How to Build a Seawall in Florida
Cost of a Seawall in FloridaThe cost of building a seawall depends on many factors, including the location and size of your property, whether or not you have a swimming pool or landscaping, and the existing height of the wall. Prices also differ depending on whether the wall is concrete or vinyl. Regulatory processes, such as permitting, can drive up costs. The City of Ft. Lauderdale surveyed seawall contractors in 2016, and the average quote was $650 per linear foot.
After determining the cost of constructing your seawall, you should plan your construction. Seawall panels are tongue and groove, which means that they need time to settle in. This means you need to have your property cleared of debris before construction can begin. A proper plan will take into account the costs of removing trees, brush, and other debris before installing panels. If the seawall panel length is less than ten feet, you may need to use larger equipment to make it more sturdy. Once you have determined the cost of a seawall, the next step is to select a contractor. Many licensed contractors can estimate the cost of your project from the phone without ever visiting your property. In addition, many of them have access to County records and Google Earth, which can help them understand the layout of your property. They can also estimate how much it would cost to remove debris and replace damaged portions of your seawall, based on the materials and the amount of work involved. 
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Florida DIY Seawalls
In some areas, it is not possible to build a seawall by yourself. This is where a marine contractor comes in handy. These professionals have the necessary expertise and equipment to build a seawall. If you are a homeowner, consider hiring a marine engineer to design and build your seawall. This will help ensure that your seawall will protect your home for a decade or more. And don't forget that a seawall can last anywhere from ten to seventy years.
The costs of building a seawall in Florida are astronomical. Despite lowering the risk of a hurricane, a seawall would increase a home's value. And because of the fact that the cost of seawall construction in Florida has doubled in the past decade, the process of building a seawall will be more expensive than you might have initially thought. But this is the reality of coastal safety.
While it is possible to build a seawall for less money, it would decrease your buildable square footage. This would require a 4:1 slope from the land's edge to the waterline. In addition, a sod slope would mean less security, and you would lose more building space. Despite its disadvantages, most landowners opt for concrete seawalls to protect their land. However, the cost is significantly higher than other types of seawalls.
The costs of building a seawall in Florida are astronomical. Despite lowering the risk of a hurricane, a seawall would increase a home's value. And because of the fact that the cost of seawall construction in Florida has doubled in the past decade, the process of building a seawall will be more expensive than you might have initially thought. But this is the reality of coastal safety.
While it is possible to build a seawall for less money, it would decrease your buildable square footage. This would require a 4:1 slope from the land's edge to the waterline. In addition, a sod slope would mean less security, and you would lose more building space. Despite its disadvantages, most landowners opt for concrete seawalls to protect their land. However, the cost is significantly higher than other types of seawalls.
Materials available
There are many types of materials available for building a seawall in Florida, but it depends on the type of property, the type of soil, and any applicable city ordinances. Wood seawalls are a traditional choice. However, they have their drawbacks, and require frequent maintenance and inspections. The first line of defense for wood seawalls is marine grade pressure treated woods. While wood seawalls look more organic, they are more expensive to install and maintain.
SteelSteel is the most common type of seawall material. While it can be costly, it's also the strongest material. There's no limit to the height of steel seawalls, and they can be installed into almost any substrate. Steel also requires periodic protective coating, so proper care will help extend their lifespan. Vinyl/plastic materials have a longer life than steel, but they cannot be driven into hard surfaces, such as concrete.
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TimberTimber seawalls are the least expensive type of seawall material, but they tend to rot or warp when exposed to saltwater. However, if the wall is located in a hard-soil area, it can be difficult to install it. Wood is also susceptible to rot, and wooden seawalls must be treated to prevent this from happening. And, of course, if you plan on building a seawall in Florida, you should consult with your local building department to make sure your plans are approved by the local municipality.
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VinylAnother material used for seawall construction in Florida is vinyl. Vinyl is lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to UV rays. Another advantage of vinyl is that it's easy to install with minimal equipment. In addition to being lightweight, it also has aesthetic appeal. And because vinyl is so versatile, it is also less expensive to buy than other materials. A vinyl seawall is more durable and requires less maintenance.
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Material CostsPrices for a seawall depend on its length, height, and materials. A wooden seawall costs $150 to $500 per linear foot. But this is a cheaper option than granite rock. Depending on the size and location of the seawall, it can last between 10 and 40 years. And a vinyl seawall has a much longer life than wood. And a riprap rock seawall, while more expensive, costs between $50 and $200 per linear foot.
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Permits RequiredDepending on the type of structure you want to build, you may need permits to build a seawall in Florida. The permit you receive will be reviewed by the government and look at the design and construction. Your seawall permit must include a sealed survey and wall section that shows structural details. The seawall design must also include an engineer's certification attesting to compliance with your city's codes. Finally, you must get approval from the Port Authority (TPA) and your County Environmental Protection Commission (EPC).
You should also check the seal of each permit you obtain. Do not use a permit that does not have a strong seal. It is possible that the seal will come loose after a while and can affect your project. It's best to check your permits before implementing your plans. Remember, you can't afford to waste time or money on a weakly-sealed permit. In addition to building a seawall, you can also build a dock in the submerged land. This type of structure can have a boathouse, sitting area, or fishing area. In Florida, you must follow the Riparian Land laws to ensure that no part of your structure blocks your view of the water body. By using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' dock building guidelines, you can ensure your seawall is not an annoyance to local residents. |
Why are Permits Required?Some seawalls did not need permits. In fact, they crossed property lines. Others encroached on neighboring private or public land. Some were installed in front of structures that did not need to be protected. And there were even instances where a seawall was built directly on top of a structure that was not vulnerable to flooding. So the permits required to build a seawall in Florida can help you avoid these problems.
In addition to addressing the needs of local residents, seawalls in Florida need to address issues like turtle habitat. A seawall may need to be redesigned, relocated, or covered with native plants and sand that are compatible with the beach. An intricate mitigation plan might include a turtle watch or a lighting program, or the need to appease neighbors. However, there are no guarantees that your seawall will be protected. There are three main types of seawall permits in Florida. For the most part, these permits are required only for substantial repairs. The minimum height of the seawall is 3.9 feet NAVD88 (North American Vertical Datum), a measurement used to calculate elevation. This number is crucial for your marine engineer, surveyor, and seawall contractor. This height is necessary to prevent flooding in neighboring properties and rights of way. |
“I was impressed by the service I received from Orlando Seawall Services. They were incredible, taking the time to design my perfect seawalls and source the highest quality materials. You can tell these guys know a thing or two about real workmanship.” – Gerry T |
“Orland Seawall Services are a high-quality company that truly put their customers first, never charging more than a fair price for the finest work.” – Alina F |
“Thanks to the guys at Orlando Seawall Services, I was finally about the repair my damaged boat dock and give it a new lease of life once more. Now, I can rely on the lift like I remember and know my dock will stand the test of time.” – Lauren G |
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