Frequently Asked Questions

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JJ Marine will update every project internally on a regular basis to make sure nothing gets overlooked. You will be copied on all emails and written correspondence. Our team will be available at any time by email or call to inform you on your project’s progress and answer any questions that you may have. We are also available for zoom calls to share screens that make it easier to discuss and review plan sets and any other pertinent updates.

Of course not. We take care of everything on your behalf from submitting all paperwork to conducting site visits. We perform seagrass surveys, take pictures, measurements, and collect any other information needed to move forward with the project.

The length of time to obtain permits can vary depending on certain factors such as the scope of work and project location. The county and state permits typically take 4-6 months to obtain and the US Army Corps of Engineers can vary between 6-12 months. 

Absolutely, you can. However, having someone familiar with the environmental agency regulations and local municipality codes can expedite the process significantly. Depending on the project location and scope of work, various types of surveys or other required documentation may be required.

The majority of permits are good between 2-5 years. Upon approval, we will notify you of the permit expiration dates. So that way you are aware of how much time you have to obtain a contractor, acquire the city building permit, and complete construction.

JJ Marine regularly works with reputable contractors. We can request bids from our local network to get the most competitive prices.

Once an existing structure is rendered “nonfunctional,” your permit options are not the same because you are no longer grandfathered in. At this point, you will most likely not be able to permit what you once had because it will need to be brought up to the current code. This may result in the permit process taking significantly longer and costing more. In addition, if your current structure is failing, this could potentially cause catastrophic damage to upland structures. For example, a failing seawall may result in loss of soil in your backyard due to water seepage and it may negatively impact the foundation of your pool and/or house. It may take 6-12 months to obtain a permit so it's better to get the permit process started as soon as possible. The permits are typically valid for 2-5 years and then, permit extensions and modifications are relatively quicker to obtain. 

The regulatory agencies (i.e., US Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Broward County Resilient Environment Department) require benthic resource surveys during the permit process to document any resources such as seagrass and coral within the project footprint. The agencies require reasonable assurance that impacts to these resources will not result from the project. These resources are protected because they provide economical and ecological value. Coral reefs and seagrass beds provide habitat for various marine organisms. In addition, coral reefs act as natural barriers from storm surge and high-energy waves and seagrass beds stabilize sediments - both providing coastal protection by reducing coastal erosion and damage. These resources also contribute to carbon sequestration and improve water quality. Coral reefs and seagrasses provide habitat and nursery grounds for economically important fish species supporting our commercial fisheries.  

An endangered species is any species that is at high risk of becoming extinct. A threatened species is any species that is at risk of becoming endangered in the near future. They are both protected under the Endangered Species Act. During the environmental permit process, an endangered and threatened species survey may be requested by the regulatory agencies. These surveys are used to determine if there are listed species or suitable habitat for listed species on site. If suitable habitat is present, further data may need to be collected to determine if there are any listed species present within the project area. If you have a project and need assistance assessing whether threatened or endangered species, or critical habitats, are present at your site, please contact JJ Marine & Environmental, Inc.