Most Common Mistakes During Seawall Construction (And How to Avoid Them)

If you're building a seawall in South Florida, one mistake could cost you tens of thousands of dollars—or worse, damage your waterfront property. In this guide, we break down the most common mistakes made during seawall construction and how to avoid them with expert-backed strategies.

Whether you're a homeowner in Fort Lauderdale, a property manager in Miami, or a real estate investor with waterfront assets, avoiding these costly errors will protect your investment and ensure long-term shoreline stability.

Why Proper Seawall Construction Matters in South Florida

South Florida’s coastal communities face constant threats from erosion, high tides, and tropical storms. A properly built seawall protects your property from these forces, preserves property value, and is often required to comply with municipal codes and FEMA flood zone regulations.

But without the right approach, you risk:

• Structural failure due to poor soil anchoring

• Violations for not meeting city or county regulations

• Future collapse due to lack of drainage or inferior materials

  
  

Let’s walk through the biggest mistakes that contractors and property owners make—and how to get your seawall right the first time.

Top 10 Mistakes During Seawall Construction

1. Skipping a Professional Engineering Evaluation

Problem: Many property owners skip the critical first step: hiring a licensed structural engineer to assess site conditions.

Why it matters: Soil conditions, water table levels, and load-bearing capacity must be evaluated to determine the proper design, especially when considering alternatives like helical piles for deep foundations.

Solution: Hire a Florida-licensed engineer for a seawall inspection and soil analysis. Make sure the inspection is signed and sealed to meet municipal permitting requirements.

2. Using the Wrong Materials

Problem: Using untreated wood, low-quality concrete, or non-marine-grade steel may lower initial costs—but will fail faster under saltwater exposure.

Why it matters: South Florida’s climate accelerates corrosion and degradation.

Solution: Use marine-grade concrete, vinyl sheet piling, or composite panels designed for saltwater exposure. Always verify specs with your contractor and confirm compatibility with local building code.

3. Inadequate Drainage Behind the Wall

Problem: Water trapped behind the seawall creates hydrostatic pressure that pushes against the structure.

Result: Cracking, bulging, or catastrophic failure over time.

Solution: Incorporate weep holes, gravel backfill, or geotextile drainage fabrics into the wall design to allow pressure relief.

4. Improper Installation of Tiebacks or Anchoring Systems

Problem: Without proper lateral support, especially for tall or load-bearing seawalls, walls may lean or collapse.

Solution: Engineer and install deadman anchors, tiebacks, or helical piles for maximum stability, particularly in soft or reclaimed land zones common across Miami and Broward counties.

5. Poor Planning Around Water Levels and Elevation

Problem: Seawalls built too low become overtopped during high tides or storm surge. Too high, and the base may erode prematurely.

Solution: Design based on NOAA tide data, FEMA flood maps, and future sea-level rise projections. Miami-Dade and Broward both have evolving height requirements—stay current.

6. Failing to Secure the Right Permits

Problem: Unpermitted seawall construction can lead to stop-work orders, fines, or forced removal.

Solution: Work with a contractor experienced in navigating permitting through:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

• Miami-Dade or Broward Environmental Resources

• Local zoning and coastal management departments
  
  

Permit expediters and engineering-backed plans help speed up approvals.

7. Neglecting Neighboring Property Alignment

Problem: Misalignment can disrupt shoreline flow, create erosion at property lines, and lead to legal disputes.

Solution: Coordinate elevations and materials with neighboring seawalls for seamless integration. This is especially important for condos or HOAs.

8. Underestimating the Impact of Boat Traffic and Wave Action

Problem: Heavy marine traffic increases lateral wave pressure on seawalls—something many builders overlook.

Solution: Use impact-resistant designs and reinforced capping, and if needed, consider riprap in front of the seawall to disperse wave energy.

9. Choosing the Cheapest Bid Instead of the Most Qualified Contractor

Problem: Unlicensed or inexperienced contractors may offer low bids that don’t meet code or best practices.

Solution: Verify your contractor is:

• State-licensed and insured

• Experienced specifically with seawall construction in South Florida

• Able to provide engineer-reviewed plans and references
  
  

10. Ignoring Long-Term Maintenance Requirements

Problem: A "set-it-and-forget-it" approach can lead to missed signs of wear or structural stress.

Solution: Schedule routine seawall inspections—especially after major storms or extreme tides. Early detection of cracks, soil loss, or corrosion saves significant money.

Expert Tips for Real Estate Investors and Property Managers

• Inspect Before You Buy: A thorough seawall inspection should be part of any due diligence checklist for coastal property.

• Plan for 30–50 Years: Design seawalls to last decades. Use reinforced concrete or composite materials that resist saltwater intrusion.

• Don’t Wait for Damage: Preventative maintenance costs a fraction of post-failure emergency reconstruction.

• Bundle Services: Save time and money by hiring a company that handles inspections, engineering, permitting, and construction in-house.
  
  

Why This Is Crucial in South Florida

From Fort Lauderdale’s canal-lined neighborhoods to Miami’s oceanfront communities, thousands of seawalls are aging out of their useful life. Rising sea levels, king tides, and stricter local ordinances mean a well-constructed seawall is more important than ever.

Whether you manage multifamily properties or own a single waterfront home, avoiding these construction pitfalls is key to protecting your asset and complying with evolving regulations.

FAQs About Seawall Construction Mistakes

How much does a seawall cost in South Florida?

Expect $1000 to $1,700+ per linear foot, depending on materials, access, and permitting complexity.

Is it better to repair or replace an old seawall?

If the base structure is intact, repairs (like adding a concrete cap or injecting grout) may be possible. An inspection will determine feasibility.

Can I install a seawall myself?

Not legally. Florida law requires licensed contractors and engineering oversight for marine construction.

What’s the best seawall material?

For durability and performance in South Florida, reinforced concrete, composite panels, or vinyl sheet piling are top choices.

Build It Right, Protect It Long-Term

Avoiding the most common mistakes during seawall construction can save you from major expenses, legal issues, and property damage. The best protection for your coastal asset is working with qualified professionals who understand Florida’s regulatory landscape and coastal engineering.

Need help with a seawall inspection or construction estimate?
Contact Souffront Contractors at 877-420-7220 or visit seawallinspectionpro.com to get started today.