Establishment of a coastal setback line in Florida

Florida recently required coastal construction setback lines along its sand beaches fronting the ocean and Gulf. The Coastal Laboratory, University of Florida, has a research contract to provide the technical information and make recommendations for establishment of the setback lines. The study included historical research related to shoreline stability, field measurements and analytical evaluation. Factors considered were upland topography, vegetation, bathymetry, shoreline stability (erosion trends), storm surges, wave setup and uprush, dune/beach erosion due to storms, existing coastal structures, beach nourishment and upland development. Analysis of the pertinent factors resulted in formulation of criteria that were applied in establishment of the setback lines. Management of beach development is possible utilizing engineering/scientific investigation however the study pointed to areas of much needed research in the Coastal Zone.