Florida Environmental Permitting Skill
When to Invoke
- •Questions about SJRWMD permits
- •Wetland assessment needs
- •Flood zone determination
- •Stormwater management
- •Environmental constraints
SJRWMD Permit Types
ERP (Environmental Resource Permit)
Required for:
- •Projects disturbing >1 acre
- •Work in wetlands
- •Stormwater systems
- •Activities in/near surface waters
Thresholds:
- •<4,000 sq ft impervious: Exempt
- •4,000 sq ft - 1 acre: Noticed General
- •
1 acre: Individual permit
WUP (Water Use Permit)
Required for:
- •Irrigation systems >1 acre
- •Commercial water use
- •Dewatering operations
Flood Zone Determination
FEMA Zone Designations
| Zone | Risk Level | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| X | Minimal | Standard construction |
| A | High (no BFE) | Elevation required |
| AE | High (BFE known) | Build above BFE |
| VE | Coastal high hazard | Strict requirements |
Building Requirements by Zone
- •Zone X: No special requirements
- •Zone A/AE: Lowest floor ≥ BFE + 1 ft
- •Zone VE: Open foundation, ≥ BFE + 1 ft
Wetland Assessment Process
- •
Desktop Review
- •Check National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
- •Review aerial imagery
- •Identify potential wetland areas
- •
Field Delineation (if needed)
- •Hire certified wetland delineator
- •Flag wetland boundaries
- •Prepare delineation report
- •
Permit Strategy
- •Avoid: Best option
- •Minimize: Reduce impact
- •Mitigate: Compensate for unavoidable impact
Stormwater Requirements
Retention/Detention
- •Pre vs post development runoff
- •25-year, 24-hour storm
- •Water quality treatment
Common Solutions
- •Retention ponds
- •Dry detention
- •Swales
- •Underground systems
Timeline Estimates
| Permit | Review Time |
|---|---|
| ERP General | 30 days |
| ERP Individual | 90 days |
| WUP | 90 days |
| Wetland Delineation | 30-60 days |
Key Contacts
- •SJRWMD: 386-329-4500
- •FDEP: 850-245-2118
- •US Army Corps: 904-232-1666