Fort Lauderdale and its New Seawall Regulations

The city of Fort Lauderdale is nicknamed “The Venice of America” which highlights the importance of Seawall Fort Lauderdale. The city contains approximately 260 miles of inland waterways and canals. The waterways are an important element of the real estate industry in Fort Lauderdale. Here are some important things to consider if you’re thinking of buying or selling waterfront property in Fort Lauderdale.

Because of the location, waterfront real estate is highly desirable and commands the highest property values north of 40M+ in Fort Lauderdale. Flood and erosion prevention are both responsibilities of waterfront property owners. A seawall effectively safeguards a waterfront home from these threats.

More and more homeowners and buyers worry about the effects of rising waters due to global warming and the annually occurring King Tides. The City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County are on the forefront of adopting protective strategies to ensure that the city’s economy continues to expand and adapt as the seas rise. This adaptation includes new Seawall Regulations.

Approximately 6 miles of the inland canals are owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale. That’s why, according to the environmental analysis, private property owners must safeguard 254 miles of seaside property in Fort Lauderdale.

The new Seawall Guidelines include minimum height regulations. The target height for all Seawall Heights is 4 feet above sea level by 2035. If a permitted seawall restoration is more than half of the existing seawall, this requirement already exists. By 2050, the sea walls in Fort Lauderdale must support a height increase to 5 feet.

Fort Lauderdale Waterfront Home Sea Wall

What does Seawall Fort Lauderdale mean for Waterfront Home Buyers?

If you’re thinking of buying a home on the water, be sure to budget for the height increase in the seawall, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per linear foot. With the purchase, buyers should have an inspection of the seawall.

What does this mean for Waterfront Home Sellers?

Be prepared for seawall heights to be a topic of discussion, disclosure and negotiation with buyers.

The Sherman Luxury Group understands waterfront real estate buying and selling. Our expert agents will guide you through the process of negotiation, inspection, buying & selling.