search. Pinellas County also licenses contractors through the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board, including a marine specialty category, and has a find-a-licensed-contractor search. The county's contractor licensing line is (727) 582-6767.