IIf you need a dock permit in the Florida Keys, you will almost certainly deal with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The FKNMS dock permit Florida Keys process confuses many property owners. This guide explains what the Sanctuary is, how it affects your project, and what to expect before construction begins.
What Is the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary?
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) protects federally designated marine waters in the Florida Keys. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) manages it. The Sanctuary covers approximately 2,900 square miles of coastal waters surrounding the Florida Keys — from north of Key Largo to the Dry Tortugas.
Congress established the Sanctuary in 1990 to protect the Florida Keys’ unique marine ecosystem. That ecosystem includes the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. In addition, it contains extensive seagrass meadows and diverse marine habitats that support hundreds of species of fish and invertebrates.
You can learn more about the Sanctuary’s regulations directly from NOAA at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary website.
How Does the Sanctuary Affect Dock Permits?
Any nearshore construction project in the Florida Keys requires FKNMS review if it may impact Sanctuary resources. This includes docks, piers, seawalls, boat lifts, swim platforms, and maintenance dredging. Furthermore, FKNMS review is separate from — and in addition to — permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
FKNMS focuses its review specifically on coral, seagrass, and other benthic resources. The Sanctuary maps benthic habitat throughout the Florida Keys. As a result, any project near mapped coral or seagrass areas receives close scrutiny.
What Is a Benthic Survey and Why Is It Required?
A benthic survey is a field assessment of seafloor conditions at the project site. A qualified biologist dives or wades the area and documents all benthic resources — corals, seagrasses, sponges, and other organisms within and adjacent to the proposed construction footprint.
FDEP, ACOE, and FKNMS commonly require a benthic survey for dock and seawall permit applications where seafloor resources may be present. The survey results determine three things. First, they show whether the project can proceed as proposed. Second, they identify whether design modifications can avoid resources. Third, they identify unavoidable impacts and require mitigation to offset them.
The Sanctuary has a specific requirement for biologists who conduct these surveys. A biologist must hold a valid FKNMS survey authorization — a credential that NOAA issues. Not every marine biologist holds this authorization. Moreover, FKNMS may reject surveys conducted by unauthorized personnel.
Glen Boe & Associates has an FKNMS‑authorized biologist on staff who conducts all required benthic surveys in‑house. As a result, the firm coordinates the benthic survey directly with the permit application, eliminating delays caused by hiring a separate subcontractor.
What Happens If Coral or Seagrass Is Found at My Site?
Finding coral or seagrass at a project site does not automatically stop your project. Instead, FKNMS evaluates each project individually. The agency works with applicants to find solutions that allow reasonable waterfront development while protecting Sanctuary resources.
Several outcomes are common when resources are present. Design modifications can route the project away from high-quality resource areas. Elevated dock structures allow adequate light to reach seagrass below. Mitigation or coral relocation is often required.
Glen Boe & Associates manages all FKNMS coordination as part of the permit process. This includes any required mitigation planning.
Which Projects Require FKNMS Review?
Most nearshore construction projects in Monroe County require FKNMS coordination. The Sanctuary covers nearly all waters surrounding the Florida Keys — including canals, basins, nearshore Atlantic and Gulf waters, and Florida Bay.
Projects that typically require FKNMS review include the following: fixed docks and piers, floating docks, seawall construction and replacement, boat lifts and davits, swim and observation platforms, maintenance dredging, and shoreline fill.
Getting Started
Planning a waterfront project in the Florida Keys? Contact Glen Boe & Associates for a free consultation. We identify all permitting requirements for your specific property. Glen Boe & Associates evaluates Florida Keys dock permit projects and identifies when FKNMS review and benthic surveys may be required. We will also give you a clear picture of the process and timeline before you commit to a plan.
(305) 743-9121 | glenboe@bellsouth.net