When a wall is past repair, replacement is the long-term answer. In Fort Lauderdale, that also means building to current city elevation requirements so the property is protected against rising tides.
Options include full removal and rebuild, or installing a new wall seaward of the existing one where permitted. Material choices typically include reinforced concrete, sheet piles and composite systems.
Signs you may need seawall replacement
- Widespread panel cracking or failure
- Severe lean or collapse
- Cap well below current elevation standards
- Repeated repairs that don't hold
- Planning a major renovation or new dock
- Substantial damage after a storm
How the work typically goes
- Step 1
Engineering & permitting
Design and permits through the City of Fort Lauderdale and applicable agencies.
- Step 2
Construction
Install sheet piles or panels, tiebacks, new cap and drainage, often from a barge.
- Step 3
Finish
Backfill, restore the yard and coordinate dock or lift reinstallation.
Where we take requests
Seawall Replacement requests are welcome across Fort Lauderdale waterfront, including Las Olas Isles, Coral Ridge, Rio Vista, Harbor Beach, Nurmi Isles, Seven Isles, Sunrise Key, Lauderdale Harbors and properties along the New River, Middle River and Intracoastal Waterway.
View service areasSeawall Replacement FAQs
How high does a new seawall need to be in Fort Lauderdale?
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The City of Fort Lauderdale sets minimum elevation requirements for new and substantially repaired seawalls under its seawall ordinance. Requirements have been updated over time, so confirm the current standard with the city or your contractor before design.
Can a new seawall be built in front of the old one?
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In many cases a new wall can be installed just seaward of the existing wall, subject to permitting and property line considerations.