A Shoreline Alteration Permit will be required to alter your shoreline regardless of whether the vegetation is invasive or native unless that alteration is for the creation of an access corridor for a boat or swimmer to reach open water that is no larger than 50 feet or 50% of the shoreline, whichever is less. Additionally, it can only be created by physical or mechanical removal. Any herbicide use (chemical) will require a Shoreline Alteration Permit.

Any person planning to clear vegetation from the shoreline of a lake between 2 and 160 acres will be required to obtain a Shoreline Alteration Permit, unless that alteration is to create a limited access corridor for a boat or swimmer to reach open water. The access corridor can be no larger than 50 feet or 50% of the shoreline, whichever is less, and can only be created by physical or mechanical removal (no chemicals without a permit). If you are unsure of whether you will need a permit or not, please contact the Watershed Management Division at 407-665-5542.

It is expected that permits will be effective for a period of three years from the date issued. It will be the responsibility of the permit holder to submit a renewal application 45 days prior to the expiration date of the permit.

The cost of a Shoreline Alteration Permit fee is still to be determined.

Applications should be submitted through the existing County online permitting system (https://seminolecounty.sgssys.info/departments-services/development-services/building/forms-applications). Anyone unable to apply electronically should contact the County’s Watershed Management Division for assistance with the application process.

As currently drafted, the installation of a berm or swale system will only be required for any new structure or significant change to an existing property on a lakefront, canal front, or stream front lot. In cases where construction of a berm or swale is not practical or feasible, a permanent vegetative buffer zone could be constructed instead.

Property owners will be responsible for their shorelines. A contractor should be able to apply for a permit on behalf of the property owner with the owner’s written permission. It will be the property owner’s responsibility to ensure the contractor is working within the SPO rules. Seminole County is in the process of developing a contractor checklist for waterfront residents that will help them to make sure their contractor follows the County shoreline rules.

It is expected that persons authorized to represent multiple riparian owners should be allowed to submit a single Shoreline Alteration Permit application for multiple sites, as long as a signed written consent is submitted for each riparian owner being represented.

If your lake is in an MSBU or other aquatic vegetation management ordinance, the MSBU ordinance should serve as documentation for riparian representation. If you wish to do additional shoreline alteration activities that are outside of the MSBU funded activities conducted by the County, a separate individual permit would be required. Contact the County’s Watershed Management Division for assistance with the application process if you live on a MSBU Lake.

Link to Active MSBU Lakes in Seminole County: https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/resource-management/municipal-service-benefit-unit-msbu-pr/activeestablished-msbus/

The ordinance regulations will only apply to shorelines within the unincorporated areas of Seminole County. Where a natural lake is shared by both unincorporated areas and city areas, the ordinance would not apply to those shorelines within the city boundaries. Check to make sure that your city does not have their own shoreline protection regulations.

The ordinance will set rules for all methods of shoreline alterations. These include: chemical (herbicides), mechanical (including jet-pumps) and physical (by hand). Such methods may be further restricted through state and federal agencies.

If you are not in compliance with the Shoreline Protection Ordinance, you should restore your shoreline with native plants in appropriate coverage to bring your property into compliance. Seminole County Watershed Management is available to provide assistance and guidance.

The Shoreline Protection Ordinance will be administered by the County Manager and enforced through the County’s Code Enforcement Officers. Education is the primary goal of the ordinance, and staff will work to educate residents about the benefits of native shoreline vegetation and the County’s rules to protect them. Those who violate the shoreline protection rules will be given written notice of non-compliance and a Site Specific Restoration Guide by Public Works Code Enforcement Officers. If the violation is not corrected within the time given in the notice, the violator will be required to appear before the Code Enforcement Board or Special Magistrate of Seminole County.

The Shoreline Protection Ordinance was approved by the Board of County Commissioners at their April 27, 2021 meeting.

The ordinance will only affect property owners in unincorporated Seminole County abutting a natural lake or waterbody larger than 2 acres and less than 160 acres.

Aquatic plants filter pollutants from runoff, reduce erosion and sedimentation, and provide wildlife habitat. They play a strong role in the ecological network that maintains the health of a lake.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) had jurisdiction over most lakes in the state until December 2018, when their rules changed and now they only oversee and permit lakes greater than 160 acres in size.

Seminole County recognizes the value and fragility of lake shorelines as a natural resource, which must be protected for environmental, recreational, and property value, County staff has developed a draft ordinance that targets lakes and waterbodies that are now outside of the FWC rules.

Grants may be available through the Florida Lake Management Society located at: https://flms.net/grants/shoreline-grants-program/ Additionally, the County may be implementing a reimbursement program to encourage waterfront residents to build berms and/or swales or plant vegetation to protect their waterbody. Please check back on this in the future.

A permit will not be required to plant beneficial native vegetation on your shoreline.