Building a dock isn’t just a weekend project—it’s an investment in your property, your lifestyle, and your time on the water. Whether you’re adding a boathouse, a simple fishing platform, or a full walkaround dock, knowing what to expect can make the process smoother and a whole lot less stressful.
At Old Florida Docks, we’ve walked dozens of homeowners through the process of building their dream dock. Here’s what you can expect when you work with a crew that does things the right way from day one.
1. Initial Walkthrough and Design
Every dock starts with a conversation. We meet you at your property to learn how you plan to use the dock—boating? lounging? fishing with the grandkids?
We look at your shoreline, water depth, and any existing structure. From there, we design a dock that fits your needs and fits the site. No cookie-cutter layouts here.
2. Permitting and Paperwork
Florida has strict environmental and construction regulations, especially around docks. We handle the entire permitting process so you don’t have to lift a finger (or Google “what is an EPC permit?”).
We’re familiar with the county and state-level requirements for freshwater lakes north of Tampa, and we’ve got a great track record of fast approvals.
3. Material Planning and Scheduling
Once permits are approved, we lock you into the calendar and plan materials lists.
We’ll try and give you a clear timeline and stick to it—but sometimes weather has different plans in mind. So bear with us as we near your start date.
4. The Build
Expect our crew to show up on time, clean up after themselves, and take pride in every detail. We will tear-out your old dock, drive pilings in, complete framing, and finally lay down decking.
We’ll keep you updated along the way, and we’re happy to walk the job with you during key phases to see if you have any modifications. Docks always look a lot different in real life than on a drawing
5. Final Walkthrough and Inspection
Once the last screw is in, we’ll walk you through the dock, explain any features (like lifts, cleats, or benches), and ensure you’re 100% satisfied. We don’t leave until it’s right.
You’ll also get all necessary inspection sign-offs from the county or municipality, depending on where you’re located.
6. Ongoing Support
Our job doesn’t end when the dock is done. We’ll give you guidance on maintaining your dock—and if you ever need repairs, upgrades, or inspections after a storm, you’ll know who to call.
Final Thoughts:
Building a dock in Florida shouldn’t be confusing or chaotic. When you work with Old Florida Docks, you’re choosing a crew that values craftsmanship, clear communication, and doing things the right way—even when nobody’s watching.
Thinking about adding a dock or replacing an old one?
Reach out today to schedule a free walkthrough. We’d love to build something you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Old Florida Docks 