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

Chapter 54, Article XII governs Earthmoving in unincorporated Sarasota County: excavating, filling, and stockpiling that isn't already covered by the county's subdivision and site-plan regulations. Section 54-347, "Requirements for excavations," applies to every permitted excavation activity. Subsection (9) requires that, during and upon completion of excavation and before the permit expires, "sediment shall be stabilized and erosion controlled," and bars sediment from encroaching into wetlands, watercourses, or adjacent properties. Subsection (10) sets a numeric water-quality backstop: receiving waters near the site cannot exceed a turbidity level of 29 nephelometric turbidity units above natural background.

Borrow pits and other excavations left open must be graded to avoid off-site flooding or erosion, and must sit back from neighboring property lines by 50 feet for excavations under 10,000 cubic yards, 100 feet for excavations up to 100,000 cubic yards, and 200 feet above that, with the Administrator able to reduce the setback if buffering is adequate and the neighbor signs an affidavit of no objection. Section 54-346(1)(g) separately requires "appropriate sediment control devices (hay bales, silt screens, or other devices approved by the Administrator)" wherever work sits near a wetland, and requires fill next to a wetland to be stabilized to the Administrator's satisfaction.

Stockpiled fill under Section 54-348(1)(c) must be stabilized, typically by grassing, and secured, typically by fencing, and Type B or C stockpiles left in place longer than 180 days trigger the full earthmoving-permit requirement. Filling operations carry the identical sediment and turbidity standard under Section 54-348(3)-(4).