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Bay County, FL Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Program
Environmental Resource Permit
Authority
Northwest Florida Water Mgmt District
Statute
Fla. Stat. §373.413
Controls
Silt fence, turbidity barriers
Standard
State turbidity limits apply

Summary

Erosion and sediment control in Bay County runs through the Environmental Resource Permit. Under Fla. Stat. §373.413, land clearing and construction that alters a stormwater system must control sediment so it does not harm St. Andrew Bay and Gulf waters.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Bay County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Except for the exemptions set forth herein, the governing board or the department may require such permits and impose such reasonable conditions as are necessary to assure that the construction or alteration of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works will comply with the provisions of this part and applicable rules promulgated thereto and will not be harmful to the water resources of the district.

Source: Florida StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Bay County's sugar-white barrier dunes, the St. Andrew Bay shoreline, and its seagrass beds make sediment control essential. The Environmental Resource Permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District, under Fla. Stat. §373.413 and Chapter 62-330, Florida Administrative Code, requires best management practices during construction: silt fence, stabilized entrances, turbidity barriers, and prompt stabilization of bare soil. The state turbidity standard caps how much cloudier a discharge may leave receiving waters. The county enforces its own clearing and erosion provisions for the development it permits. Post-Hurricane Michael rebuilding and land clearing keep erosion control an active concern, and work near the bay or wetlands adds state and federal oversight.

Violations & Fines

Clearing or grading that discharges turbid runoff or sediment into Bay County waters without required erosion controls violates the ERP and state water-quality rules, bringing District enforcement, stop-work orders, and restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need erosion controls to clear land in Bay County?
Yes. Construction that alters a stormwater system requires an Environmental Resource Permit with sediment and turbidity controls under Fla. Stat. §373.413 and Chapter 62-330.
What sediment controls are required?
Best management practices such as silt fence, stabilized construction entrances, turbidity barriers, and prompt stabilization of bare soil, meeting the state turbidity standard for discharges.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bay County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSignificant RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsCoastal DevelopmentHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Bay County rules

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