Marina Seawall & Bulkhead Repair in Panama City & Bay County
Shape the bulkhead project around how the marina runs: slips, fuel, power, customer access and the permits that set the schedule.
What local rules shape a marina project?
Start with zoning. In Panama City Beach, marinas are a conditional use in the R and C districts. They may not sit in Lake Powell or its protection zone, must need minimal or no dredging and need at least 4 feet of water below mean low water. Panama City Beach LDC 5.06.11
Docks, slips and marinas inside the water interface area of Naval Support Activity Panama City get extra planning review, in the city and in the county. Panama City Beach LDC 7.02.06 Bay County LDR Chapter 10
- Mark slips, fuel, power, water and pump-out on one plan.
- List busy dates and which berths can close.
- Give every bidder the same operating limits.
For slip and lift work tied to the wall, see docks and boat lifts.
What did the St. Andrews Marina rebuild show?
Full plans change the price. Panama City's St. Andrews Marina plan drives a new steel sheet pile bulkhead around the old one, with walers (horizontal beams), tie rods, concrete deadman piles (buried anchors the rods pull against) and a cap. The pricing table lists 2,644 linear feet of wall. St. Andrews Marina pricing table
The city's estimate for the upland and bulkhead work rose from about $12.9 million in 2024 to $15.2 million. Staff gave three reasons: the old deck could not be overlaid once full plans existed, labor and material costs rose, and scope was added. Panama City Public Works memo
Investigate the deck, tiebacks and utilities before fixing the budget. That is where this public marina estimate moved.
Which approvals does a marina bulkhead need?
Expect state, federal and local steps. Revenue-generating activities on state submerged land need a lease. Rule 18-21.005, F.A.C. Lease fees drop 30% for marinas open to the public first-come, first-served, and 10% for Clean Marina facilities. s. 253.0346, F.S.
The Corps' Panama City Permits Section covers Bay and Gulf counties and lists (850) 763-0717. USACE Panama City Permits Section A state permit does not remove the need for federal approval. USACE guidance The permit guide covers the state side.
Common questions
Can the marina stay open during the work?
Often in part. Ask for a phasing plan that names closed berths, customer routes and utility outages.
Should bidders assume work from the water?
Only if it is allowed and practical. Compare land and water access using the real staging limits.
Can a home seawall price per foot set a marina budget?
No. Marina walls carry different loads, heights and utilities. Use a commercial scope with site-specific prices.
Are dock and utility changes in the bulkhead price?
Only if the scope says so. List power, water, fuel and dock work as separate lines.
When should we announce closure dates?
After approvals, access and the work sequence are confirmed. Say who will post updates for customers and staff.
What records help after a storm?
Dated maintenance logs, inspection reports and repair invoices. They help show what was storm damage and what was wear.
A disaster-repair exemption has an end date
Panama City is rebuilding the St. Andrews Marina bulkhead under an exemption for repairing damage from a named disaster. The city's June 2026 memo says the exemption expires at the end of July 2027. If it lapses, a formal FDEP and Corps permit would add at least 18 months. Panama City cost-control memo
FEMA money can also fall short. The city received roughly $5 million toward the marina after Michael, less than it claimed, because FEMA cited deferred maintenance and wear. Panama City Public Works memo
Dated maintenance records help separate storm damage from wear when a claim is reviewed. The storm guide covers post-storm records.
What recent marina bids in Bay County show
Bids spread widely. Panama City's 2026 bid for the first 50 Downtown Marina wet slips drew 14 bids, from about $2.9 million to about $5.5 million. Panama City bid tabulation PC26-021 Staff recommended a higher bidder after finding two of the three lowest did not show five years of similar marine work. The commission still chose the lowest bidder. Panama City commission award
Prices also move after bidding. The Mexico Beach jetty contractor could hold its prices for only 90 days. Mexico Beach weekly report
- State experience rules clearly, then check them.
- Ask how long each price holds.
- Compare bids on the same scope and exclusions.
The cost guide explains how to read a seawall scope.
Plan the handover after each phase
For each phase, name who confirms that the wall, utilities, safety items and slips are ready for customers. Keep that sign-off with the permit file.
If the marina holds or wants a Clean Marina designation, fold it into the plan. DEP's program is voluntary and requires meeting all regulatory requirements and adopting at least 60% of its voluntary practices for habitat, waste, stormwater and spills. A Clean and Resilient tier recognizes added storm resilience. DEP Clean Marina Program
Show sourcesHide sources
- Memo: Cost Control Safeguards for the Upland Reconstruction of the St. Andrews Marina (6/16/2026)Source reviewed 2026-10-28
- Memo: Revised Estimate of Probable Cost for the Upland Reconstruction of the St. Andrews Marina (2/2/2026)Source reviewed 2026-10-28
- Bid Tab PC 26-021 DT Marina First 50 Wet Slips (Attachment B) and Agenda Item Request (fileID 37336), Aug 25, 2026Source reviewed 2026-10-28
- City Commission Meeting Minutes, August 25, 2026, item 12.aSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- April 24, 2026 Weekly ReportSource reviewed 2026-10-28
- Clean Marina ProgramSource reviewed 2026-10-27
Discuss a waterfront business project
Record the affected shoreline and the decision you need to make. Use the notes when discussing scope with the appropriate professional.