SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) Guide
Your step-by-step guide to the South Florida Water Management District's Environmental Resource Permit process — from application requirements to design standards.
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SFWMD ERP Quick Reference
- Agency
- South Florida Water Management District
- Jurisdiction
- 16 counties in south & central Florida
- Design Storm
- 25-year, 3-day rainfall event
- Water Quality
- First 1" runoff OR 2.5× impervious area
- Recovery
- 72-hour drawdown recovery required
- Fee Range
- $2,000–$25,000+ (filing fees)
What Is an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP)?
An Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) is required by the South Florida Water Management District for activities that affect surface water management systems — including construction, alteration, or operation of stormwater management systems. The ERP process ensures that development does not cause adverse flooding, does not harm water quality, and does not damage wetlands or other surface water resources.
ERPs apply to projects across SFWMD’s 16-county jurisdiction, which includes: Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades, Okeechobee, Highlands, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Charlotte, and portions of Osceola and Orange counties.
The ERP program is part of Florida’s comprehensive environmental regulatory framework. SFWMD’s design standards are among the most stringent in the state, reflecting South Florida’s unique hydrology — flat terrain, high water tables, and intense seasonal rainfall.
ERP Permit Types
SFWMD offers several permit pathways depending on project scope and environmental impact.
Individual ERP
$2,000–$25,000+Required for larger projects with significant surface water impacts. Full engineering analysis, water quality and quantity calculations, and detailed construction plans.
General Permit (10-2)
$500–$2,000Self-certification process for projects meeting specific criteria. Uses pre-approved design standards for faster processing. Common for projects with minimal wetland impact.
Noticed General Permit
MinimalFor activities with minimal environmental impact. Simplified application process with a 30-day notice period before work can begin.
Exemption Verification
VariesFor projects that may be exempt from ERP requirements. Provides a verification letter from SFWMD confirming exemption status.
SFWMD ERP Design Standards
SFWMD design standards are among the most stringent in Florida. Key engineering requirements include:
Storm Event: 25-Year, 3-Day Rainfall
Stormwater systems must be designed to handle a 25-year, 3-day rainfall event — the standard design storm for SFWMD jurisdiction.
Water Quality Treatment
The first 1 inch of stormwater runoff OR 2.5 times the percentage of impervious area (in inches) must receive water quality treatment — whichever is greater.
72-Hour Recovery
Stormwater management systems must recover within 72 hours to provide capacity for the next storm event.
Discharge Rate Control
Post-development discharge rates cannot exceed pre-development rates, ensuring no adverse downstream flooding impacts.
Wetland Protection
Minimum buffer zones and impact mitigation requirements for projects near wetlands or other surface waters.
These standards ensure long-term stormwater performance and environmental protection across South Florida’s unique conditions — flat terrain, high water tables, and intense seasonal rainfall.
SFWMD ERP Fee Schedule
SFWMD filing fees vary by project type and complexity. Below are general fee ranges based on SFWMD’s published schedule (subject to change — verify current fees with SFWMD):
| Permit Type | Filing Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Individual ERP (Residential) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Individual ERP (Commercial/Institutional) | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Individual ERP (Large-Scale) | $15,000–$25,000+ |
| General Permit (10-2) | $500–$2,000 |
| Noticed General Permit | Minimal |
Important Distinction
The fees listed above are SFWMD filing fees only. Engineering design fees for preparing ERP applications (drainage plans, stormwater calculations, PE-stamped construction drawings) are separate. Contact CivilSmart for a project-specific engineering quote.
ERP Application Process
The SFWMD ERP application process follows a structured sequence. CivilSmart manages the entire process from pre-application analysis through permit issuance.
Pre-Application
Determine the appropriate permit type and gather site data. CivilSmart conducts a preliminary engineering analysis to assess project requirements and jurisdictional triggers.
Engineering Design
Prepare drainage plans, stormwater calculations, water quality analysis, and construction drawings per SFWMD design standards. All plans receive PE stamp.
Application Submittal
Submit the complete application package to SFWMD with PE-stamped plans, engineering calculations, and all required forms and supporting documentation.
Agency Review
SFWMD reviews the application (30–90+ days depending on permit type). Respond to Requests for Additional Information (RAIs) if issued by SFWMD reviewers.
Permit Issuance
Once approved, SFWMD issues the Environmental Resource Permit. Construction may begin in accordance with permit conditions and approved plans.
Senate Bill 7040 and SFWMD ERPs
Florida Senate Bill 7040, effective December 28, 2025, establishes new statewide stormwater treatment standards that supplement the existing ERP process. Key changes include:
80%
Total Phosphorus (TP)
Reduction required
55%
Total Nitrogen (TN)
Reduction required
Certified Inspectors
Required for certain projects
These requirements supplement existing SFWMD design standards. CivilSmart designs all projects to meet both SFWMD and SB 7040 standards, ensuring full compliance with current and emerging regulations.
For more drainage engineering resources, see our engineering guides & resources.
How CivilSmart Handles Your SFWMD ERP
100% of our SFWMD ERP applications have been approved.
Complete Engineering
Full stormwater analysis, PE-stamped plans, and water quality calculations per SFWMD design standards. Designed for first-time approval.
Permit Management
We prepare, submit, and manage your ERP application through SFWMD review, including responding to any Requests for Additional Information.
Dual Compliance
We coordinate SFWMD ERP with local county requirements simultaneously — from PB-O-128 to Broward recertification.
SFWMD ERP Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ERP for my residential project?
How long does the ERP process take?
What is the 10-2 General Permit?
Can CivilSmart handle both my county permit and SFWMD ERP?
How much does SFWMD ERP engineering cost?
What counties are within SFWMD jurisdiction?
Ready to Start Your SFWMD ERP Application?
Our Licensed Professional Engineers have extensive SFWMD experience with a 100% permit approval rate. Get a free, no-obligation engineering quote.
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