Living seawalls are shoreline protection structures designed to mimic natural habitats. By incorporating habitat‑enhancing features, they help improve water quality, support marine life, reduce wave energy and add aesthetic value to waterfront communities.
To encourage the use of these environmentally beneficial systems, the City of Fort Lauderdale offers a Living Seawall Permit Fee Assistance Program that provides a 100% discount on seawall building permit base fees. These base fees are calculated at 1.75% of the job cost value.
Maximum Assistance
- $3,500 for residential properties (single-family)
- $7,000 for commercial properties (including condominiums, townhomes, multi-family, etc.)
Program Qualification Requirements
To qualify, a project must meet the following criteria:
- Install a vertical seawall structure made of concrete, steel, vinyl or similar rigid material, with habitat‑enhancing modifications on the waterward side, such as modular retrofit panels or textured elements that promote marine organism attachment.
- Include permanent enhancements designed to mimic natural environments (e.g., mangrove‑root‑like textures, tidal pool features).
- Ensure at least 51% of the seawall surface is “living” and meets the required NAVD elevation outlined in ULDR Section 47‑19.13.D.
Interested in learning more or ready to apply?
Property owners must complete the interest form below to share preliminary project details. After the form is submitted, the Chief Waterways Officer or a designee will contact you for an initial review and to answer any questions you may have about the program. Staff will work with you to complete an official application that must be submitted to the Development Services Department as part of your seawall permit package.
