Indian River County, FL Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Environmental Resource Permit
- Statute
- Fla. Stat. §373.413
- County review
- Land development code drainage plans
- Common law
- No unreasonable runoff onto neighbors
- Authority
- St. Johns River Water Mgmt District
Summary
Grading and drainage in Indian River County are governed by the Environmental Resource Permit and the county land development code. Under Fla. Stat. §373.413, altering land drainage through a stormwater system requires District approval so water resources are not harmed.
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.
Full Breakdown
Reshaping land, filling low spots, or redirecting drainage in Indian River County engages both the county's land development code and state water law. An Environmental Resource Permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District under Fla. Stat. §373.413 is required where grading creates or alters a stormwater management system. In the flat coastal terrain around Vero Beach, Sebastian, and the lagoon-front subdivisions, drainage swales and canals carry runoff toward the Indian River Lagoon, and the county reviews grading and drainage plans to keep water off neighboring lots and treat runoff before discharge. Florida's common-law reasonable-use rule bars a landowner from unreasonably diverting surface water onto adjoining property. Work near the lagoon or wetlands triggers additional permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to regrade my Indian River County lot?
Can I regrade to drain toward my neighbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indian River County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Indian River County to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.