A shoreline alteration permit may be required if you are installing a seawall or other structures to stabilize your shoreline. This type of permit is also needed for dredging, drag lining, filling, pumping of sand, or other alterations to the shoreline or lake bottom of our lakes or canals. All shoreline alteration projects require a public hearing and approval by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.

Generally, stone rip-rap and native vegetation should be installed waterward of a seawall to offset the adverse effects on the environment, unless these measures will cause navigation impairment or greater environmental harm. Properly installed rip-rap reduces wave action energy, helps prolong the functional lifespan of a seawall, protects shorelines on adjacent properties, and creates vital wildlife habitat necessary for many species to perform basic life-cycle functions such as resting, nesting and foraging.

Please note: The Florida Legislature passed an update to Section 125.022, Florida Statutes (FS), effective Oct. 1, 2025. For any applications received on or after Oct. 1, 2025, an applicant has 30 days from the date of a Request for Additional Information (RAI) letter to respond to EPD. However, Section 125.022, FS, allows the applicant to submit a written request to EPD to waive the timeframes. If a response to an RAI is not received within 30 days, or a waiver is not approved within that period, EPD will close the application. The applicant will then be required to reapply, including any application fees. An Application for Waiver can be requested from EPD by emailing WetlandPermitting@ocfl.net and can also be found under Get Forms.

1. Complete and submit an Application for a Shoreline Alteration/Dredge and Fill Permit.
   • Application can be mailed, delivered or faxed to Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD), 3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200 Orlando, Florida 32803. Fax: (407) 836-1499.
   • Submit application with required materials listed on page 2. Note: three (3) copies are required for the shoreline alteration plans and must be signed and sealed by a professional engineer.
   • As of January 1, 2009, the following forms are required with all permit application submittals:
     • Agent Authorization Form.
     • Relationship Disclosure Form - Development Related.
     • Specific Expenditure Report Form.
2. Application is reviewed for compliance with County regulations by EPD.
3. EPD will conduct a site review.
4. EPD will send a Request for Additional Information if needed.
5. Once the permit application is administratively and technically complete, a public hearing with the Board of County Commissioners is scheduled.
6. The Board of County Commissioners will either approve or deny the permit.
7. The permit will be issued after 30 days of appeal time and is complete.
8. The permit is valid for one (1) year.

• $182.00.

Environmental Protection Division
3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200
Orlando, FL 32803

Email: wetlandpermitting@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 836-1400
Fax: (407) 836-1499

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.