Maintenance Dredging Permits Florida Keys

Maintenance dredging in the Florida Keys requires permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection — and in many cases, a benthic survey by an FKNMS-approved biologist. Glen Boe & Associates handles the entire process in-house, from engineering through agency coordination.

Shoaling and sediment accumulation are common throughout Monroe County’s canal systems, basins, and nearshore waterways. Over time, sediment buildup can make waterways impassable for vessels, reduce water circulation, and create water quality problems in enclosed canal systems.

Maintenance dredging restores water depth to previously permitted elevations — but in the Florida Keys, dredging projects require thorough environmental review and permits from multiple agencies before any work can begin.

Glen Boe & Associates manages the complete maintenance dredging permit process for residential canal systems, private basins, and marina facilities throughout the Florida Keys. We prepare dredging plans, conduct required environmental assessments, and manage ACOE and FDEP permit applications from start to finish.

Maintenance Dredging Florida Keys — Permits Required

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Most dredging in navigable and tidal waters of the Florida Keys requires ACOE authorization. Maintenance dredging of previously permitted areas may qualify for a Nationwide Permit.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) An Environmental Resource Permit is required for dredging in Florida’s surface waters. The FDEP evaluates the project’s potential impacts on water quality, benthic resources, and adjacent wetlands.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) Dredging projects within the Sanctuary boundaries require FKNMS review. Projects with potential impacts to seagrass, coral, or other benthic communities require a resource assessment survey conducted by a biologist holding a valid FKNMS survey authorization. Our staff biologist holds that authorization and performs all required surveys in-house.

Local Building Permit Local permits are required from Monroe County or the applicable municipality for dredging work. We provide all agency approvals to support the local permit application.

What We Prepare for Your Dredging Application

• Dredging plan drawings showing existing and proposed bottom elevations
• Sediment sampling and analysis if required by the agencies
• Benthic resource assessment survey by our FKNMS-approved biologist
• Complete ACOE permit application or Nationwide Permit request
• Complete FDEP Environmental Resource Permit application
• FKNMS benthic resource assessment and coordination
• Spoil disposal plan and disposal site documentation

Our Process

We begin with a site visit to assess current bottom conditions and water depths, and identify all permitting requirements. From there we prepare the dredging plan and submit complete applications to all required agencies simultaneously, minimizing the overall timeline.

Our team tracks all applications through agency review, responds to any requests for additional information, and coordinates with FKNMS on any required mitigation or special conditions.

Serving All Florida Keys Communities

Glen Boe & Associates provides maintenance dredging permitting services throughout Monroe County — including canal communities in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West.

“`