Seawall and Dock Repair in Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce has private seawalls and docks along the Indian River Lagoon, Taylor Creek and the lagoon side of Hutchinson Island. Salt water, storm surge and age are the main reasons they need work.

County: St. Lucie County
Permits: Usually the City of Fort Pierce for addresses inside city limits, and St. Lucie County for unincorporated areas. Confirm for your address.

Waterfront homes in and around Fort Pierce sit on brackish and salt water, close to the Fort Pierce Inlet. Seawalls here are usually concrete panels with a concrete cap, and docks are wood or composite on pilings. Salt water attacks the steel inside concrete, and storms push water and waves against walls that may be decades old. Big storms, like Frances and Jeanne in 2004, damaged many waterfront properties in this area.

Signs your seawall needs attention

Holes or sinking soil behind the wall, cracks in the cap, rust stains on the face, a wall that leans toward the water, or clogged weep holes are all warning signs. Sinking behind the wall often means soil is washing out through a gap or a failed joint. Catching that early can mean a repair instead of a full replacement. On docks, look for soft or cracked boards, loose hardware and pilings worn thin at the waterline.

Permits are layered

Work in or over the water usually needs more than one approval. Expect a local building permit, through the City of Fort Pierce Building Department inside city limits or St. Lucie County for unincorporated areas like much of Hutchinson Island. The work usually also needs state authorization or an exemption from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and often a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit. Parts of the lagoon are state aquatic preserves, which can add rules. Manatees use the lagoon and creeks, which can affect timing and methods. A business that does marine work regularly will know what your site needs, but ask.

Options

Depending on the damage, options can include patching and sealing joints, a new cap, a new wall in front of the old one, or adding rock riprap at the toe. Some owners on the lagoon ask about living shoreline options with plants and oyster structures, which state agencies have encouraged in some places. Ask the business what's allowed and practical at your property.

Dock lifts and lights need power, see electrical work in Fort Pierce. Mangroves along the shoreline have their own rules, see tree service in Fort Pierce. General information is on the seawall and dock repair page, and the city overview is on the Fort Pierce area page.

Check before you hireLicensing for seawall and dock work varies. It is often a general or marine specialty contractor, so check with your county. Look up any state license at myfloridalicense.com and ask for proof of insurance.

Seawall and dock repair questions in Fort Pierce

Why is the ground sinking behind my Fort Pierce seawall?

Usually soil is washing out through a crack, a failed joint or under the bottom of the wall. Tides and waves pull fill out a little at a time, leaving holes or a dip behind the cap. It often gets worse after storms. Have a seawall business look soon, since early repairs usually cost much less than replacing the wall.

What permits do I need for dock or seawall work in Fort Pierce?

Usually several. A local building permit through the City of Fort Pierce or St. Lucie County, depending on your address, plus state authorization or an exemption from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and often a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit. Aquatic preserve rules may apply in parts of the lagoon. The marine contractor normally handles applications.

Can I fix my Hutchinson Island dock myself?

Small repairs like replacing a few deck boards may be fine, but work that changes the structure, adds pilings or extends over the water usually needs permits. Many Hutchinson Island addresses are in unincorporated St. Lucie County, so check with the county and ask about state rules before starting.

Are there alternatives to a new concrete seawall on the lagoon?

Sometimes. Rock riprap at the base, a new wall in front of the old one, or living shoreline designs with plants and oyster structures may be options depending on your site, water depth and neighbors' walls. State agencies have encouraged living shorelines in some areas. Ask the business what is allowed and practical for your property.

For the general guide, see Seawall and dock repair on the Treasure Coast. For more about the town, see Fort Pierce.

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