Encroachment Survey in St. Johns County
Property encroachments in St. Johns County are common due to Coastal with barrier islands, Intracoastal waterway, and interior pine flatwoods conditions that make boundary markers difficult to locate. With Rapid growth development growth, new construction frequently encroaches on adjacent properties. Apex Surveying identifies and documents all encroachments with boundary surveys that meet FAC 5J-17 minimum technical standards.
How do I resolve encroachment issues in St. Johns County?
To resolve encroachment issues in St. Johns County, hire a licensed Florida PSM surveyor to conduct a professional survey documenting property boundaries and legal descriptions. Encroachment survey costs in St. Johns County depend on lot size, the number of improvements to document, and Coastal with barrier islands, Intracoastal waterway, and interior pine flatwoods conditions that affect field work. Apex Surveying & Mapping serves all 67 Florida counties with same-day quotes.
What Causes Encroachment Issues in St. Johns County?
Florida's unique conditions create specific challenges for property owners in St. Johns County. Understanding the root causes helps you take the right action.
Fences, driveways, or retaining walls built without a survey crossing the actual property line
Structures or additions extending beyond setback lines into adjacent property
Trees, landscaping, or hardscaping installed past unmarked boundaries
Drainage structures, culverts, or swales encroaching onto neighboring parcels
Historical improvements made using inaccurate or non-existent prior surveys
Gradual encroachment over time through successive small changes (shed, carport, patio)
How a Professional Survey Resolves Encroachment Issues
Apex Surveying's licensed PSM surveyors provide the definitive solution. Every survey is signed, sealed, and legally defensible.
Boundary survey with encroachment identification mapping all improvements relative to legal property lines
Permanent monument restoration per FL Stat. §177.27 with iron rods and caps at all corners
ALTA/NSPS survey documenting every encroachment with measurements for title insurance resolution
Encroachment exhibit preparation with scaled drawings for neighbor negotiation or legal proceedings
Setback verification survey confirming all structures comply with county zoning setback requirements
Relevant Florida Statutes
- §177.27, Fla. Stat. — Corner recovery and survey marker requirements
- §177.40, Fla. Stat. — County surveyor resurvey authority for boundary disputes
- FAC 5J-17 — Minimum technical standards for boundary determination
- §95.18, Fla. Stat. — Adverse possession (encroachment may mature into ownership after 7 years)
- §95.11, Fla. Stat. — 4-year statute from discovery for encroachment actions
What Happens Without a Survey
- Encroachments exceeding 7 years may become adverse possession claims under §95.18
- Title insurance companies add survey exceptions or refuse coverage for properties with known encroachments
- County code enforcement can issue violations and require removal of encroaching structures
- Real estate closings delayed or cancelled when surveys reveal undisclosed encroachments
- Encroachment removal costs far exceed the cost of a preventive boundary survey
St. Johns County Regulations & Requirements
St. Johns County surveys are processed through the Building Services Division ((904) 827-6800). County survey requirements include: Boundary survey required for new construction building permits; Elevation certificate required in SFHA flood zones; Topographic survey required for site development plans. St. Johns County contains FEMA flood zones AE, VE, X. Moderate flood hazard area — SFHA zones present along waterways and flood-prone areas. St. Johns County has a Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) that requires additional survey verification for coastal properties. Typical residential setbacks in St. Johns County are 25 ft front, 7.5 ft side, and 20 ft rear. Fastest-growing county in Florida; numerous PUDs (Nocatee, Shearwater) with community-specific setbacks. Residential permit fees typically range $800 - $10,000+. High near coast and Intracoastal; moderate inland.
Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL): St. Johns County has a CCCL that requires additional survey verification for properties near the coast. A CCCL survey locates this line relative to your property before permitting.
Get a Free Encroachment Issues Quote for St. Johns County
Licensed PSM surveyors serving all of St. Johns County. Same-day quotes available.
St. Johns County at a Glance
- Permit Office
- Building Services Division
(904) 827-6800 - FEMA Flood Zones
- AE, VE, X
- Residential Setbacks
- 25' front / 7.5' side / 20' rear
- Terrain
- Coastal with barrier islands, Intracoastal waterway, and interior pine flatwoods
- Primary Survey Challenge
- Fastest-growing Florida county with massive subdivision platting demand; historic St. Augustine complicates downtown boundaries
- Population
- 318,323
- Median Home Value
- $425,000
- CCCL
- Yes — coastal survey required
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a encroachment issues survey cost in St. Johns County?
What do I need from St. Johns County to get this survey?
How does Apex Surveying resolve encroachment issues in St. Johns County?
Related Services in St. Johns County
Other Survey Problems in St. Johns County
About St. Johns County
CivilSmart Engineering
Swales, culverts, and drainage pipes that cross property lines are a common encroachment source. For PE-stamped drainage engineering solutions, we recommend CivilSmart Engineering.
Ready to Resolve Encroachment Issues in St. Johns County?
Get a free quote from Apex Surveying's licensed PSM surveyors. Same-day quotes available for St. Johns County properties.