Regulatory
USACE Section 10
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 10
Definition
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers federal authority over any work in navigable waters of the United States, including dredging.
What it means in practice
If a canal or waterway connects to the Intracoastal Waterway or any other navigable water, USACE has jurisdiction. Section 10 permits are separate from FDEP state permits and Section 404 (dredge-and-fill) permits, though they're often processed together under a joint application.
Why it matters to you
Most residential canals in Palm Beach and Broward counties are USACE-jurisdictional. That means a federal permit is required in addition to state and county permits. Skipping the federal review — even unknowingly — can result in significant fines and required restoration.
Related terms
Have a project that involves USACE Section 10? Talk to us.
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