Florida Drainage & Stormwater Permit Services
Navigate Florida’s layered permitting landscape with confidence. We handle ERP permits, Water Management District coordination, SWPPP development, and multi-agency compliance — so you don’t have to. With a 100% permit approval rate across 1,000+ projects and deep experience with all 5 Florida Water Management Districts, our licensed professional engineers ensure your permits are prepared correctly and approved efficiently.
Drainage & Stormwater Permits We Manage
Florida drainage projects typically require Environmental Resource Permits (ERPs) from Water Management Districts, NPDES permits for sites disturbing 1+ acre, and local building permits — all coordinated through different agencies. We prepare, submit, and manage every type of drainage and stormwater permit required in Florida.
Environmental Resource Permits (ERPs)
Florida’s primary permit for projects affecting surface water, wetlands, or stormwater management. We prepare and manage ERP applications with SFWMD, SJRWMD, SWFWMD, SRWMD, and NWFWMD.
NPDES / Construction Generic Permit (CGP)
Required for construction sites disturbing 1 or more acres. We handle Notice of Intent filing, SWPPP development, and compliance documentation.
FDOT Drainage Connection Permits
For projects connecting to state road drainage infrastructure, we manage FDOT applications under Rule 14-86 F.A.C.
Site Plan Entitlements
Local zoning and site plan approvals with drainage components — we coordinate with county and city planning departments.
Building Permit Packages
Complete drainage documentation for building permit applications including PE-sealed plans, calculations, and supporting documents.
SWPPP Development
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans with erosion control details, inspection schedules, spill prevention, and maintenance protocols.
Agencies We Work With Across Florida
Florida stormwater is regulated at five levels: federal (EPA/FEMA), state (FDEP/FDOT), Water Management Districts (5 WMDs), county, and city — requiring coordinated applications across multiple agencies for most projects. Our licensed professional engineers coordinate with regulatory agencies at every level.
Water Management Districts
SFWMD, SJRWMD, SWFWMD, SRWMD, NWFWMD
All 5 Florida Water Management Districts
State Agencies
FDEP, FDOT
Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection & Transportation
Federal
FEMA
Floodplain analysis and map revisions
County Government
Public works, planning, and building departments
Across all 67 Florida counties
Special Districts
Miami-Dade RER/DERM
County-specific regulatory bodies
Our permit services support both residential drainage design and commercial stormwater management projects across all 67 Florida counties.
Our Permit Management Process
Application Preparation
- PE-stamped engineering plans preparation
- Stormwater calculations and drainage reports
- Environmental assessment coordination (if required)
- Complete application package assembly for each agency
Submission & Filing
- Submit to appropriate agencies (WMD, county, FDEP)
- NOI filing for NPDES/CGP (if applicable)
- Fee management and tracking
- Confirmation of receipt from all agencies
Agency Review & Response
- Track review progress with each agency
- Respond to Requests for Additional Information (RAIs)
- Plan revisions and resubmission as needed
- Public notice period management (if required)
Approval & Post-Permit
- Obtain all required approvals
- Construction support and SWPPP monitoring
- Post-construction inspections (PE-sealed)
- As-built documentation and permit closeout
We handle the entire permitting process — from the initial regulatory assessment through final approval and post-construction compliance.
Florida Drainage Permit Processing Times
Processing times depend on permit type and project complexity. These are typical ranges based on our experience across Florida.
| Permit Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| General/noticed ERP permits | 30–60 days |
| Standard individual ERPs | 60–120 days |
| Complex ERP (wetland impacts, multi-jurisdictional) | 120–180+ days |
| NPDES/CGP (NOI filing) | 14–30 days |
| Local building permits (drainage component) | Varies by municipality |
The biggest delays come from incomplete applications and Requests for Additional Information. Starting with a PE-prepared application significantly reduces processing time and rejection risk.
Florida Drainage Permit Fees
Government-imposed permit fees for common drainage and stormwater permits. These are separate from engineering service fees.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| CGP filing fee (1–5 acres) | $250 |
| CGP filing fee (5+ acres) | $400 |
| CGP renewal (every 5 years) | Per original fee |
| Local permit fees | Varies by jurisdiction |
| ERP application fees | Per district schedule |
These are government-imposed permit fees, separate from engineering service fees. Contact us for a complete project quote including engineering and permit costs.
Florida Drainage Permit Types Compared
The type of drainage permit you need depends on your project size, location, and whether you are connecting to public drainage infrastructure.
| Permit Type | Authority | When Required | Timeline | PE Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ERP (General) | WMD/FDEP | Surface water alteration | 30–60 days | Yes |
| ERP (Individual) | WMD/FDEP | Large/complex projects, wetland impacts | 60–180 days | Yes |
| NPDES/CGP | FDEP | 1+ acre land disturbance | 14–30 days | SWPPP prep |
| FDOT Connection | FDOT | Connection to state road drainage | 30–90 days | Yes |
| Building Permit | County/City | New construction, redevelopment | Varies | Yes (drainage component) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a drainage permit in Florida?
What is an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP)?
Who regulates stormwater in Florida?
How long does it take to get a drainage permit in Florida?
What can a homeowner do without a drainage permit?
Related Articles
Expert guides on Florida drainage permits and compliance.
Drainage Permit Costs in Florida: Government + Engineering Fees
ERP fees $100–$25,000 plus engineering fees $2,500–$15,000. Fee comparison across all 5 WMDs.
SB 7040 Explained: How Florida's Stormwater Law Affects Your Project
SB 7040 ratified nutrient reduction standards affecting ERP permits, project costs, and compliance requirements.
5-Year Drainage Recertification in Palm Beach & Broward
Private drainage systems in Palm Beach and Broward counties must be PE-recertified every 5 years.
SWPPP in Florida: Complete Guide
When you need a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, what it costs, and how to get one.
Residential Stormwater Management in Florida
What Florida homeowners must know about stormwater regulations and requirements.
Florida Drainage Permits: Complete Guide
ERPs, NPDES, CGP permits — costs, timelines, and requirements explained.
SFWMD ERP Permit Timeline: What to Expect in 2026
SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits take 30-180 days depending on project complexity.
Pool Drainage Permits in Florida
Pool drainage permit requirements, costs, and process for Florida pool installations.
Neighbor Water Flooding Your Yard: Solutions
Legal options and engineering solutions when neighbor runoff is damaging your Florida property.
Florida Water Management Districts Guide
SFWMD, SJRWMD, SWFWMD, SRWMD, NWFWMD — which WMD covers your property.
Need a Drainage Permit in Florida?
We handle the entire permitting process — from application preparation to final approval. 100% permit approval rate across 1,000+ projects.
Licensed Professional Engineers | 100% Permit Approval | 5 Water Management Districts