Tampa Stormwater Management & Drainage Engineering
Tampa drainage projects require coordination with Hillsborough County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). CivilSmart's Licensed Professional Engineers deliver PE-stamped drainage designs, stormwater management plans, and permit services for Tampa properties.
Our Engineering Services in Tampa
Licensed Professional Engineers delivering PE-stamped drainage designs, stormwater management, and permit services.
Residential Drainage Design
PE-stamped drainage plans for Tampa homes. Yard flooding, pool drainage, grading permits, and stormwater management for residential properties.
Learn MoreCommercial Stormwater
Commercial stormwater management for Tampa developments. Site plans, detention/retention design, and SWFWMD ERP compliance.
Learn MorePermit Services
Full drainage permit management for Tampa. SWFWMD ERP applications, tampa.gov (Accela) coordination, and local permit processing.
Learn MoreTampa Drainage Challenges
Tampa's SB 7040 net improvement requirement means traditional wet detention alone is no longer sufficient — enhanced BMPs including biofiltration systems are now mandated for new development. Located in the Northern Tampa Bay Basin, Tampa falls under SWFWMD's strictest drawdown criteria in the entire state. Hurricane Milton (2024) exceeded all design criteria in the area, driving active demand for drainage system upgrades.
SB 7040 compliance
Tampa's net improvement requirement in TN/TP/TSS means enhanced BMPs (biofiltration systems) are now mandated — traditional wet detention alone is insufficient.
Northern Tampa Bay Basin
SWFWMD's strictest drawdown criteria in the entire state apply in this basin — drainage designs must meet elevated performance standards.
Hurricane Milton recovery
The 2024 storm exceeded all design criteria — post-hurricane drainage upgrades are an active and urgent need across Tampa.
Chapter 27 LDC + Chapter 17 Utilities
Tampa's dual-chapter regulatory framework governs drainage requirements from both land development and utility perspectives.
Key Requirements
- Chapter 27 LDC + Chapter 17 Utilities
- ERP required
- Net improvement in TN/TP/TSS
- Enhanced BMPs (biofiltration) mandated
- Accela Citizen Access portal
Tampa Drainage Regulations
Governed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)
Permit Thresholds
>1 acre redevelopment (SB 7040). City-specific beyond state/WMD not found.
Local Stormwater Ordinance
Tampa enforces its own stormwater ordinance with requirements that may exceed SWFWMD minimums. Projects must comply with both local and district standards.
Chapter 27 LDC + Chapter 17 Utilities
Chapter 27 LDC + Chapter 17 Utilities
ERP required
ERP required
Net improvement in TN/TP/TSS
Net improvement in TN/TP/TSS
Enhanced BMPs
Enhanced BMPs (biofiltration) mandated
Design Storm
25-year, 24-hour (open basins); 100-year, 24-hour (closed basins)
Retention Standard
>1 acre redevelopment (SB 7040). City-specific beyond state/WMD not found.
Permit Portal
tampa.gov (Accela)
Stormwater Fee
$47-86/year (county)
Special Requirements
- Chapter 27 LDC + Chapter 17 Utilities
- ERP required
- Net improvement in TN/TP/TSS
- Enhanced BMPs (biofiltration) mandated
- Accela Citizen Access portal
How We Work in Tampa
Contact & Consult
Describe your Tampa drainage challenge. We assess your situation and outline the engineering approach.
Site Assessment
We evaluate your property, review existing conditions, survey elevations, and identify regulatory requirements.
Design & Engineering
Our licensed professional engineer creates SWFWMD-compliant drainage plans, PE-stamped and ready for permit submission.
Permit & Approval
We submit to SWFWMD and Tampa, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.
Contact & Consult
Describe your Tampa drainage challenge. We assess your situation and outline the engineering approach.
Site Assessment
We evaluate your property, review existing conditions, survey elevations, and identify regulatory requirements.
Design & Engineering
Our licensed professional engineer creates SWFWMD-compliant drainage plans, PE-stamped and ready for permit submission.
Permit & Approval
We submit to SWFWMD and Tampa, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.
Contact & Consult
Describe your Tampa drainage challenge. We assess your situation and outline the engineering approach.
Site Assessment
We evaluate your property, review existing conditions, survey elevations, and identify regulatory requirements.
Design & Engineering
Our licensed professional engineer creates SWFWMD-compliant drainage plans, PE-stamped and ready for permit submission.
Permit & Approval
We submit to SWFWMD and Tampa, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.
We engineer the solution — you get the approved permit.
Get Your Free Tampa Drainage Quote
Leave your details and we'll reach out within 24 hours.
Tampa Drainage Engineering FAQ
Do I need a drainage permit in Tampa?
How much does drainage engineering cost in Tampa?
What drainage regulations apply in Tampa?
Ready to Solve Your Tampa 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