Getting a boat lift permit in the Florida Keys requires ACOE and FDEP authorization — and in some cases FKNMS coordination. Glen Boe & Associates manages the complete boat lift permit Florida Keys process in-house.
Boat lifts, davits, and boat ramps are all used to remove vessels from the water when not in use.
Each of these structures has different design requirements depending on vessel size, water depth, available shoreline configuration, and the specific conditions of your waterfront property. Glen Boe & Associates designs and permits all three types of vessel removal structures throughout Monroe County.
Boat Lift Permit Florida Keys — Agencies Required
A boat lift raises and lowers a vessel using a cradle system supported by piles or attached to an existing dock structure. Cradle boat lifts are commonly used on offshore docks where water depth is adequate for the vessel’s draft. Lift capacity is sized to the vessel weight.
Davits
Davits are davit-style lifting arms mounted on a dock or seawall that suspend a small vessel or dinghy above the water. They are commonly used for smaller vessels, tenders, and PWC’s where a boat lift may not be practical.
Boat Ramps
A boat ramp provides a sloped surface for launching and retrieving vessels using a trailer. Private boat ramps in the Florida Keys require permits from ACOE, FDEP, and local agencies, and must be designed to meet environmental requirements for their specific waterway location.
Permits Required
ACOE and FDEP — Boat lifts, davits, and boat ramps in tidal and navigable waters require ACOE authorization and an FDEP Environmental Resource Permit. These applications require design drawings prepared by a licensed PE, which Glen Boe & Associates provides in-house.
FKNMS — Projects within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that have potential impacts to benthic resources require FKNMS review and may require a benthic survey by an authorized biologist.
Local Building Permit — Monroe County and each municipality require a local building permit for these structures. We design to meet local code and provide all agency approvals to your contractor.
Contact us to discuss your boat lift, davit, or boat ramp project. (305) 743-9121 | glenboe@bellsouth.net