195
Marine Construction Services by JSC Contracting Inc.
JSC Contracting Inc., a family-owned marine construction and remodeling specialist based in Ocala, Florida, has over 40 years of combined experience in delivering high-quality marine construction services across Central Florida, including Marion, Sumter, Lake, Citrus, and Brevard counties. Formed in 2018 through the acquisition of Labagh Marine Contracting (established 1984), JSC specializes in building and repairing docks, seawalls, boathouses, and boat lifts designed to withstand Florida’s harsh coastal and lakefront conditions—saltwater corrosion, hurricanes (up to 150 mph winds per Florida Building Code), and intense UV exposure. Their marine construction services are tailored to residential waterfront properties, emphasizing durability, environmental compliance, and aesthetic appeal. With a BuildZoom score of 144 (top 1% in Florida), over 105 permitted projects worth $3.7 million, and a 4.6-star rating from customer reviews, JSC is a trusted name in marine construction. Below is an overview of JSC’s marine construction services, detailing their offerings, materials, processes, and compliance with Florida regulations, drawing from their practices and industry standards.
Overview of JSC’s Marine Construction ServicesJSC provides comprehensive marine construction solutions, from new builds to repairs, focusing on custom designs that meet site-specific needs and Florida’s stringent environmental and structural regulations. Their services include:
Dock Construction and Repair:
New Docks: Custom fixed or floating docks for residential use, including T-docks, U-docks, or straight designs. Sizes typically range from 500 to 1,000 sq ft to qualify for exemptions under Florida Statute §403.813, though larger docks (up to 4,000 sq ft) are built with general permits.
Repairs: Reinforcement of pilings, decking replacement, or storm damage restoration. Common for docks affected by hurricanes like Ian (2022) or Milton (2024).
Materials: Marine-grade aluminum for framing and railings, galvanized steel for pilings, and composite decking (e.g., Trex) for low-maintenance surfaces. Aluminum and composites resist corrosion and UV damage, lasting 30-50 years.
Features: Non-slip decking, modular designs for storm resilience, and integration with boat lifts or sundecks.
Seawall Construction and Repair:
New Seawalls: Vertical or sloped bulkheads to combat erosion and protect shorelines. Built with reinforced concrete (50-75 year lifespan), vinyl sheet piling (30-50 years), or galvanized steel (25-40 years).
Repairs: Patching cracks in concrete, replacing damaged vinyl sheets, or reinforcing tie-back systems to prevent collapse.
Design: Incorporates deep-driven piles (15-30 ft) and tie-backs for stability in high-wave zones like Brevard’s coast. Flexible vinyl absorbs wave energy in calmer lakes like Lake Weir.
Compliance: Meets DEP and USACE erosion control standards, with eco-friendly materials to protect seagrass and manatee habitats.
Boathouse Construction:
Custom boathouses with gable, flat, or hip roofs, sealed against leaks and rated for 150 mph winds. Often paired with docks or boat lifts.
Materials: Aluminum or galvanized steel frames, composite or metal roofing, and vinyl siding for low maintenance.
Features: Integrated lighting, storage, or sundecks. Roofs limited to 1,000 sq ft per DEP rules, with no living quarters allowed.
Use Case: Protects vessels from UV and storm damage, common in Citrus County’s canals.
Boat Lifts and Cradles:
Types: Elevator lifts, cradle lifts, or floating lifts for vessels up to 10,000 lbs (general permit limit). Rated for 90+ mph winds.
Materials: Galvanized steel or aluminum cradles and cables, resisting corrosion in brackish water.
Compliance: Aligns with SB 164 (2025), requiring seaworthy moored vessels to prevent derelict conditions. JSC ensures lifts secure boats during storms.
Applications: Essential for coastal homes in Brevard or lakefront properties in Marion.
Additional Marine Features:
Gangways and Ramps: Aluminum or composite, hinged for water level changes, with non-slip surfaces.
