Shared Canal Seawalls in the Keys: Plan With Neighbors
Keys canal lots sit wall to wall, so one failing panel often raises a question for the whole row. Plan the barge, the permits and the canal together, then let each owner sign their own contract.
Plan together. Choose for your own property.
Nearby projects may share equipment setup, deliveries and planning. Ask whether coordinating the work could reduce costs for your group.
Start by finding out who is interested. Each owner chooses their own work, price and agreement after their wall has been checked.
Share the planning
Explore equipment setup, access and timing together.
Check each wall
Each property needs its own assessment and permit review.
Keep your own choice
Each owner chooses their own work and agreement.
Four simple steps
One conversation to get started. A separate decision for every owner.
Tell us about your area
Add your canal or community and a callback number. You can start before you have a full group.
Invite nearby owners
After your request is accepted, share your invitation link or print a neighbor flyer. Each neighbor enters their own details.
Check what can be shared
Discuss your group’s needs and the next steps. Each wall, equipment access and preferred dates need to be checked.
Decide for your property
Review the proposed work and price for your property. You decide whether to go ahead.
Who can explore a group?
Start with nearby properties on the same canal, street or lake. Aim for 3 interested homes as a planning target; you can register interest before that. Different walls or permits may require separate work.
Representing an association? See the HOA project guide for ownership, board decisions and phased planning.
Common questions
Do we have to sign one contract?
Each owner should have a written description of their work, price and agreement. If equipment crosses a neighbor’s property, agree on access in advance.
What if a neighbor drops out?
Each owner makes their own decision. Before agreeing to work, ask how the price would change if fewer homes take part.
Can walls have different lengths or materials?
Yes. The walls can be different. A professional can check whether the projects could share equipment setup or deliveries.
How do we arrange a site visit?
Tell us about the group and your concerns. Discuss the next steps, including whether a site visit is needed and how to arrange it.
Can an association organize a group?
Yes. A board member or other authorized representative can get started. Let us know which walls the association owns and which belong to individual owners.
Are permits shared?
Each property may need its own permit. Ask the project professional and local permitting office which applications are needed and who will handle them.
Invite your neighbors.
Lower Keys Seawall · Neighbor seawall interest group
Do you own a nearby waterfront property?
Explore whether seawall projects could share planning and equipment setup.
Each owner reviews the work and price for their own property.
Call (786) 644-6444
Use the invitation link to join privately.
Barge access, bonds and the work-over-water notice
On a built-out canal, the wall is often easier to reach from the water than from the yard. The Key Colony Beach manual says developed lots often need barge work. KCB Seawall Owner’s Manual
The same manual lists what adds cost: houses, docks, davits, trees, sprinklers and conduits near the wall. KCB Seawall Owner’s Manual
| Item | Where | Question for the group |
|---|---|---|
$50,000 bond before water-borne equipment enters the city | Key Colony Beach | Can one mobilization and one bond serve several lots? KCB Code Sec. 5-61 |
Work Over the Water Notice, signed by owner and contractor and notarized | Unincorporated Monroe County | Who signs for each lot, and when? Monroe County Work Over the Water Notice |
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation coverage | Named in Florida’s marine contractor rule | Has each contractor shown a certificate? Rule 61G4-15.100(4), F.A.C. |
Before the first meeting, map every dock, lift, davit and return along the row. Mark the lots with no yard access at all.
The canal itself: restoration programs and debris history
Monroe County started its Canal Restoration Program in 2014. A study had found 311 of 502 Keys canals failing the state’s minimum water quality criteria. Monroe County Canal Restoration Program It is a water quality program, not a seawall repair fund.
- The county’s Canal Management Master Plan ranks 96 unincorporated canals with poor or fair water quality. Its Residential Canals map file shows each canal’s number, depth and ranking. Monroe County Canal Management Master Plan
- Methods include organic removal, backfilling, culverts and weed gates. Ask the program, (305) 453-8774, if work is planned on your canal before you book a barge. Monroe County Canal Management Master Plan
- After Irma, the county sent 422 canals for marine debris removal, and 247 were approved. Federal debris money underwater was limited to navigation hazards. Monroe County BOCC paper
Use the county’s canal number in every group email and bid request. It keeps everyone talking about the same water.
One schedule, separate permits and contracts
A group can share surveys, a barge and a calendar. Each lot still needs its own approvals and its own contract.
- In unincorporated Monroe County, work waits for a Notice to Proceed, issued after state and federal approvals are filed. The fee is $976. Monroe County NTP handout Monroe Resolution 277-2025
- Key Colony Beach issues a seawall permit only after Army Corps and DEP approval. KCB Code Sec. 5-30
- The Corps’ Keys minor-work permit, SAJ-82, expired June 24, 2026, and no reissue was found. Ask the Keys Permits Section, (305) 526-7181, what applies now. Army Corps permit SAJ-82 Army Corps Keys Permits Section
- Florida exempts qualifying private infill walls up to 150 feet that join walls at both ends. On open water, county code still bars new vertical walls. Section 403.813, Fla. Stat. Monroe County code 118-12(k)(3)
Residential contracts over $2,500 must include the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund notice. Section 489.1425, Fla. Stat.
If a contractor takes more than 10% up front, Florida law requires permit applications within 30 days, unless there is just cause or you agree in writing. Section 489.126, Fla. Stat. Give every owner the same scope checklist so the bids compare.
Show sourcesHide sources
- Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. III Marine Construction and Improvements, Docking of BoatsSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- City of Key Colony Beach Seawall Owner's ManualSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- Work Over the Water NoticeSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- Rule 61G4-15.100, Certified Specialty ContractorsSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- ResiliencySource reviewed 2026-10-28
- Canal RestorationSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program for Disaster-Related Marine Debris Removal: Monroe County's Experience, Needs and RecommendationsSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- Notice To Proceed Instructional Handout (Internet Archive copy)Source reviewed 2026-11-05
- Resolution No. 277-2025 (Building Department permitting fee schedule)Source reviewed 2026-10-28
- Regional General Permit SAJ-82Source reviewed 2026-10-28
- Jacksonville District Regulatory Office LocationsSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- 2026 Florida Statutes section 403.813Source reviewed 2026-10-28
- Monroe County Land Development Code, Chapter 118 - Environmental ProtectionSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- Section 489.1425, Florida Statutes: Duty of contractor to notify residential property owner of recovery fundSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- Section 489.126, Florida Statutes: Moneys received by contractorsSource reviewed 2026-10-28
Start a neighbor group
Tell us your canal or community and how to reach you. Use this guide to work out the next steps for your group.