Building a dock in Sarasota, Florida, requires navigating stringent local, state, and federal regulations to protect waterways, wildlife, and property rights. Below is a concise guide to the who, what, where, and why of dock permitting, with essential resources to streamline your project.

Key Resources for Dock Permitting

• Sarasota County Online Permitting Portal: Submit Minor Work Permit applications.
• City of Sarasota Permitting Portal: For properties within city limits.
• Florida DEP Dock Permitting Guide: Details state exemptions and ERP requirements.
• Florida Statutes 403.813: Legal text for state permit exemptions.
• Sarasota County Code, Article XX: County-specific dock regulations.
• City of Sarasota Zoning Code: Rules for waterfront docks.
• Duncan Seawall Guide: Practical tips from local experts.
• EZ-Dock Permitting Overview: Focus on floating docks.
• USACE Permits: For federal oversight.

Who Oversees Dock Permitting?

• Local: Sarasota County (Water and Navigation Control Authority, Environmental Protection Division) for unincorporated areas; City of Sarasota (Building & Zoning) for city limits.
• State: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Southwest District for Environmental Resource Permits (ERP).
• Federal: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for navigable waters or wetland impacts.
• Other: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for manatee zones; HOAs for private restrictions.

What Are the Permitting Requirements?

1. Determine Jurisdiction: Confirm County or City based on property location.
2. Check State Exemptions: Per Florida Statute 403.813(1)(b), no DEP permit needed if:
   • Dock ≤1,000 sq ft (≤500 sq ft in Outstanding Florida Waters).
   • Built on pilings/floating, with minimal dredging.
   • Private, non-commercial use; no navigation obstruction.
3. Local Permits:
   • County: Minor Work Permit via Accela portal; include survey, site plans, and ownership proof. Max 50% shoreline occupancy, 10 ft setbacks.
   • City: Building permit; terminal platforms ≤250 sq ft, 25 ft setbacks. DEP exemption letter required.
4. State/Federal: ERP for non-exempt docks; USACE if dredging/filling.
5. Compliance: Manatee zones, seagrass avoidance, neighbor consents if near property lines.

Timeline: 3-6 months. Costs: $100-$1,000+ (permits, surveys, consultants).

Where Can Docks Be Built?

• Allowed: Riparian waterfront properties (Sarasota Bay, Intracoastal Waterway, Gulf).
• Restricted: Manatee sanctuaries, aquatic preserves, seagrass beds, public lands.
• Setbacks: County: 10 ft from property lines, centered. City: 25 ft from extended lines.

Why Are Regulations Strict?

• Environmental Protection: Safeguard seagrass, mangroves, manatees, and water quality.
• Navigation Safety: Prevent hazards and ensure fair waterway access.
• Property Rights: Balance riparian rights with neighbor impacts.
• Climate Resilience: Mitigate erosion and storm risks.

Key Contacts:

Agency	Phone	Email	Address
Sarasota County Building/Permitting	941-861-5000	building@scgov.net	1001 Sarasota Center Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240
City of Sarasota Building & Permitting	941-263-6494	CityPermits@sarasotafl.gov	1565 1st Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Florida DEP Southwest District	813-470-5700	Online Form	13051 N Telecom Pkwy, Temple Terrace, FL 33637
USACE Jacksonville District	904-232-1665	cesaj-regulatory@usace.army.mil	701 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Duncan Seawall (Consultant)	941-351-1553	Online Form	1716 Independence Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34234

Streamline Your Dock Project:

Engage a marine contractor experienced in Sarasota’s regulations to expedite permitting. Begin with a property survey and contact local authorities to confirm jurisdiction. Compliance ensures a legal, durable dock that enhances property value while protecting Sarasota’s waterways.