Florida wetlands and stormwater can change a lot plan

A low, wet, or wooded Florida lot may need more than a clearing plan.

Florida’s Environmental Resource Permit path covers work that changes surface water flows. That can include upland work that creates stormwater runoff. It can also include dredging or filling in wetlands and other surface waters. The review may sit with DEP or with one of Florida’s water management districts.

This can matter before a driveway, house pad, pond, culvert, fill, shed, barn, parking area, or small business site gets designed. A lot can look buildable from the road while the wetland line, drainage path, or district office still needs attention.

Before buying land for a project, ask for the parcel map, flood map, wetland clue, drainage plan, and prior permit history. If the site has standing water, ditches, cypress, marsh, or a low corner, ask the building office who handles the environmental side. It is easier to adjust a drawing than to fix fill that went in the wrong place.