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SFWMD Permit Authority

South Florida Water Management District Permit Guide

CivilSmart's Licensed Professional Engineers navigate South Florida Water Management District ERP permit requirements for residential and commercial drainage projects across 16 Florida counties. From design through approval — we engineer your solution.

16 Counties
60-90 days typical
PE Stamp Required
Get Your Free SFWMD Permit Quote (305) 216-6944

SFWMD ERP Permit Requirements

Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) requirements for projects within South Florida Water Management District jurisdiction.

Design Storm

25-year, 3-day rainfall

PE Stamp

Licensed Professional Engineer stamp required for all ERP applications. CivilSmart provides PE-sealed drainage designs.

Processing Time

60-90 days typical

Permit Fees

$2,000 to $25,000

Permit Portal

SFWMD permit applications are submitted via sfwmd.gov/regpermitting. CivilSmart handles the entire submission process — from initial application through final approval.

What Makes SFWMD Unique

South Florida Water Management District has specific requirements that distinguish it from other Florida water management districts. Understanding these is critical for project compliance.

Volume recovery focus (vs. peak discharge)

Complex multi-jurisdictional layering (LWDD, CBWCD, SBDD, SIRWCD, ITID)

Flat terrain and pump-dependent systems (98 pump stations, 2,175+ miles canals)

Everglades-specific permits (EWOD, EAA Basin)

Sea-level rise vulnerability

SB 7040 nutrient performance standards with 2025-12-28 deadline

SFWMD Service Areas

CivilSmart provides drainage engineering and permit services across South Florida Water Management District territory.

Counties

Palm Beach County Priority Broward County Priority Miami-Dade County Priority Orange County Priority Lee County Priority Collier County Priority Martin County Monroe County St. Lucie County Polk County Osceola County

Cities

Miami Priority Fort Lauderdale Priority Cape Coral Priority Hialeah Port St. Lucie Pembroke Pines Hollywood Coral Springs Pompano Beach

Additional SFWMD Counties Served

CivilSmart serves all 16 counties within South Florida Water Management District territory, including these additional counties:

Charlotte County Glades County Hendry County Highlands County Indian River County Okeechobee County

Need a drainage engineer in any of these counties? Get a free quote — we serve all SFWMD jurisdictions.

SFWMD Drainage Engineering FAQ

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) administers Environmental Resource Permits (ERPs) for stormwater and drainage projects. The design storm standard is 25-year, 3-day rainfall. A Licensed Professional Engineer must seal all permit applications. Processing typically takes 60-90 days typical. Permit fees range from $2,000 to $25,000. CivilSmart handles the entire ERP process from design through approval.
SFWMD permit fees range from $2,000 to $25,000, depending on project size and type. In addition to permit fees, engineering costs for residential projects typically range from $3,000–$8,000, with complex projects from $5,000–$15,000+. Commercial stormwater engineering starts at $10,000. CivilSmart provides free quotes that include both engineering and estimated permit fees.
The South Florida Water Management District covers 16 Florida counties. CivilSmart provides drainage engineering services throughout the entire SFWMD territory. We have dedicated service pages for Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Orange County, Lee County, and 6 more counties. Contact us for a free quote in any SFWMD jurisdiction.

Need a SFWMD Drainage Permit?

CivilSmart's Licensed Professional Engineers handle South Florida Water Management District ERP permits from design through approval. 100% permit approval rate.

Get Your Free Quote
Or call: (305) 216-6944

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