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Drainage Engineering in Orange County

Orange County property owners face specific drainage and stormwater requirements governed by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). CivilSmart's Licensed Professional Engineers provide PE-stamped drainage plans, stormwater management designs, and full permit coordination for residential and commercial projects throughout Orange County.

1,000+ Projects 100% Permit Approval Since 2004

Our Engineering Services in Orange County

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

Residential Drainage Design

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

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Commercial Stormwater

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

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Permit Services

Full drainage permit management for Orange County. SFWMD ERP applications, ocfl.net coordination, and local permit processing.

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Drainage Challenges in Orange County

Orange County straddles two Water Management Districts — SFWMD and SJRWMD — meaning projects may need to comply with entirely different design standards depending on exact location within the county. Chapter 37's stormwater code governs local requirements, while SJRWMD's 40C-42 criteria impose a 72-hour drawdown standard. The rapid growth of the Central Florida corridor creates constant demand for drainage engineering.

Dual WMD jurisdiction

Orange County is split between SFWMD and SJRWMD — projects may need to comply with different design standards depending on exact location. CivilSmart understands both sets of requirements.

Orlando Non-Compliance List

The City of Orlando maintains and enforces a Non-Compliance List for Private Storm Systems — property owners on this list face enforcement action and need engineering services.

Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI)

Shared jurisdiction under SJRWMD creates additional water resource management requirements beyond standard ERP permitting.

Rapid growth area

Central Florida's construction boom creates constant demand for drainage engineering, with master grading/drainage plans required for all subdivisions.

Orange County Drainage Regulations

Governed by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)

Permit Thresholds

Project-type based. Chapter 37 stormwater code.

Local Stormwater Ordinance

Orange County enforces its own stormwater ordinance with requirements that may exceed SFWMD minimums. Projects must comply with both local and district standards.

SJRWMD 40C-42 criteria

SJRWMD 40C-42 criteria (72-hour drawdown)

Master grading/drainage plans for subdivisions

Master grading/drainage plans for subdivisions

Design Storm

25-year, 3-day rainfall

Retention Standard

Project-type based. Chapter 37 stormwater code.

Permit Portal

ocfl.net

Special Requirements

  • SJRWMD 40C-42 criteria (72-hour drawdown)
  • Master grading/drainage plans for subdivisions

How We Work in Orange County

1

Contact & Consult

Describe your Orange County 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 and Orange County, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.

We engineer the solution — you get the approved permit.

Get Your Free Orange County Drainage Quote

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Orange County Drainage Engineering FAQ

Yes, Orange County requires drainage plans for development and redevelopment projects. Orange County 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 ocfl.net. CivilSmart handles the entire permitting process from design through approval.
Residential drainage design in Orange County 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.
Orange County drainage projects must comply with SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) requirements under Chapter 62-330, F.A.C. Additionally, Orange County enforces its own local stormwater ordinance that may impose stricter requirements than state minimums. Key local requirements include: SJRWMD 40C-42 criteria (72-hour drawdown); Master grading/drainage plans for subdivisions. CivilSmart's engineers are experienced with all applicable Orange County regulations.

Cities We Serve in Orange County

CivilSmart provides drainage engineering across Orange County, including the following cities and communities.

Ready to Solve Your Orange County 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