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Miami Stormwater Management & Drainage Engineering

Miami drainage projects require coordination with Miami-Dade County and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). CivilSmart's Licensed Professional Engineers deliver PE-stamped drainage designs, stormwater management plans, and permit services for Miami properties.

1,000+ Projects 100% Permit Approval Since 2004

Our Engineering Services in Miami

Licensed Professional Engineers delivering PE-stamped drainage designs, stormwater management, and permit services.

Residential Drainage Design

PE-stamped drainage plans for Miami homes. Yard flooding, pool drainage, grading permits, and stormwater management for residential properties.

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Commercial Stormwater

Commercial stormwater management for Miami developments. Site plans, detention/retention design, and SFWMD ERP compliance.

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Permit Services

Full drainage permit management for Miami. SFWMD ERP applications, iBuildMiami coordination, and local permit processing.

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Miami Drainage Challenges

Miami's dense urban environment and coastal vulnerability create unique drainage engineering challenges. The city requires PE-sealed Drainage Statements for all impervious surface additions, and the Impervious Surface Ordinance adds city-specific requirements on top of Miami-Dade County's Chapter 24 framework. Smaller projects must design for the 10-year/1-hour storm while larger developments must meet the 25-year/3-day standard, with 1/2 inch retention over the entire site.

City vs. county distinction

Miami defers to Miami-Dade County for much drainage regulation, but the Impervious Surface Ordinance and PE-sealed Drainage Statement requirement are city-specific.

Exfiltration trench engineering

Miami's dense urban environment drives demand for underground stormwater systems — exfiltration trenches, underground detention, and innovative below-grade solutions.

iBuildMiami portal

Streamlined digital permitting through the county system for all drainage permit submissions.

Dual storm standards

10-year/1-hour for smaller projects and 25-year/3-day for larger developments — designs must account for the correct standard based on project scope.

Key Requirements

  • PE-sealed Drainage Statement required
  • Miami-Dade Public Works Drainage Manual
  • Impervious Surface Ordinance
  • 25-year/3-day event for larger projects
  • Exfiltration trenches, ponds, underground systems

Miami Drainage Regulations

Governed by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)

Permit Thresholds

Impervious surface additions require permit. Retain 1/2 inch over site. Design for 10-year/1-hour storm.

PE-sealed Drainage Statement required

PE-sealed Drainage Statement required

Miami-Dade Public Works Drainage Manual

Miami-Dade Public Works Drainage Manual

Impervious Surface Ordinance

Impervious Surface Ordinance

25-year/3-day event for larger projects

25-year/3-day event for larger projects

Design Storm

25-year, 3-day rainfall

Retention Standard

Impervious surface additions require permit. Retain 1/2 inch over site. Design for 10-year/1-hour storm.

Permit Portal

iBuildMiami

Special Requirements

  • PE-sealed Drainage Statement required
  • Miami-Dade Public Works Drainage Manual
  • Impervious Surface Ordinance
  • 25-year/3-day event for larger projects
  • Exfiltration trenches, ponds, underground systems

How We Work in Miami

1

Contact & Consult

Describe your Miami drainage challenge. We assess your situation and outline the engineering approach.

2

Site Assessment

We evaluate your property, review existing conditions, survey elevations, and identify regulatory requirements.

3

Design & Engineering

Our licensed professional engineer creates SFWMD-compliant drainage plans, PE-stamped and ready for permit submission.

4

Permit & Approval

We submit to SFWMD, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.

We engineer the solution — you get the approved permit.

Get Your Free Miami Drainage Quote

Leave your details and we'll reach out within 24 hours.

24-hour response guarantee. No obligation.

Miami Drainage Engineering FAQ

Yes, Miami requires drainage plans for development and redevelopment projects. Miami falls under the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), which administers Environmental Resource Permits (ERPs) for projects exceeding general permit thresholds. A Licensed Professional Engineer must prepare and seal drainage designs for permit submission. Permits can be submitted through iBuildMiami. CivilSmart handles the entire permitting process from design through approval.
Residential drainage design in Miami typically ranges from $3,000–$8,000 for standard properties, with complex projects (flood zones, retention/detention systems, large lots) ranging from $5,000–$15,000+. Commercial stormwater management starts at $10,000 and scales with project complexity. Every CivilSmart project begins with a free custom quote based on your specific property and regulatory requirements.
Miami drainage projects must comply with SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) requirements under Chapter 62-330, F.A.C. State baseline requirements apply, including SB 7040 nutrient performance standards. Key local requirements include: PE-sealed Drainage Statement required; Miami-Dade Public Works Drainage Manual. CivilSmart's engineers are experienced with all applicable Miami regulations.

Ready to Solve Your Miami Drainage Problem?

Get a free quote from Florida's drainage engineering specialists. PE-stamped plans, full permit coordination, and 100% approval rate.

Licensed Professional Engineers | 1,000+ Projects | 100% Permit Approval | Since 2004