Frequently asked questions
How much does a dock cost?
The dominant variable is how far out you have to go to reach water deep enough at low tide — which is why two neighbouring lots can get very different numbers. Pile count and length, decking, whether a lift is included, access and permits account for the rest. The cost page breaks it down, and our estimates are free.
Do I need a permit to build a dock?
Yes, and typically from several agencies — potentially FDEP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the St. Johns River Water Management District and your county or city. Requirements vary by site and change periodically, so confirm current requirements with the reviewing agency. Our permits page explains the structure of it.
How long will my dock last?
It depends mostly on specification and maintenance rather than on luck. Hardware rated for a marine environment, adequate pile penetration, and a seasonal routine make an enormous difference. The maintenance page covers what actually extends it.
Can my old dock be repaired?
Usually, and it is far cheaper than replacement — particularly when the piles can be jacketed and restored rather than replaced. Piles are the expensive part of a dock. Dock repair covers what is worth saving.
What is the best decking material?
There is no single best — it is a trade-off between cost, maintenance, appearance and how the surface behaves underfoot in a Florida summer. We will go through the options for how you actually use the dock rather than recommending one by default.
Should I get a boat lift?
If you keep a boat at the dock, a lift keeps it out of the water between uses, which substantially reduces growth and corrosion. For many owners the maintenance saving on the vessel is the real argument. See boat houses and boat lifts.
How far out can my dock go?
Set by the permitting agencies, not by preference, and dependent on the waterbody, navigation, submerged resources and local rules. Establishing this early is part of design — there is no value in drawing something that cannot be approved.
Can you build a dock and repair my seawall at the same time?
Yes, and it is normally cheaper than doing them separately — one mobilisation, one permit process, one disruption, and the tie-in between the two gets designed rather than worked around. Worth asking about even if you were only thinking about one.
What is a floating dock and do I need one?
A floating section rises and falls with the tide, which solves boarding where the tidal range makes a fixed deck awkward at low water. Fixed structures are simpler and more durable; a fixed walkway to a floating terminal is a common hybrid. Tidal range at your property decides whether it is worth it.
Do you carry USL&H insurance?
Yes. Workers' Compensation and USL&H — Longshore & Harbor Workers' coverage. It is a federally mandated requirement for employers whose workers do maritime-adjacent work falling outside traditional state workers' compensation, which is exactly what dock building is. It is a reasonable question to ask any marine contractor, and not all of them can answer it the same way. What USL&H covers and what to ask for on a certificate.
What areas do you cover?
Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau counties. See the service area pages.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Barefoot Marine Construction. Permit requirements and agency rules change — confirm current requirements with the reviewing agency before you plan work.