If you own property in Florida—especially in a low-lying or coastal area—stormwater management isn’t just a regulatory formality. It’s critical for protecting your investment, your neighbors, and your community.

From frequent rain events to rising sea levels, Florida faces unique challenges when it comes to controlling runoff. Whether you’re building a new home, improving a commercial site, or developing land, understanding stormwater management is essential.

In this guide, RSP Engineers breaks down what stormwater management means, how it affects you, and what steps are needed to ensure your property is compliant and flood-resilient.

What Is Stormwater Management?

Stormwater management refers to the planning, design, and control of rainwater runoff from buildings, roads, and other developed surfaces. The goal is to:

Prevent flooding
Protect water quality
Control erosion
Comply with local and state regulations

In short: it’s about managing where the water goes, how fast, and how clean it is when it leaves your property.

Why It Matters in Florida

Florida’s flat terrain, sandy soils, and intense rainfall patterns make stormwater planning more important than in many other states. Poor drainage can result in:

Flooded homes or streets
Erosion damage
Polluted waterways and lakes
Delayed permits and construction

For this reason, stormwater plans are required for almost all new development projects—from single-family homes to commercial sites and subdivisions.

Common Stormwater Management Features

Depending on your property and location, stormwater systems may include:

Swales: shallow channels that slow and direct runoff
Detention ponds: hold water temporarily and release it slowly
Retention ponds: store water on-site for infiltration
Underground pipes and structures: for conveyance in tight urban areas
Permeable pavers or green space: reduce runoff and promote infiltration

A civil engineer will determine the right combination for your site and ensure it meets local stormwater code.

Who Regulates Stormwater in Florida?

Stormwater is reviewed and regulated at multiple levels:

Municipal or County Governments: review your civil plans as part of the building permit process
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP): oversees large or environmentally sensitive sites
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) or other water management districts: handle regional stormwater approvals, especially for larger developments

Your civil engineer will know who needs to review your project—and how to get the required approvals.

Do I Need a Stormwater Plan?

If you’re planning any of the following in Florida, the answer is likely yes:

Building a new home or accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
Developing a commercial or mixed-use site
Subdividing land or increasing impervious surfaces
Regrading or significantly altering lot elevations

In most cases, your site plan must include a stormwater management plan sealed by a licensed professional engineer.

How a Civil Engineer Helps

At RSP Engineers, we create site-specific stormwater designs that are:

Compliant with state and local requirements
Customized to your property’s size, slope, and soil
Efficient in cost and maintenance
Ready for permitting and review

We also handle drainage calculations, permitting submittals, and responses to plan reviewer comments—so you can stay focused on your project timeline.