Air Quality Permits and Construction Projects in Florida
Air permitting isn’t just for factories. Construction projects in Florida—especially those involving demolition, land clearing, or temporary equipment—can require air quality permits under state and federal law. Ignoring these requirements can lead to costly fines and delays.
In this post, RSP Engineers breaks down the key considerations for air quality permits in Florida construction projects, including which activities trigger permits, what the FDEP looks for, and how to plan for compliance.
When Do Construction Projects Need Air Permits?
Most Florida construction sites don’t need full Title V permits, but they may still trigger minor source or general air permits depending on site activities.
Common triggers include:
On-site concrete batch plants
Dust-generating land clearing or grading
Crushers or screening equipment
Generators or boilers >10 MMBtu/hr
Demolition of structures with asbestos
Understanding FDEP’s Air Permitting Process
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) enforces both state and federal air quality regulations. For construction-related sources, they typically issue:
| Permit Type | Typical Use Case | Review Time |
|---|---|---|
| General Permit | Concrete batching, small combustion sources | 15–30 days |
| Registration-Only Source | Low-emission activities like temporary generators | Immediate to 1 week |
| Individual Minor Source Permit | Larger-scale operations with air impacts | 45–90 days |
Best Practices for Compliance
To avoid project delays or enforcement actions:
Conduct an early screening to identify potential emission sources.
Coordinate with FDEP early if using generators, crushers, or batch plants.
Maintain documentation for dust control, fuel usage, and equipment specs.
Ensure subcontractors comply with air quality rules.
Why It Matters
Failing to secure the proper air permit—or assuming one isn’t needed—can result in site shutdowns, fines, or permitting delays. By integrating air quality screening into the early project stages, developers can stay on schedule and in compliance.
About RSP Engineers
RSP Engineers provides integrated civil and environmental engineering support for Florida’s land development projects. Our team ensures that your projects not only meet structural and design standards—but also comply with all environmental regulations, including air permitting, water quality, and wetland impacts.
FAQs
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Most frequently, construction projects operate under a General Permit, especially for activities like concrete batching or diesel generators. See FDEP’s Air General Permit site for more.
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Yes. Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) generated during clearing, grading, or excavation is subject to opacity limits and dust control measures under FDEP rules.
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If demolition involves structures with potential asbestos-containing materials, then notification to FDEP and compliance with NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) is mandatory.
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If the generator is large enough (>10 MMBtu/hr) or will run for extended periods, it may need to be registered or permitted. Smaller units may qualify for registration-only status.
Need Help Navigating Environmental Permits in Florida?
From air quality reviews to full site permitting, RSP Engineers supports developers with environmental compliance at every stage. Let’s ensure your project stays on track—without surprises. Contact us today.
