Drainage and Stormwater Solutions in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Comprehensive drainage and stormwater management systems for flood-prone and coastal properties across Broward County
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Who This Service Is For
Our drainage and stormwater solutions in Broward County serve property owners experiencing flooding, standing water, or drainage problems, as well as developers and builders who need stormwater management systems for new construction throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Weston, Plantation, and other communities.
Whether you're dealing with existing drainage problems on your property in Fort Lauderdale, need comprehensive stormwater management for a new development in Plantation, or require specialized coastal drainage solutions in Hollywood Beach, we coordinate contractors with expertise in Broward County drainage requirements, Development & Environmental Review (DER), Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits, including storm event protection requirements (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots).
Typical Project Sizes in Broward County
Drainage projects in Broward County typically start around $25,000 for residential French drain systems and can range from $50,000 to $250,000+ for comprehensive stormwater management systems, retention ponds, or large-scale commercial drainage installations. Projects requiring extensive dewatering, working in flood zones, or meeting storm event protection requirements often cost more due to additional permit requirements and specialized techniques. Projects involving development work as described in Florida Statute 380.04 require a development permit prior to the issuance of a building permit.
What Drainage and Stormwater Solutions Include in Broward County
Our comprehensive drainage services cover all aspects of stormwater management in Broward County:
Site Regrading for Drainage
Regrading sites to improve water flow and eliminate standing water, meeting Broward County's storm event protection requirements (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots). Essential for flood-prone properties in Broward County.
French Drains and Underdrain Systems
Installation of French drains and subsurface drainage systems to manage high water table conditions, especially important in Broward County where groundwater is often close to the surface. Meets Natural Resource Protection Code and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements.
Stormwater Inlets and Piping
Installation of catch basins and underground stormwater piping sized for storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots), meeting Broward County's stormwater management requirements.
Swales, Ditches and Outfalls
Construction of swales, ditches, and outfall structures designed for stormwater management, meeting Broward County's Natural Resource Protection Code requirements and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit standards. Essential for effective stormwater conveyance.
Retention and Detention Basins
Design and construction of stormwater retention and detention basins sized for storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots), meeting SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements. Essential for large-scale developments in Broward County.
Flood-Prone and Coastal Property Drainage
Specialized drainage solutions for flood-prone and coastal properties, including compliance with Base Flood Elevation (BFE) requirements, storm event protection, and Natural Resource Protection Code standards. Essential for properties in flood zones and coastal areas throughout Broward County.
Broward County Drainage Considerations
Drainage in Broward County requires specialized knowledge of local conditions and regulatory requirements. Our coordinated network of licensed contractors understands the specific requirements for working in Broward County:
- Development Permits: Projects involving development work as described in Florida Statute 380.04 require a development permit prior to the issuance of a building permit. This is a critical prerequisite for drainage projects in Broward County.
- Development & Environmental Review (DER): Drainage projects typically require Development & Environmental Review through ePermits OneStop for applicable building permits. All DER submittals are only accepted electronically. Broward County's Planning and Development Management Division ensures that proposed developments comply with the Broward County Land Development Code and Natural Resource Protection Code.
- Storm Event Protection Requirements: Broward County requires that first floor elevations of all structures within drainage districts must protect structures from a 100-year, 3-day storm event, while roadway and parking lot elevations must be protected from a 10-year, 3-day storm event. Drainage systems must be sized to handle these design storms, with proper storage volumes and discharge rates to ensure adequate flood protection and water quality treatment.
- Natural Resource Protection Code: Broward County's Natural Resource Protection Code (Chapter 27) regulates environmental activities and enforces requirements for development in environmentally sensitive areas, including wetlands and stormwater management systems. Drainage projects must comply with these requirements.
- SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits: Many drainage projects require permits from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), especially those involving land disturbance or connections to surface waters. As of June 28, 2024, new water quality performance standards were implemented, requiring stormwater treatment systems to achieve significant pollution reductions—including an 80 percent reduction of post-development average annual total phosphorus (TP) loading and 45 percent reduction of total nitrogen (TN) loading from project areas. We coordinate all required SFWMD permits.
- Three-Tier Infrastructure Framework: Broward County's stormwater management system operates through a three-tier infrastructure framework: Tertiary System (individual community infrastructure including drainage inlets, pipes, swales, lakes, and retention areas), Secondary System (South Broward Drainage District or Central Broward Water Control District infrastructure including canals, culverts, and flood control gates), and Primary System (SFWMD-operated canals that receive all permitted stormwater runoff). Drainage projects must integrate with this framework.
- High Water Table: Broward County's high water table means groundwater is often within 2-3 feet of the surface, requiring subsurface drainage systems and proper elevation of structures above groundwater levels. French drains and underdrain systems are essential for managing high water table conditions, especially in areas like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and coastal neighborhoods.
- Flood Zone Compliance: Properties in flood zones must have drainage systems that comply with FEMA requirements and Broward County building codes, including proper elevation of structures and drainage features to meet Base Flood Elevation (BFE) requirements. Drainage systems must be designed to handle flood zone conditions effectively, with storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures).
- Climate Resilience and Sea Level Rise: Broward County has implemented a 50-year planning horizon for sea level rise, with projections of approximately 2 feet of sea level rise. Drainage system design must account for climate resilience and sea level rise considerations, ensuring long-term functionality and compliance with regulatory requirements. The 2025 Climate Action Plan addresses stormwater management by incorporating strategies for shared infrastructure use, improved drainage systems for heavy rainfall management, and infrastructure upgrades to mitigate future flooding impacts.
