In Hillsborough County, all proposed docks and boardwalks must be reviewed and approved by the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) prior to construction. If constructed properly, the EPC believes that docks and boardwalks have a minimal impact on the wetland areas. This goal can be accomplished during our permitting process where EPC staff have the opportunity to provide information and assistance to the applicants.  Guidance is also available within the Applicant’s Handbook, available online for review.

The following are major concerns that are addressed during the application review process and recommendations to minimize potential impacts to wetlands:

Shading impacts

1. Docks and boardwalks must be elevated their entire length within the Wetland Conservation Area. The height of the boardwalk varies due to its width and existing vegetation but must be minimally elevated 3 feet above the substrate.

2. The dock shall maintain a bottom elevation above the 10 year flood warning elevation or the Mean High Water elevation. These elevations and current lake level information may be obtained by contacting SWFWMD Hydrologic Data staff at (813) 228-9858 or by visiting http://www.hillsborough.wateratlas.usf.edu/navigator.

Construction impacts

1. The placement or construction of docks and boardwalks shall avoid any favorable wetland vegetation and shall not cause the removal of or damage to any native non-nuisance trees within the Wetland Conservation Area or associated 30 foot Wetland Conservation Area setback.
2. During the construction of the dock or boardwalk, all efforts must be undertaken to prevent any erosion or turbid water from being discharged off site, into the wetlands and or waters of the county. EPC approved methods of erosion/ turbidity control may be required during the construction process.

Watercraft impacts

1. If a boat slip is proposed with a dock application it must be located so that a minimum of two feet of depth exists under the slip area during Ordinary Low or Mean Low Water conditions. This condition is meant to minimize the potential for any prop-dredging of the substrate during periods of lowered lake level.

Other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the construction of docks and boardwalks include: the Tampa Port Authority, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.