Broward County (Unincorporated)
Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management / SFWMD
CountyMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Site Plan / Plat Approval with Stormwater Management / SFWMD ERP
- Submit To
- Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management / SFWMD
- Lead Time
- County review 2–4 weeks; SFWMD ERP review 4–8 weeks
- Application Method
- County permits via Broward County EPGMD; SFWMD ERP via ePermitting portal
- Fee
- County fees per project; SFWMD ERP fee $500–$8,000+
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No countywide cap; stormwater treatment per SFWMD ERP and Broward County Code of Ordinances Chapter 27
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Pre- vs. post-development discharge rate matching; water quality per SFWMD; Broward County Water Management Standards apply for local drainage
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with FDEP Generic Permit and Florida surface water quality standards
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan; Stormwater Management Plan per SFWMD ERP
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Plans must be prepared by a Florida-registered PE. Broward County has its own water management standards that supplement SFWMD requirements.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- County conducts construction-phase inspections. SFWMD conducts ERP compliance inspections. Post-construction systems require maintenance entity.
- Inspector Qualification
- No state-specific certification required; CPESC/CESSWI recognized
Special Overlay Zones
Conservation Lands / Water Preserve Areas
Trigger: Properties adjacent to Everglades conservation areas or water preserve areas in western Broward
Restriction: Enhanced buffer requirements; no westward expansion beyond Urban Development Boundary; additional SFWMD review; Everglades restoration compatibility
Coastal Construction Zone
Trigger: Properties east of the Coastal Construction Control Line
Restriction: FDEP coastal permit required; enhanced erosion controls; sea turtle lighting restrictions; dune protection
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- Broward County Water Management Standards / SFWMD ERP Handbook
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Broward County is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades, with all development confined east of the Urban Development Boundary. The county maintains its own water management standards in addition to SFWMD ERP requirements. High water table and porous soils present the same challenges as Miami-Dade.
Remember: These local requirements are in addition to the FDEP state construction permit. Both must be satisfied before breaking ground.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Always verify requirements directly with Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management / SFWMD and the agency website before beginning construction.