Professional Boardwalk Builders
in Miami-Dade, Broward
& Palm Beach

Yes—almost always. Any structure in Miami-Dade or Broward counties requires a building permit, and beachfront boardwalks typically require additional Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) permits from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Even "low" boardwalks under 30 inches high need permits due to hurricane zone engineering requirements. Unpermitted structures discovered during property sales must be removed or brought to code at significant expense. We handle the entire permitting process including engineering drawings, DEP coordination, and inspection scheduling.

IPE hardwood and PVC-capped composite both excel in saltwater conditions, but for different reasons. IPE's natural density and oil content resist salt corrosion and provide 40+ year lifespan with minimal maintenance. PVC-capped composites (TimberTech AZEK, Trex Transcend) offer zero-maintenance convenience and stay cooler underfoot with Cool-Touch technology. Both require 316 marine-grade stainless steel fasteners—standard galvanized hardware rusts within 18 months in direct salt spray. Avoid uncapped wood-composite boards and pressure-treated pine in coastal locations.

Construction typically takes 7-10 days for standard residential boardwalks (50-100 linear feet). The permitting phase determines total project timeline: simple building permits take 2-3 weeks; complex CCCL permits in Miami-Dade can require 6-8 weeks. We begin permit applications immediately after contract signing so construction starts as soon as approvals are received. Weather delays are rare—we schedule around forecast rain events and work efficiently to minimize disruption to your property.

When properly engineered, yes. We build all boardwalks in Miami-Dade and Broward (High-Velocity Hurricane Zones) to withstand 175+ MPH winds using Simpson Strong-Tie hurricane connectors at every joist-to-beam and beam-to-post connection. Foundations use helical piers or deep concrete footings that resist uplift forces. Joist spacing at 12" on-center provides redundant load paths. We've inspected our installations after multiple Category 4 hurricanes with zero structural failures—the difference between professional engineering and standard deck construction becomes obvious during storm season.

Commercial boardwalks require ADA compliance (60" minimum width, 1:12 maximum slope, continuous handrails), higher traffic load ratings (100 PSF vs 40 PSF residential), slip-resistant surface treatments, and more frequent inspection schedules. Materials must carry commercial-grade warranties and resist heavy daily foot traffic. Permitting involves additional review layers including accessibility compliance verification. Commercial installations typically cost 30-40% more than residential due to these enhanced requirements, but they're engineered for decades of public use rather than occasional family access.

We use helical pier anchors—galvanized steel shafts with welded spiral plates that screw 8-12 feet into stable subsoil below loose surface sand. These provide immediate load-bearing capacity without concrete curing time, resist washout during storm surge, and install with zero excavation disturbance to dune vegetation. Each pier embeds a post bracket before installation, creating a continuous engineered connection from decking surface to bedrock. Standard concrete footings fail in sandy coastal soil within 3-5 years due to settling and lateral movement.

IPE requires minimal maintenance—it's naturally resistant to rot, termites, and UV damage. You have two options: (1) Let it weather naturally to an elegant silver-gray patina (zero maintenance, just occasional cleaning), or (2) Apply UV-inhibitor oil annually to maintain the rich brown color ($80-120 in materials, 2-3 hours DIY application). Unlike pressure-treated wood that demands annual sealing and staining, IPE's dense grain and natural oils mean it performs beautifully for 40+ years with or without finishing treatments. Quarterly hosing removes salt and sand accumulation.

Yes, but only with proper DEP permitting and elevated foundation design. Florida law prohibits disturbing dune vegetation, so we use helical pier foundations installed by hand without heavy equipment. The boardwalk must maintain minimum height clearance above vegetation (typically 18-24 inches) and follow natural topography rather than cutting straight lines. Post-construction, we coordinate native plant restoration in any temporarily disturbed areas. CCCL permits take 6-8 weeks but protect you from violations that can require complete structure removal and $10,000+ fines.

We use 316 marine-grade stainless steel fasteners exclusively for all coastal installations within 500 feet of saltwater. Standard 305 stainless (acceptable for inland areas) shows rust staining within 2-3 years in direct salt spray. Galvanized screws—still used by many contractors—fail completely within 18 months, causing board pop-ups and structural weakness. The cost difference is $200-400 per project, but 316 stainless provides rust-free performance for the entire lifespan of your boardwalk. We also use stainless Simpson Strong-Tie connectors with ZMAX coating for additional corrosion protection.

HOA approval is a separate process from county building permits and must be obtained before submitting permit applications. The typical workflow is:

Step 1: HOA Application (Week 1-2)

• We prepare design drawings showing deck dimensions, materials, colors, and property line setbacks
• Homeowner submits application to HOA architectural review committee (we provide all technical documentation)
• Review timeline varies: 2-4 weeks typical, though some HOAs meet monthly and may take 6-8 weeks

Step 2: HOA Approval & Modifications (Week 3-4)

• If approved, we receive written approval letter required for permit application
• If modifications requested, we revise drawings and resubmit (adds 1-2 weeks)
• Common HOA requirements: specific railing styles, height restrictions, color limitations, landscaping restoration plans

Step 3: County Permit Application (Week 5-8)

• Submit engineered drawings and HOA approval letter to county building department
• Permit processing proceeds normally (3-4 weeks Miami-Dade, 2-3 weeks Broward)

Step 4: Construction & Final HOA Inspection (Week 9-12)

• Some HOAs require notification before construction starts
• Most HOAs conduct final inspection after county issues Certificate of Occupancy to verify compliance with approved plans

The critical detail is that HOA approval must come first—county building departments will reject permit applications for properties in deed-restricted communities without proof of HOA approval. We've developed working relationships with architectural review committees in major South Florida communities (Weston, Parkland, Coral Gables, Miami Lakes) and understand their specific requirements.

For homeowners, the key is initiating HOA approval process early. A 6-week permit timeline can become 10-12 weeks when HOA approval is required, especially if modifications are requested. We coordinate this entire process and communicate timeline expectations upfront based on your specific HOA's review procedures.