After Helene
In September 2024, Helene pushed about seven feet of storm surge ashore across the region and killed four people on Treasure Island. Seawalls, docks and lifts across the island took damage, and some repairs made in a hurry are now due for permanent work. See seawall inspection.
Raising land and seawalls with fill
Treasure Island's Terrain Modification Program took effect on May 1, 2025. It reversed the city's earlier ban on fill.
- What's allowed: owners may use fill to raise their whole property, including seawalls, driveways and garages.
- Voluntary: nobody is required to raise their property.
- The conditions: work must follow the city's Terrain Modification Manual, so it doesn't interfere with floodplain management or push water onto neighbors.
If you're rebuilding a wall, this is the moment to talk to your contractor about height.
The longer view
The city cites sea level about 9 inches higher than in the 1940s. On intermediate projections, it expects:
- about 7 more inches by 2040
- about 2 ft by 2070
- more than 3 ft by 2100
A wall or dock built now will see a good share of that.
Permits
New construction follows the Florida Building Code and the city's floodplain rules. Work in the water also goes through Pinellas County's Water and Navigation review. See Pinellas permits.
Getting a quote
Use the form below. We'll pass your request to one licensed, insured contractor who works in Treasure Island. Free for homeowners, with no obligation.
Source: WUSF, May 2025.
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
Can I raise my property and seawall with fill in Treasure Island?
Yes. Under the city's Terrain Modification Program, which took effect on May 1, 2025, owners may use fill to raise their whole property, including seawalls, driveways and garages. It's voluntary, and the work must follow the city's Terrain Modification Manual so it doesn't interfere with floodplain management or flood the neighbors.