What We Build
Dock Construction & Installation in Polk County
State-certified marine contractor serving Lakeland, Winter Haven, and all of Polk County's 554 named lakes.
A dock on a Polk County lake has to earn its place. The water here isn't gentle — not on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, not on Lake Ariana, not on Lake Hollingsworth when the ski boats have been running all weekend. Wake stress is real, and it finds every weak connection in a dock that wasn't built for it.
Horizon Marine — formerly Strawnix Marine — is a state-certified marine contractor based in Lakeland. We build docks on Polk County lakes. That's not a tagline. Polk County has more named lakes than any other county in Florida, over 554 of them, and our crew has worked on dozens. We know the Chain of Lakes differently than a contractor who's never put a piling in freshwater.
Our license is SCC131154313 — state certified, not county registered. Vince Strawbridge answers the phone and oversees every project from start to finish.
A piling driven wrong is a problem you won't see for two or three years. By then the deck is moving and the connections are stressed. We drive them right the first time — because we know what wrong looks like.
What We Build
Dock services in Polk County
We build new docks and repair existing ones for homeowners and communities throughout Polk County. The configuration matters — what works on a quiet cove on Lake Morton is different from what holds up on a busy stretch of Lake Eloise.
Fixed & Stationary Docks
The standard for most residential freshwater lots. The performance difference between a dock that lasts and one that starts shifting in three seasons usually isn't visible — it's in piling depth and connection details. We don't cut corners there.
Floating Docks
When water levels move seasonally, a fixed dock can become a problem. Floating systems ride with it. The key is the anchoring — guide pilings, hardware, connections that hold through storm season without fighting the water.
Covered Docks & Boathouses
More function, more complexity. A covered dock done right protects the boat, extends the life of the decking, and handles Polk County wind loads without becoming a problem in a named storm. We design the whole system.
T-Docks, L-Docks & Finger Piers
Layouts that give you more usable water access without eating up more shoreline. The right configuration depends on your boats, your property shape, and how your family actually uses the water.
Kayak & Canoe Docks
Smaller structures, same requirement for proper materials and foundation. A flimsy kayak dock is still a liability. We build them to last.
Ready to talk about your dock?
Free waterfront assessment · License #SCC131154313
Credentials
Why state certification matters
Florida draws a hard line between state certified contractors and county-registered ones. County registration is local — one county, local exam, limited scope. State certification means passing a standardized exam through the Florida DBPR and holding a license valid anywhere in the state.
Our license is SCC131154313. You can look it up on the DBPR website in about two minutes. We'd encourage it.
The other thing worth knowing: workers' compensation class code 06006. Marine dock work has its own WC classification. A contractor carrying a general construction policy may have a gap in coverage for marine work — and under Florida law, if that worker is injured on your property and the coverage doesn't apply, the liability can land on you as the homeowner. It's not a theoretical risk.
Before you hire anyone, ask:
- →Are you Florida state certified for marine work, and what's your license number?
- →Does your workers' comp policy cover marine construction under class code 06006?
- →Who pulls the permits — you or a sub?
- →Will you manage Polk County and DEP approvals?
- →Who actually answers the phone when I have a question mid-project?
We answer all of these in writing before a contract is signed.
The Process
How dock projects work
Site Consultation
We walk the property. Water depth, lake bottom conditions, shoreline geometry, setbacks, how you plan to use it. On the Chain of Lakes we pay attention to boat traffic patterns — wake from a busy channel is part of the engineering, not an afterthought.
Design
Plans that account for your actual conditions. Wind loads, wake forces, piling specs for your specific lake bottom. Not a template.
Permitting
Single-family docks under 500 sq ft are often exempt from DEP review — but Polk County Building still requires a local permit. Larger docks can require a full Individual Environmental Resource Permit, adding months. We handle all of it. Typical Polk County permits: 2–6 weeks.
Construction
Pilings first. Then framing, decking, railing, access. The work that determines whether a dock lasts happens under the deck — piling depth, fastener specs, framing connections.
Final Walkthrough
We walk it with you before we call it done. Maintenance requirements, what to watch for, how the structure should perform. A well-built dock should hold up under real conditions, not just look finished on day one.
Materials
Built for Polk County freshwater lakes
Freshwater is less corrosive than saltwater — but that's not an excuse to underspec a dock on a busy lake. Wake from heavy boat traffic on the Chain of Lakes is a structural force, not just a nuisance.
Pressure-Treated Wood
The traditional choice. Cost-effective, appropriate for many freshwater applications. Requires real maintenance — sealing, periodic board replacement — to get its full service life out of Florida conditions.
Composite Decking (TimberTech)
What most of our residential clients end up choosing. TimberTech AZEK carries a 30-year limited warranty with lifetime fade and stain protection. No splinters, no annual painting, stays cooler underfoot than wood. Higher upfront cost, meaningfully lower lifetime maintenance. Our installation carries a one-year craftsmanship warranty — if something looks off after we're done, call us. We'll come out.
Aluminum
The material for commercial applications and high-traffic community docks. Corrosion-resistant, durable, minimal upkeep. Higher cost per square foot than wood or composite.
Pilings
Wood, concrete, or vinyl-wrapped — the right choice depends on water depth, lake bottom composition, and load. Vinyl-wrapped pilings put the protection where decay concentrates: at the waterline. We spec pilings for your specific lake, not a one-size spec sheet.
Ready to talk about your dock?
Free waterfront assessment · License #SCC131154313
Service Area
Areas we serve
Lakeland
Lake Hollingsworth · Lake Bonny · Lake Morton
Winter Haven / Chain of Lakes
Lake Eloise · Lake Shipp · Lake Howard · Lake Cannon · Lake Roy · Lake Lula
Auburndale
Lake Ariana · Lake Juliana · Lake Lena · Lake Van · Lake Arietta
And throughout: Polk City · Lake Alfred · Haines City · Eagle Lake · Lake Wales · Davenport
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need a permit to build a dock in Polk County?+
Yes. Polk County requires a local building permit for dock construction regardless of size. Docks over 500 square feet or in certain locations also require a Florida DEP permit. We handle all permit applications — you don't have to contact the agencies.
How much does a dock cost in Florida?+
It depends on size, materials, water depth, and configuration. We don't quote over the phone without seeing the property — too many variables affect the number in ways that matter. Call us for a free waterfront assessment.
What's the best dock material for a freshwater lake?+
For most residential projects, composite decking over a treated or aluminum frame gives the best combination of longevity and low maintenance. Pressure-treated wood is the right call when budget is the primary driver and the owner is willing to maintain it. Aluminum is the move for commercial and high-traffic community applications.
How long does dock installation take?+
Most residential builds run 1–3 weeks of active construction after permits are in hand. Permitting is the variable — Polk County local permits typically take 2–6 weeks; DEP involvement extends the timeline. We give realistic schedules at the consultation, not optimistic ones.
Can you build on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes?+
Yes. We work on Chain of Lakes properties regularly and design for the wake conditions those lakes create.
Is Horizon Marine licensed and insured for dock work?+
Yes. State Certified Marine Contractor license SCC131154313, issued by the Florida DBPR. General liability insurance and workers' compensation under marine class code 06006. Certificates provided before work begins.
Get a free waterfront assessment
If you're planning a dock — or just figuring out what's possible on your property — we'll come take a look at no charge.
(863) 934-6218State Certified Marine Contractor · License #SCC131154313 · Fully insured · Polk County and surrounding communities