Permit Services
Florida's drainage permit requirements are complex, with multiple agencies often involved in a single project. Our team has deep experience with SFWMD, local building departments, and environmental agencies, achieving a 100% permit approval rate. We handle everything from simple residential permits to complex commercial ERPs.
Expert permit coordination for all drainage and storm water projects across Florida — from residential building permits to complex SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits. Our team of Licensed Professional Engineers delivers solutions tailored to Florida's unique drainage challenges.
Navigating Florida's drainage permitting landscape requires specialized knowledge of multiple regulatory frameworks operating at different levels of government. A single drainage project may require approvals from your county building department, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and in some cases the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Each agency has its own application forms, engineering requirements, review timelines, and conditions of approval.
Our Licensed Professional Engineers have extensive experience working with all five of Florida's water management districts, all 67 county building departments, and hundreds of municipal permitting offices. We know what each agency expects to see in a submittal, what level of engineering analysis is required, and how to structure applications to move through review efficiently. This knowledge is why we maintain a 100% permit approval rate — complete, accurate submittals that address agency requirements from the start.
Whether you are a homeowner needing a building permit for a French drain, a pool contractor who needs engineer-stamped drainage plans, or a developer pursuing an SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit for a major project, we manage the entire process from initial requirement analysis through final permit issuance. We also handle after-the-fact permitting for work done without proper authorization, permit modifications when site conditions change, and permit renewals when existing authorizations expire.
Permit Requirement Analysis
We research and identify every permit required for your specific project, jurisdiction, and site conditions — so nothing is missed and no surprises arise during construction
Application Preparation
Complete, accurate permit applications assembled with all required engineering documentation, calculations, supporting narratives, and agency-specific forms
Agency Coordination
Direct communication with permit reviewers at SFWMD, county building departments, FDEP, and municipal planning offices to track progress and resolve issues
Response Management
When agencies issue review comments or Requests for Additional Information (RAIs), we prepare thorough responses with supplemental engineering to keep your project on schedule
Engineer-Stamped Plans
Licensed Professional Engineer-stamped drawings, calculations, and certifications that meet the specific requirements of your permitting agency
Construction Documentation
As-built surveys, construction certifications, inspection reports, and permit closeout documentation required to finalize your project with the permitting agencies
- 100% permit approval rate across all Florida agencies
- Faster permit timelines through complete, accurate submittals
- Avoid costly mistakes, resubmissions, and project delays
- Single point of contact managing coordination with all agencies
- Reduced stress — we handle all paperwork, phone calls, and follow-ups
- Professional liability insurance coverage on all engineering work
We research your project scope, location, and site conditions to identify every permit required — county, state, and federal. You receive a clear summary of what is needed, estimated timelines, and associated costs before we begin.
Our Licensed Professional Engineers prepare all required engineering documents — site plans, drainage calculations, water quality analysis, grading plans, and supporting narratives. Every document is formatted to the specific requirements of the reviewing agency.
We compile and submit complete permit packages to each agency, including all forms, fees, and supporting materials. Complete submittals avoid the delays caused by incomplete applications being returned without review.
We maintain direct contact with permit reviewers throughout the review process. If questions arise, we respond immediately. We track review status and proactively follow up to prevent your application from sitting unreviewed.
If an agency issues review comments or requests additional information, we prepare comprehensive responses with supplemental engineering analysis and revised drawings as needed. Our goal is to resolve all comments in a single response cycle.
Once approved, we obtain the official permit documents and review all conditions with you. After construction, we provide any required as-built certifications and closeout documentation to satisfy permit conditions.
Before You Start: Survey Data Required
Many drainage permit applications require current survey data as part of the regulatory submission. Your permit engineer needs accurate site conditions documented by a licensed surveyor.
Understanding regulatory requirements is critical for any drainage project in Florida.
- Florida has 5 water management districts (SFWMD, SJRWMD, SWFWMD, SRWMD, NWFWMD), each with its own Environmental Resource Permit criteria and application procedures
- County building departments across Florida's 67 counties each maintain their own permit application forms, review processes, fee schedules, and inspection requirements
- SFWMD General Permits cover routine projects with standardized conditions and shorter review times (30-60 days), while Individual ERPs are required for complex projects (90-180 days)
- FDEP permits are required for projects near wetlands, Outstanding Florida Waters, aquatic preserves, and within Areas of Critical State Concern
- After-the-fact permits carry additional requirements including documentation of existing conditions, demonstration of no adverse impacts, and often higher application fees
- All drainage permits in Florida require engineering documentation stamped by a Licensed Professional Engineer registered in the State of Florida
Florida Property Challenges
Permit Application Denied
The most common reason permits are denied is incomplete or incorrect engineering documentation. Our Licensed Professional Engineers know exactly what each agency requires — resulting in our 100% approval rate.
Multiple Agency Coordination
A single drainage project may need approvals from the county building department, SFWMD (or other water management district), FDEP, and the Army Corps of Engineers. We manage all agency coordination.
After-the-Fact Permit Issues
If drainage work was done without permits, agencies can issue violations, fines, and stop-work orders. We help property owners achieve retroactive compliance through after-the-fact permitting.
Expired or Modified Permits
Environmental Resource Permits have conditions that must be maintained. When conditions change — property modifications, system alterations, or permit expirations — we handle modifications and renewals.
Confusing Regulatory Requirements
Florida has 5 water management districts, 67 county building departments, and hundreds of municipalities — each with different requirements. We navigate this complexity so you don't have to.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about permit services
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Why was my drainage permit denied?
Do I need a Licensed Professional Engineer for permits?
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Permit Services Across Florida
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