Date: August 29, 2024
From: Shawn McNulty, Building Official
Subject: Permitting/Licensing Enforcement for Building, Repairing, or Altering Docks, Boatlifts, or Seawalls
This correspondence is intended for contractors obtaining permits for docks, boatlifts, and seawalls to clarify the requirements regarding electrical work associated with these permits. Florida-licensed General Contractors (CG), Building Contractors (BC), and Residential Contractors (RC) are authorized to obtain marine-related permits for docks, boatlifts, and seawalls. However, any electrical work must be subcontracted to a state-licensed electrical contractor.
Historically, Charlotte County has allowed state and locally licensed Marine Contractors to install certain wiring associated with boatlift motors and controls. This allowance was based on the scope of work outlined in the Florida Administrative Code for Marine Specialty Contractors. However, over time, this practice has resulted in non-marine specialty contractors (CG, BC, RC) performing the same electrical work without an electrical subcontractor. To address this issue, all contractors obtaining marine related permits will now be required to include an electrical subcontractor for any permits involving electrical work or obtain a separate electrical permit.
At the time of the Building Final inspection:
- If the scope of work for the dock, boatlift, or seawall includes electrical components and no wiring has been completed, the Building Final inspection will receive a partial pass without a fee.
- If any wiring has been installed and an electrical subcontractor is not listed on the dock/boatlift permit or a separate electrical trade permit has not been issued, the work will be considered unpermitted, and the inspection will fail.
- To remedy this situation, a plans change must be submitted and approved to add an electrical subcontractor and scope of work to the dock/boatlift permit, or a licensed electrical contractor must obtain an electrical trade permit for the entire scope of electrical work completed on the dock/boatlift.
At the time of Electrical Final inspection of new docks, replaced docks, and new boatlifts:
- All wiring downstream of overcurrent devices supplying the boatlift/dock will be inspected, including existing wiring and wiring installed under the house permit.
- This ensures that dock and boatlift permits without electrical components remain unaffected by the electrical scope of work, unless work is done without a permit.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Building Official Shawn McNulty at Shawn.McNulty@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or Deputy Building Official Jack McStravic at Jack.McStravic@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
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