Storm-damaged seawall in Port Charlotte
After a hurricane or strong surge, the damage behind the wall can be worse than what shows on the face. Here is what to do first.
First steps
Stay off undermined ground
Holes and soft spots behind the wall can collapse. Keep people, pets, and vehicles back.
Document everything
Photos and video of the cap, panels, yard, and any debris, with dates. You will want them for insurance and for the contractor.
Do not backfill yet
Filling holes before the leak is found hides the void, and the fill washes out again.
Get on a contractor's list early
Schedules fill quickly after a storm. Ask about temporary stabilization if the wall is moving.
Avoiding storm chasers
- Verify the license on MyFloridaLicense.com before you sign.
- Get a written contract with the contractor's license number on it.
- Be wary of large cash deposits up front.
- Make sure the permit is pulled in the contractor's name, not yours.
Is there county money for seawall repairs?
Not right now that we know of. Charlotte County ran a Seawall Repair Program for homesteaded properties with walls damaged by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. It reimbursed up to 50 percent of eligible costs, and it closed in 2025, with a June 30, 2025 spending deadline. Check the county website for any new programs before you plan around one.
Get your wall looked at
Send a request and we will pass it to an independent licensed marine contractor who works Charlotte County canals. Have your address ready and, if you can, a few photos of the wall.
Free referral service, not a contractor. Calls to this site are recorded to confirm referrals and for quality. How this works.