Waterfront lots are some of the most valuable land in Fort Lauderdale, and a lot of the older homes on them are being replaced. The demolition itself is routine. What isn't routine is working a few feet from a seawall that may be decades old, with neighbors' boats tied up on both sides.
On the water
What's different on a canal lot
| Item | The risk | How it's handled |
|---|---|---|
| Seawall damage | Heavy equipment and vibration near an old seawall can crack the cap or push the wall. | Keeping machines back from the wall, smaller equipment and hand work at the water's edge, and photos of the seawall before work starts. |
| Debris in the water | Pieces of roof, block or concrete falling into the canal. | Pulling the structure away from the water and catching debris on the lot side. |
| Silt and runoff | Exposed soil and dust washing into the waterway when it rains. | Silt fencing and erosion control along the waterfront, and dust control with water. |
| Groundwater | Footings and slabs near the water can sit below the water table. | Fort Lauderdale's demolition checklist includes a dewatering affidavit, and larger projects need a dewatering plan. |
| Docks and lifts | Docks, boat lifts and pilings that are staying, or coming out separately. | Work in or over the water is permitted separately from the house demolition. |
Every waterfront lot is different. The plan depends on the seawall's condition, how close the house is to it, and access from the street.
The city's list
Fort Lauderdale checklist items owners ask about
Hold harmless and dewatering
The city's demolition checklist includes a hold harmless agreement and a dewatering affidavit for both partial and complete demolitions.
Dust and debris
A notarized letter saying where dust control water will come from, and a construction debris mitigation form signed by the owner.
Trees
A tree survey, protection barricades installed before work, and a separate sub-permit and mitigation for any tree removed to reach the work.
No bare soil left behind
The owner signs a letter committing to leave the cleared lot undisturbed or planted, with no exposed soil. That matters even more next to the water.
Redeveloping
The seawall after the house comes down
Height rule
Fort Lauderdale's seawall ordinance sets a minimum seawall height for redeveloped waterfront property. Ask your engineer whether yours meets it before you design the new house.
Repair or replace
An empty lot is the easiest time to repair or rebuild a seawall. That work is permitted separately, often with county and state review.
Document it
Photos and video of the seawall and the neighbors' walls before demolition protect everyone if questions come up later.
Related
Keep reading
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can demolition damage my seawall?
It can, if heavy equipment gets too close or concrete is broken near an older wall. A careful contractor keeps machines back, uses smaller equipment and hand work at the edge, and photographs the seawall before work starts.
Does Fort Lauderdale require anything special for demolition near the water?
The city's demolition checklist requires a dewatering affidavit and a hold harmless agreement for all demolitions, plus erosion control and a staging plan for commercial and multifamily projects. Work in or over the water, such as removing a dock, is permitted separately.
Do I have to raise my seawall if I rebuild in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale's seawall ordinance sets a minimum seawall height for redeveloped waterfront property. Ask an engineer to check your seawall against the current requirement before designing the new house.
Can my dock stay while the house is demolished?
Usually, yes. Docks, lifts and pilings can be protected during demolition. Removing them is separate work over the water with its own permits.
How do you keep debris out of the canal?
By pulling the structure away from the water, catching debris on the lot side, and running silt fencing and erosion control along the waterfront.
This article is general information. It references Fort Lauderdale's published demolition permitting checklist and seawall ordinance as of October 2026. Requirements change, so confirm with the City of Fort Lauderdale before applying, and have an engineer evaluate your seawall.