The Fort Lauderdale Canals: Width, Depth & Setbacks by Neighborhood
Venice of America · 165 miles of waterway
The Fort Lauderdale Canals
Width, depth, and setbacks by neighborhood — the waterway guide from agents who grew up on these canals.
Not all canals are created equal. For serious boaters and yacht owners, the specifications of a home’s waterway can mean the difference between docking your vessel and watching it pass by.
Sherman Luxury Group compiled canal data for every major waterfront neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale — the resource we wish existed when we started selling waterfront, and the one our clients rely on for the most important purchase of their lives.
Setbacks
How far the dock must sit from each side property line. Standard is 5 feet per side; some areas require 10. A 100-foot lot with 10-foot setbacks docks up to 80 feet of vessel.
Canal width
Governs maximum beam. Fort Lauderdale’s 30 percent rule: a docked vessel may occupy no more than 30% of canal width. A 90-foot canal allows a 27-foot beam.
Canal depth
Critical for deeper drafts. Sediment makes depth inconsistent even on the same canal. We recommend an independent low-tide survey before you buy, especially for sailboats and deep-draft yachts.
Bay Colony
Deep-water access along the Intracoastal in northern Fort Lauderdale, with proximity to Hillsboro Inlet and relatively quick ocean access.
Colee Hammock, Victoria Park & Las Olas
Central Fort Lauderdale’s most sought-after waterfront addresses. Walking distance to Las Olas Boulevard, with Intracoastal and New River access.
Coral Ridge
Deep-water canals, mature tree-lined streets, and Coral Ridge Country Club nearby. Many homes have direct Intracoastal or ocean access.
Harbor Beach
Fort Lauderdale’s most exclusive waterfront enclave — guard-gated, private beach, direct ocean access, and some of the deepest water in the city.
Las Olas Isles
Finger islands with some of the widest canals and most desirable frontage in the city. Direct Intracoastal access, minutes from Las Olas Boulevard and the beach.
The Landings
An intimate waterfront neighborhood with well-maintained canals and a residential character that appeals to families and professionals.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea & Bermuda Riviera
A relaxed coastal stretch north of the city with direct ocean proximity — particularly appealing to sport-fishing boats that want the Gulf Stream quickly.
Lauderdale Harbor & Rio Vista
Walkable to Riverwalk, Las Olas, and downtown. A mix of canal widths and depths, from Mediterranean estates to modern builds.
Riviera Isles & Idlewyld
Homes south of Solar Plaza Drive, Flamingo Drive, Solar Isle Drive, and the western section of Riviera Isles Drive. The same waterway advantages as greater Las Olas Isles, often at a more accessible price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 30 percent rule?
A docked vessel may occupy no more than 30% of the canal’s total width. On a 90-foot canal, beam cannot exceed 27 feet.
What are typical dock setbacks?
Standard is 5 feet from each side property line. Some neighborhoods require 10 feet. Verify with the City of Fort Lauderdale Marine Facilities Division before purchasing.
Which neighborhoods have the deepest canals?
Harbor Beach, Las Olas Isles, and portions of Coral Ridge generally offer the deepest water. Depth still varies with sediment. An independent survey is essential.
Which neighborhoods offer direct ocean access?
Harbor Beach is the most direct. Las Olas Isles, Coral Ridge, and Bay Colony reach the ocean via the Intracoastal to Port Everglades Inlet or Hillsboro Inlet.
How do I verify canal depth before buying?
Hire a licensed marine surveyor for a low-tide depth survey. These charts are a reference — actual depths change with sediment, dredging, and tide.
Can I dredge the canal behind my home?
Dredging needs permits from the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Florida DEP. Start with the City’s Marine Facilities Division.
Measurements are a guide and should be independently verified. Compiled from public records, seller disclosures, and Broward County resources.
Ready to find your waterfront home?
Deep-water yacht dockage or a quiet canal-front retreat — we know every waterway in Fort Lauderdale.
Call +1 (954) 637-7934Sherman Luxury Group · [email protected]