SoFlo Marine Construction
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Composite dock decking

Swap tired boards for low-maintenance composite decking.

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We re-deck existing docks and deck new ones, checking the framing and fasteners while the boards are up.

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  • Free, no-obligation quote
  • Fast response from our team
  • Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and the Keys

The short answer

Replacing dock decking to the original dimensions is exempt from a DERM Class I permit in Miami-Dade (Miami-Dade DERM, 2025), which makes a re-deck one of the simplest dock upgrades. In some aquatic preserve areas, deck planks may be no more than 8 inches wide and must be spaced at least 1/2 inch apart (FDEP).

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Who re-decks

Owners with splintering or soft boards on sound framing, and owners building a new dock who want less upkeep.

What we check before re-decking

  • Joists and stringers for rot
  • Fasteners and hardware for corrosion
  • Pilings at the waterline
  • Board spacing rules for your waterway

Decking and permits

A like-for-like re-deck is DERM-exempt in Miami-Dade, but your city may still need a permit. Making the dock bigger changes the over-water area, which FDEP counts toward the 500 or 1,000 sq ft exemption limits, so it needs a permit review.[1][2]

Dock with old boards removed to expose joists and new boards stacked ready

Frequently asked questions

Is composite decking good for docks?

Owners mostly choose composite for lower upkeep than timber boards. Ask for a product rated for marine use and follow its fastening and spacing guide.

Do I need a permit to replace my dock decking?

Not from DERM in Miami-Dade if you keep the original dimensions. Your city may still require a permit.

Sources

  1. Class I Permit Application for Coastal Construction and Mangrove Trimming within Miami-Dade County (Revised May 2025), Miami-Dade County RER, Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM), Coastal Resources Section. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  2. Dock Permitting in Florida: Permit Application Fee Schedule and Aquatic Preserve Design Criteria, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Accessed October 27, 2026.
  3. Cost to Build a Dock (updated 31 Jan 2025), Fixr.com (secondary national cost guide). Accessed October 27, 2026.
  4. Florida Statutes 2026, Section 403.813: Permits issued at district centers; exceptions, The Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine). Accessed October 27, 2026.

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