Miami-Dade County (Unincorporated)
Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) / SFWMD
CountyMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Building Permit with Stormwater Management / SFWMD ERP
- Submit To
- Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) / SFWMD
- Lead Time
- County review 2–4 weeks; SFWMD ERP review 4–8 weeks
- Application Method
- County permits via Miami-Dade iBuild portal; SFWMD ERP via ePermitting
- Fee
- County permit fees per project value; SFWMD ERP fee $500–$8,000+
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No countywide cap; stormwater treatment per SFWMD ERP and County Code Chapter 24
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Pre- vs. post-development discharge rate matching for 25-year/72-hour storm; water quality: 1 inch over project area or 2.5× impervious percentage per SFWMD
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with FDEP Generic Permit and Florida surface water quality standards; Biscayne Bay OFW protections apply
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. Miami-Dade is the most populous county in Florida and administers its own stormwater program for unincorporated areas.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- County RER conducts construction-phase inspections. SFWMD conducts ERP compliance inspections. Post-construction systems require recorded maintenance entity and covenant.
- Inspector Qualification
- No state-specific certification required; CPESC/CESSWI recognized
Special Overlay Zones
Biscayne Bay Shoreline / Coastal Zone
Trigger: Properties along Biscayne Bay or Atlantic coast
Restriction: Biscayne Bay is an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW); no degradation of water quality; enhanced treatment BMPs; coastal construction setback line applies
Wellfield Protection Area
Trigger: Properties within Northwest, West, or other designated wellfield zones
Restriction: Strictest land use restrictions; no hazardous materials; enhanced stormwater treatment; infiltration may be restricted; special DERM review required
Everglades Buffer / West Urban Development Boundary
Trigger: Properties near the Urban Development Boundary in western Miami-Dade
Restriction: Enhanced wetland protections; no further westward development; Everglades restoration considerations; additional SFWMD review for impacts to Everglades hydrology
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- SFWMD ERP Applicant's Handbook / Miami-Dade County Public Works Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Miami-Dade County's stormwater challenges include extreme flat terrain, high water table, porous limestone, sea level rise, and proximity to both Biscayne Bay (OFW) and the Everglades. The county's wellfield protection program is among the most stringent in Florida due to the Biscayne Aquifer's vulnerability.
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 Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) / SFWMD and the agency website before beginning construction.