There are many effective shoreline stabilization alternatives to seawalls and these alternatives have many advantages, including reduced cost and maintenance. Seawalls protect only the land immediately behind them but offer no protection to adjacent areas. In fact, vertical faces may reflect wave energy, causing increased erosion in front or to the sides of the structure. A vertical wall effectively eliminates shallow shoreline areas thereby eliminating functions such as wildlife habitat, stormwater treatment and attenuation/absorbsion of erosion-causing wave energy. 

Rip-rap, unconsolidated rock material, can also be placed along a shoreline or in front of a seawall to break the force of waves, protect the shore from erosion, and can offer some functionality of habitat since some vegetation is able recruit within the rock voids.

A naturalized shoreline is one that is designed to work with and not against the forces of nature and should incorporate existing natural features, such as a gradual slope, native vegetation, rocks, etc. You can design a naturalized shoreline to accommodate boat docking, scenic access, fishing, and other appropriate human activities. A naturalized shoreline can accommodate both proper usage and site conservation.

If you choose to maintain or develop a naturalized shoreline, you may need only to maintain those features that provide positive aesthetic and natural benefits, such as wildlife habitat and stormwater management, in the design of your proposed shoreline. In doing so, you will not only increase your enjoyment of the property, but also enhance both its resale value and its value as a natural system.

Careful plant selection is required when acquiring plants for shoreline stabilization. Native plants with extensive root systems, adaptable to the rise and fall of water, and not prone to freeze, are preferable. The agencies listed below can assist you in designing shoreline vegetation projects, and local "native plant" nurseries can help you select appropriate plant species and other natural materials.

When considering shoreline management options, property owners should consult marine contractors or design engineers, professionals who are trained to design and experienced in construction of shoreline structures. In addition, those agencies which require permits for construction should also be consulted, regardless of the likely size or cost of the project.

The agencies listed below may require permits for your shoreline stabilization project:

The Tampa Port Authority
1101 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33601
(813) 905-7678

The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPC)
3629 Queen Palm Drive
Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 627-2600

Hillsborough County Planning & Growth Management Department (PGMD)
601 East Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33601
(813) 272-5920

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Southwest District
13051 N. Telecom Parkway
Tampa, FL 33637
(813) 632-7600

Southwest Florida Water Management District
7601 U.S. Highway 301 N
Tampa, FL 33637
(813) 985-7481

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Coast Area Office
P.O. Box 19247
Tampa, FL 33603-9247
(813) 840-2908

City of Tampa
306 E. Jackson Street
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 223-8211

City of Temple Terrace
11250 N. 56th Street
Temple Terrace, FL 33617
(813) 989-7100