- Drainage District Requirements: For projects in areas governed by drainage districts (Central Broward Water Control District for areas east of Volunteer Road or South Broward Drainage District for areas west), Paving & Drainage (P&D) Permits are required. Drainage features must comply with drainage district requirements and storm event protection standards. Each drainage basin operates under a surface water management permit issued by the state that regulates the total storage volume within each basin and the rate of discharge.
- Coastal Conditions: Coastal properties in Broward County including Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Beach, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach face additional challenges including saltwater intrusion, storm surge, and unique soil conditions that affect drainage system design and materials. Specialized drainage solutions are required for coastal properties.
The Drainage Solution Process in Broward County
Our coordinated approach ensures your drainage project addresses the root cause and meets all Broward County regulatory requirements:
- Problem Assessment: We assess your drainage problems, identify water sources and flow patterns, and determine the most effective solution approach specific to Broward County conditions including flood zone analysis, water table assessment, and storm event protection requirements (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots).
- Design and Planning: We coordinate with engineers and contractors to design drainage systems that address your specific problems and meet Broward County regulatory requirements, including storm event protection requirements and Natural Resource Protection Code compliance. Design accounts for climate resilience and sea level rise considerations (50-year planning horizon, ~2 feet projection).
- Development Permit Coordination: We help identify required development permits as described in Florida Statute 380.04, which must be obtained prior to the issuance of building permits for drainage projects in Broward County.
- Broward County Permit Coordination: We help identify required permits including Uniform Building Permit Applications (updated November 14, 2025), Development & Environmental Review (DER) through ePermits OneStop, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for land disturbance and stormwater management, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, drainage district approvals (CBWCD or SBDD) where applicable, and coordinate with regulatory agencies. All DER submittals are only accepted electronically. Permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have expertise in drainage installation, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements in Broward County, including experience with high water table conditions, flood zone requirements, storm event protection, and climate resilience considerations.
- Installation: Contractors install drainage systems including excavation, pipe installation, inlet placement, and connections to outfalls or retention areas, meeting Broward County requirements. Installation ensures proper water flow and stormwater management, integrating with the three-tier infrastructure framework (Tertiary, Secondary, Primary systems).
- Final Inspection: We coordinate final inspections with SFWMD, Broward County Building Code Division or municipal building departments, and drainage districts where applicable to ensure drainage systems meet specifications and regulatory requirements including storm event protection and Natural Resource Protection Code standards. Systems are ready for operation after final approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits are required for drainage work in Broward County?
Drainage projects in Broward County require development permits (Florida Statute 380.04) obtained prior to building permit issuance, Uniform Building Permit Applications from Broward County Building Code Division, Development & Environmental Review (DER) through ePermits OneStop for applicable projects, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for land disturbance and stormwater management, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and drainage district approvals (CBWCD or SBDD) where applicable. All DER submittals are only accepted electronically. Permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.
What are the storm event protection requirements in Broward County?
Broward County requires that first floor elevations of all structures within drainage districts must protect structures from a 100-year, 3-day storm event, while roadway and parking lot elevations must be protected from a 10-year, 3-day storm event. Drainage systems must be sized to handle these design storms, with proper storage volumes and discharge rates to ensure adequate flood protection and water quality treatment. These requirements ensure adequate flood protection and account for climate resilience and sea level rise considerations (50-year planning horizon with projections of approximately 2 feet of sea level rise).
What is the three-tier infrastructure framework in Broward County?
Broward County's stormwater management system operates through a three-tier infrastructure framework: Tertiary System (individual community infrastructure including drainage inlets, pipes, swales, lakes, and retention areas maintained by Homeowners Associations or local municipalities), Secondary System (South Broward Drainage District or Central Broward Water Control District infrastructure including canals, culverts, and flood control gates that convey stormwater from tertiary systems), and Primary System (SFWMD-operated canals that receive all permitted stormwater runoff and serve as the final conveyance system). Drainage projects must integrate with this framework to ensure effective stormwater management.
How much does drainage installation cost in Broward County?
Drainage installation costs in Broward County vary based on system type, size, site conditions, and regulatory requirements. Simple French drain systems typically range from $25,000 to $75,000, while comprehensive stormwater management systems can range from $100,000 to $250,000+ depending on scope, complexity, storm event protection requirements, and dewatering needs. Projects requiring extensive dewatering, working in flood zones, or meeting storm event protection requirements often cost more due to additional permit requirements (SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits) and specialized techniques. Broward County permit processing, including DER review through ePermits OneStop, can add time and costs.
Can drainage fix flooding problems in Broward County?
Yes, properly designed and installed drainage systems can effectively address flooding problems in Broward County by collecting and redirecting water away from structures and low-lying areas, meeting storm event protection requirements. The solution depends on the specific cause of flooding, which may include poor site grading, inadequate drainage, high groundwater levels, or flood zone conditions. Drainage systems must be designed for storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots) and integrate with Broward County's three-tier infrastructure framework. Climate resilience and sea level rise considerations (50-year planning horizon, ~2 feet projection) are incorporated into design to ensure long-term functionality.
Sub-Services
Explore our specialized drainage and stormwater solutions in Broward County:
Site Regrading for Drainage
Regrading sites to improve water flow and eliminate standing water in Broward County
French Drains and Underdrain Systems
Installation of French drains and subsurface drainage systems in Broward County
Stormwater Inlets and Piping
Installation of catch basins and underground stormwater piping in Broward County
Swales, Ditches and Outfalls
Construction of swales, ditches, and outfall structures in Broward County
Retention and Detention Basins
Design and construction of stormwater retention and detention basins in Broward County
Flood-Prone and Coastal Property Drainage
Specialized drainage solutions for flood-prone and coastal properties in Broward County