Decks and Platforms: Sundecks or fishing platforms integrated with docks, using composites for durability.
Erosion Control Accessories: Riprap or geotextile fabrics to reinforce seawalls in high-erosion zones.
Materials and DurabilityJSC prioritizes materials that balance strength, longevity, and environmental compliance:
Aluminum: Used for dock framing, railings, and lighter pilings. Corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and recyclable, with a 30-50 year lifespan. Ideal for floating docks in fluctuating waters.
Galvanized Steel: Employed for pilings and boat lift cradles. Hot-dipped zinc coatings resist rust, lasting 25-40 years with periodic touch-ups. Suited for fixed docks and heavy-duty seawalls.
Composite Decking: Low-maintenance, UV- and moisture-resistant surfaces for docks and sundecks. Mimics wood aesthetics, lasts 25-35 years.
Reinforced Concrete: Primary for seawalls in high-wave coastal areas. Resists corrosion and erosion, lasting 50-75 years.
Vinyl Sheet Piling: Eco-friendly, corrosion-proof seawall material for lakes and canals. Flexible and cost-effective, with a 30-50 year lifespan.
Treated Wood: Rarely used due to rot and marine borer issues but may appear in budget-friendly inland repairs (10-20 years).
These materials comply with DEP’s environmental standards (e.g., no creosote) and FBC wind load requirements, ensuring docks and seawalls withstand Florida’s hurricanes and saltwater exposure.
Construction Process and ExpertiseJSC’s marine construction process is streamlined for efficiency and compliance:
Site Assessment: Evaluates soil, water depth, tidal patterns, and vegetation to customize designs. Ensures minimal impact on seagrass or manatee habitats.
Design and Permitting: JSC handles all permitting (exemptions, general, or individual permits) with DEP, USACE, and local counties. Their 105+ permitted projects reflect expertise in navigating Florida’s complex regulations.
Construction: Uses precision equipment (e.g., pile drivers for 20-30 ft pilings) and modular techniques for storm-ready builds. Breakaway designs align with FEMA guidelines.
Inspection and Maintenance: Post-build inspections ensure code compliance. JSC offers repair services and annual maintenance plans to extend structure life.
Timeline: Small docks (500 sq ft) take 1-2 weeks; seawalls or boathouses, 2-4 weeks. Permitting adds 1-6 months, depending on project size.Cost: Varies by scope—docks: $5,000-$30,000; seawalls: $50-$200 per linear ft; boathouses: $10,000-$50,000. Free estimates provided via (352) 687-2030 or jscfla.com.
Regulatory ComplianceJSC ensures compliance with Florida’s marine construction regulations:
DEP and USACE: Docks under 1,000 sq ft may qualify for exemptions (Florida Statute §403.813); larger projects need general ($250) or individual ($500+) permits. Seawalls require erosion control plans.
FBC: Structures meet 150 mph wind load standards, with deep pilings and flexible joints for storm resilience.
Environmental Protections: Materials avoid chemical leaching; designs minimize shading of seagrass. JSC adheres to manatee zone rules and SB 164 (2025) for vessel mooring.
Local Rules: County-specific setbacks (e.g., 25 ft from mangroves) and size limits (e.g., 25% of waterfront in Orange County) are strictly followed.
Customer Feedback and ReliabilityJSC’s marine work earns consistent praise: a 4.6-star Birdeye rating and Yelp reviews highlight “beautiful and very well built” docks and seawalls that “surpass expectations.” A Smith Lake client noted zero maintenance issues after two years, and no reviews mention structural failures, even post-hurricanes. Their BuildZoom record confirms no violations across $3.7 million in projects.
Why Choose JSC for Marine Construction? JSC combines heritage expertise with modern materials and storm-ready designs, delivering docks, seawalls, and boathouses that last decades in Florida’s punishing environment. Their turnkey service—from design to permitting to construction—saves homeowners time and ensures compliance. For a free consultation or to view project photos, contact JSC at (352) 687-2030 or visit jscfla.com.