Dock construction in Coral Gables

Who this is for

Owners adding a first dock, replacing a dock that is beyond repair, or redesigning a dock for a new boat or lift.

The Coral Gables sequence

1. Survey and engineer's plans. 2. DERM Class I short form and preliminary approval. 3. Notarised Public Works application with photos and survey, plus the Cocoplum dock plan in Cocoplum Section II. 4. Build and inspect.[1][2]

Waterway width

DERM's short form covers single-family docks that protrude no more than 25% of the waterway width, which is why the City asks for dimensions across the waterway on the plans.[2][1]

The bay off the Gables is preserve water

The Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve runs the length of the bay outside Biscayne National Park, and its access list includes the Matheson Hammock Park boat ramp beside the Gables bayfront. Bay-facing docks there fall under the 500 sq ft Outstanding Florida Waters exemption and the preserve's seagrass protection, while Miami-Dade manatee zones (rule 68C-22.025) govern boat speeds.

A bottom survey comes before the layout so the dock clears any grass.[4][5][6]

What makes Coral Gables different

Dock, mooring and wharf plans must show dimensions across the waterway, existing mangroves and the installation method, and carry DERM's preliminary approval; revised plans need a DERM stamp again. Properties in Cocoplum Section II must include a copy of the Cocoplum dock plan. The City also asks for a notarised Public Works permit application, colour photos of existing conditions and a survey.[1]

Fee incentives

Under Resolution 2025-342, living seawalls with pH-neutral cement or modular retrofit panels qualify for a 20% reduction in city permit fees, and a separate fee waiver applies to existing homes making seawall improvements to address sea level rise.[8]

Permits in Coral Gables

• Miami-Dade DERM, Coastal Resources Section: Class I permit, plus the preliminary approval the City asks to see before it looks at any dock or wall plans. Phone (305) 372-6575.
• City of Coral Gables Development Services and Public Works: Building and Public Works permits for seawalls, bulkheads and docks, after DERM preliminary approval.
• Florida DEP or South Florida Water Management District: State permit or exemption for docks and walls on the Gables canals and the bay, where aquatic preserve rules apply to open bay frontage.
• US Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District: Federal authorisation for bayfront and canal work, confirmed for each job since SPGP VI's stated July 2026 expiry.

How a new dock gets built

1. Survey of the shoreline, water depth and any seagrass
2. Design and engineered drawings
3. County, city and state approvals
4. Pilings driven or jetted, with manatee precautions
5. Framing, decking, cleats and lighting
6. Final inspections

Seagrass and dock design

In Johnson's seagrass range, which runs from Palm Bay south to central Biscayne Bay, docks over seagrass must follow federal minor piling-supported structure guidelines. In aquatic preserves a single-family dock is limited to a 4 ft wide walkway and a 160 sq ft terminal platform, and may not extend more than 500 ft or 20% of the waterbody width.[11][12]

Neighbours and view lines

Miami-Dade uses a D-5 boundary to protect neighbours' view and access. A dock beyond it may need consent letters from adjacent owners.[2]

Frequently asked questions