Dock Builders in Anna Maria, FL

Anna Maria sits at the north tip of Anna Maria Island, with the Gulf on one side and Tampa Bay on the other, and dock builders here have been busy with storm repairs for years. The city's own pier tells the story: it was badly damaged by Irma in 2017, demolished in 2018, rebuilt by April 2020, and damaged again by Milton in 2024. Private docks have been through the same storms.

What storm damage looks like

Surge and waves do predictable things to a dock:

• Decking boards lifted, cracked or gone
• Stringers split where fasteners pulled through
• Pile caps shifted off their piles
• Pilings leaning or loose in the bottom
• Lift motors and switches flooded

Some of this is obvious. Some is not, especially piles that have been loosened in the sand. We walk and sound the whole structure and give you a written list.

Repair, rebuild, or both

When piles are sound and tight, a new deck and frame can go on top. When several have moved, a rebuild with new piles usually lasts longer and costs less over time than patching. We will show you the reasons for whichever we recommend.

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Slow speed island waters

The state rule for Manatee County lists Anna Maria Sound north of SR 64, including Bimini Bay, as a year-round slow speed zone, along with the part of Sarasota Bay near Anna Maria Island and Jewfish Key. Calm traffic in these canals and bays helps docks and lifts last between storms.

A small city with many seasonal homes

Anna Maria covers less than a square mile and had 968 residents in 2020, down from 1,503 in 2010. Many homes are seasonal or rentals, so owners often need work scheduled while they are away. We can inspect, send photos and a scope, and proceed once you approve.

Lifts after a flood

If your lift was underwater, the motor, switch and wiring need a careful look before you trust them. Saltwater intrusion can corrode electrical parts slowly, so a lift that runs today may fail later. We check the electrical parts, cables, sheaves and beams and replace what needs it.

Floating docks for the bayside

On the Bimini Bay and Tampa Bay side, a floating dock can be a practical addition for paddlers. We place it where water stays deep enough at low tide and away from any seagrass.

Seawall connection

Where the dock meets a seawall, we check the wall too. Surge can open joints and wash fill from behind, and the dock connection can loosen with it.

Pilings and the north-end shoreline

The north end of the island faces open bay water, where waves can build on a strong north wind. Docks there need sound piles and good bracing at the outer end. When we rebuild, we space piles to suit the exposure and bolt connections so the frame holds together when the bay is rough.

Building back stronger

When we rebuild, we use through-bolted connections, salt-rated hardware and decking that lets water pass through. Call (941) 213-5801 to start with an inspection.