Retention and Detention Ponds in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Who This Service Is For

Retention and detention pond services in Broward County are essential for developers, general contractors, subdivision developers, commercial property owners, and anyone developing properties that require stormwater management systems throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, and other growing communities.

Whether you're developing a new subdivision in Weston, commercial complex in Plantation, or any property requiring stormwater management in Fort Lauderdale, retention and detention ponds are often required by regulatory agencies. We coordinate licensed contractors with heavy equipment to excavate and construct stormwater ponds that meet Broward County and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements, including storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots) and Natural Resource Protection Code compliance.

Broward County Pond Construction Considerations

Retention and detention pond construction in Broward County requires specialized knowledge of local conditions and regulatory requirements:

• 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. Retention and detention ponds must be sized to handle these design storms, with proper storage volumes and discharge rates.
• 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 pond construction projects in Broward County.
• Development & Environmental Review (DER): Pond construction 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.
• SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits: Pond construction typically requires SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for land disturbance and stormwater management. As of June 28, 2024, new water quality performance standards were implemented. Permits ensure compliance with water management district requirements and may require specific design features. We coordinate all required SFWMD permits.
• 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. Pond construction projects must comply with these requirements.
• High Water Table and Dewatering: Broward County's high water table, which can be within 2-3 feet of the surface in many areas, affects pond excavation depth and may require dewatering systems. SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits are required for dewatering activities affecting state waters. The applicant must have all applicable SFWMD permits before proceeding with dewatering operations. Water table conditions determine pond design and may affect retention pond water levels.
• 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. Pond design must account for climate resilience and sea level rise considerations, ensuring long-term functionality and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Broward County Building Permits: Pond construction requires Uniform Building Permit Applications (updated November 14, 2025) from Broward County Building Code Division or municipal building departments. Permit applications can be submitted through ePermits OneStop. Permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.

The Pond Construction Process in Broward County

Our coordinated approach ensures your retention or detention pond is constructed properly and meets all Broward County regulatory requirements:

1. Engineering Design Review: We review engineering designs to understand pond dimensions, depths, and overflow structures specific to 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) and Natural Resource Protection Code compliance. Design review ensures excavation meets exact requirements for stormwater management and regulatory compliance.
2. 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 pond construction projects in Broward County.
3. 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, 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 stormwater management requirements.
4. Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment (excavators, bulldozers, compactors, dewatering systems) and experience for pond excavation and construction in Broward County, including expertise with high water table conditions, coastal soils, storm event protection, and regulatory compliance.
5. Dewatering Setup: For pond excavations requiring dewatering, contractors set up dewatering systems in compliance with SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements for activities affecting state waters, ensuring proper water quality management and discharge compliance. The applicant must have all applicable SFWMD permits before proceeding with dewatering operations. This is especially important given Broward County's high water table.
6. Pond Excavation: Contractors perform excavation to exact depths and dimensions, creating proper storage volumes for storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures). Excavation establishes pond shape and prepares areas for overflow structure installation, accounting for Broward County's high water table and coastal soil conditions.
7. Slope Construction: Pond banks are graded to proper slopes (typically 3:1 or 4:1) to ensure stability and prevent erosion, meeting Broward County and Natural Resource Protection Code requirements. Slope construction meets engineering specifications and regulatory requirements, especially important given Broward County's heavy rainfall and hurricane conditions.
8. Overflow Structure Installation: Overflow structures including weirs, risers, and outfall pipes are installed to control water levels and discharge rates, sized for storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures). Structures ensure proper stormwater management and prevent pond overflow, meeting Natural Resource Protection Code standards.
9. Erosion Control and Final Inspection: Erosion control measures are installed meeting Broward County Natural Resource Protection Code requirements, and final inspections ensure ponds meet regulatory requirements including storm event protection and Natural Resource Protection Code standards. Ponds are ready for operation after final approval.

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