French Drains and Underdrain Systems in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Who This Service Is For

French drains and underdrain systems in Broward County are essential for property owners, homeowners, commercial property managers, and anyone dealing with high water tables, groundwater issues, or water pooling around foundations throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Weston, Plantation, and other communities.

Whether you're experiencing water in your basement or crawl space in Fort Lauderdale, water pooling around your foundation in Hollywood, or high groundwater levels affecting your property in Plantation, French drains and underdrain systems can effectively collect and redirect water. We coordinate contractors with expertise in Broward County drainage requirements, Development & Environmental Review (DER), Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, high water table conditions, and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits to install subsurface drainage systems that protect structures.

Broward County French Drain Considerations

French drain and underdrain installation in Broward County requires specialized knowledge of local conditions and regulatory requirements:

• 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 French drain installation projects in Broward County.
• Development & Environmental Review (DER): French drain installation typically requires 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.
• French Drain Definition and Construction Standards: In Broward County, French drains are defined as structures consisting of a perforated, slotted, or open joint pipe buried in a trench and surrounded by ballast rock, used for groundwater drainage and stormwater management. Construction must utilize authorized types of pipe with coarse aggregate or ballast rock when specified, along with filter fabric, meeting county construction standards and Natural Resource Protection Code requirements.
• High Water Table and Groundwater Drainage: Broward County's high water table, which can be within 2-3 feet of the surface in many areas, makes French drains particularly effective for managing groundwater. The depth and location of French drain trenches are established based on water table levels, foundation depth, and drainage requirements. Drains must be installed at proper depths to intercept groundwater before it reaches structures, especially in areas like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and coastal neighborhoods.
• 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. French drain systems must be designed to handle these design storms and integrate with Broward County's three-tier infrastructure framework.
• 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. French drain projects must comply with these requirements.
• SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits: French drain installation may require SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for land disturbance and stormwater management, especially for large-scale systems or those connecting to surface waters. As of June 28, 2024, new water quality performance standards were implemented. We coordinate all required SFWMD permits.
• Coastal Soil Conditions: Coastal areas in Broward County including Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Beach, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach have unique soil characteristics including limestone bedrock, sandy soils, and organic materials that affect French drain installation and performance. Soil conditions determine trench depths, pipe placement, and gravel requirements.
• Outfall Requirements: French drains must discharge to proper outfalls such as swales, retention areas, or stormwater systems, meeting Broward County's Natural Resource Protection Code requirements and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit standards. Outfall design must comply with regulatory requirements and prevent erosion, integrating with Broward County's three-tier infrastructure framework (Tertiary, Secondary, Primary systems).
• 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. French drain design must account for climate resilience and sea level rise considerations, ensuring long-term functionality and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The French Drain Installation Process in Broward County

Our coordinated approach ensures your French drain or underdrain system is installed properly and effectively manages water while meeting all Broward County regulatory requirements:

1. Site Assessment: We evaluate your site to identify water sources, flow patterns, and drainage problems specific to Broward County conditions including high water table assessment, foundation conditions, and storm event protection requirements. Assessment includes reviewing water table levels, foundation conditions, and areas requiring drainage protection.
2. System Design: We develop a French drain design that addresses specific drainage problems and protects structures, meeting Broward County construction standards, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements. Design determines pipe placement, depth based on water table levels and foundation protection needs, slope, and outfall locations, integrating with Broward County's three-tier infrastructure framework.
3. 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 French drain installation projects in Broward County.
4. 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 where applicable, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and coordinate with regulatory agencies. All DER submittals are only accepted electronically. Permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. Permits ensure compliance with regulations and may be required for large-scale systems or those connecting to stormwater systems.
5. Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment and experience for French drain installation in Broward County, including expertise with high water table conditions, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements, and storm event protection.
6. Trench Excavation: Contractors excavate trenches to proper depths and widths with proper slopes, with depths established based on water table levels, foundation depth, and drainage requirements. Trenches are prepared for pipe installation with proper depth control, meeting Broward County requirements and storm event protection standards.
7. Pipe and Gravel Installation: Perforated, slotted, or open joint pipes are installed with coarse aggregate or ballast rock bedding and backfill, along with filter fabric as required by Broward County construction standards. Installation ensures proper water collection and flow to outfalls, integrating with Broward County's three-tier infrastructure framework.
8. Outfall Construction and Final Inspection: Outfalls are constructed integrating with Broward County's three-tier infrastructure framework, and final inspections with SFWMD, Broward County Building Code Division, or municipal building departments ensure French drains effectively manage water and protect structures, meeting storm event protection and Natural Resource Protection Code standards. Systems are ready for operation after final approval.

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