Drainage and Stormwater Solutions
Comprehensive drainage and stormwater management systems for flood-prone and coastal properties across South Florida. We coordinate licensed contractors to design and install effective drainage solutions.
From French drains and underdrain systems to retention ponds and stormwater inlets, our network of licensed contractors delivers drainage solutions tailored to South Florida's unique conditions including high water tables, frequent heavy rains, and flood zone requirements.
Who This Service Is For
Our drainage and stormwater solutions serve property owners experiencing flooding, standing water, or drainage problems, as well as developers and builders who need stormwater management systems for new construction.
Whether you're dealing with existing drainage problems on your property or need comprehensive stormwater management for a new development, we coordinate contractors with expertise in South Florida drainage requirements and SFWMD compliance.
Typical Project Sizes
Drainage projects 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.
Common Problems This Solves
Our drainage and stormwater solutions address critical water management challenges in South Florida:
- Flooding and Standing Water: Properties with poor drainage experience flooding during heavy rains, causing property damage, foundation issues, and landscape destruction. Proper drainage systems redirect water away from structures.
- Flood Zone Compliance: Properties in FEMA flood zones require specific drainage and elevation requirements. Our systems ensure compliance with flood zone regulations.
- High Water Table Issues: South Florida's high water table causes water to rise into foundations and crawl spaces. Underdrain systems and proper grading manage high water table conditions.
- Stormwater Management Requirements: New developments must manage stormwater quantity and quality per SFWMD and county requirements. Retention ponds and stormwater systems meet these regulations.
- Coastal Property Drainage: Coastal properties face unique challenges including storm surge, saltwater intrusion, and limited drainage options. Specialized coastal drainage systems address these issues.
- Permitting Complexity: Drainage projects require SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits and county approvals. We help navigate the permitting process and ensure compliance.
Service Areas
View location-specific drainage and stormwater solutions:
Drainage and Stormwater Solutions in Miami, FL
Comprehensive drainage systems for Miami-Dade County with DERM 25-year storm requirements and SFWMD compliance
Drainage and Stormwater Solutions in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Comprehensive drainage systems for Broward County with DER permits, SFWMD compliance, and coastal drainage solutions
Drainage and Stormwater Solutions in West Palm Beach, FL
Comprehensive drainage systems for Palm Beach County with Building Division permits, ERM review, and ULDC compliance
Drainage and Stormwater Solutions in Florida Keys, FL
Comprehensive drainage systems for Monroe County, Florida Keys with storm surge protection and environmental compliance
Sub-Services
Explore our specialized drainage and stormwater solutions:
Site Regrading for Drainage
Regrading sites to improve water flow and eliminate standing water
French Drains and Underdrain Systems
Installation of French drains and subsurface drainage systems
Stormwater Inlets and Piping
Installation of catch basins and underground stormwater piping
Swales, Ditches and Outfalls
Construction of swales, ditches, and outfall structures
Retention and Detention Basins
Design and construction of stormwater retention and detention basins
Flood-Prone and Coastal Property Drainage
Specialized drainage solutions for flood-prone and coastal properties
South Florida Drainage Considerations
Drainage in South Florida requires specialized knowledge of local conditions and regulatory requirements:
- High Water Table: South Florida's high water table means groundwater is often close to the surface, requiring subsurface drainage systems and proper elevation of structures above groundwater levels.
- Frequent Heavy Rains: South Florida experiences frequent, intense rainfall, especially during hurricane season. Drainage systems must be designed to handle high-volume, short-duration storm events.
- SFWMD Requirements: Many drainage projects require permits from the South Florida Water Management District, especially those involving land disturbance or connections to surface waters.
- Flood Zone Compliance: Properties in flood zones must have drainage systems that comply with FEMA requirements and local building codes, including proper elevation of structures and drainage features.
- Coastal Conditions: Coastal properties face additional challenges including saltwater intrusion, storm surge, and unique soil conditions that affect drainage system design and materials.
- County Regulations: Each county—Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach—has specific stormwater management requirements and permit processes that must be followed.
The Drainage Solution Process
Our coordinated approach ensures your drainage project addresses the root cause and meets all regulatory requirements:
- Problem Assessment: We assess your drainage problems, identify water sources and flow patterns, and determine the most effective solution approach.
- Design and Planning: We coordinate with engineers and contractors to design drainage systems that address your specific problems and meet regulatory requirements.
- Permit Coordination: We help identify required permits from SFWMD, county building departments, and other agencies, and coordinate the permit application process.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have expertise in drainage installation and SFWMD compliance.
- Installation: Contractors install drainage systems including excavation, pipe installation, inlet placement, and connections to outfalls or retention areas.
- Final Inspection: We coordinate final inspections to ensure drainage systems meet specifications and regulatory requirements.
Related Services
Drainage and stormwater solutions often work in combination with other site work services. You may also need:
- Land Grading and Site Grading: Proper site grading creates slopes that direct water to drainage systems. Grading and drainage work together.
- Excavation and Earthwork: Drainage systems require excavation for French drains, retention ponds, and stormwater features.
- Site Work and Site Development: Complete site development includes drainage systems as part of comprehensive site preparation.
- Land Clearing and Lot Preparation: Site clearing often reveals drainage issues that need to be addressed before construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a French drain and how does it work?
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock containing a perforated pipe that collects and redirects groundwater and surface water. Water enters the pipe through perforations and flows to a lower elevation or outfall, preventing water from pooling around foundations or in low-lying areas.
Do I need permits for drainage work?
Yes, drainage projects typically require permits from county building departments. Projects involving significant land disturbance or connections to surface waters may also require SFWMD environmental resource permits. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.
How much does drainage installation cost?
Drainage installation costs vary based on system type, size, and site conditions. 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 and complexity.
Can drainage fix flooding problems?
Yes, properly designed and installed drainage systems can effectively address flooding problems by collecting and redirecting water away from structures and low-lying areas. The solution depends on the specific cause of flooding, which may include poor site grading, inadequate drainage, or high groundwater levels.