Broward County, FL Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Grading and drainage in Broward County require engineered plans for any significant fill, regrade, or alteration of existing runoff patterns. The county Environmental Engineering and Permitting Division and municipal engineering departments review drainage calculations that demonstrate positive flow away from structures, no adverse impact to adjacent properties, and discharge to approved outfalls such as street swales or private retention. In Special Flood Hazard Areas under FEMA maps, any fill must include compensating storage unless the site demonstrates a net reduction in base flood elevation impact. Finished floor elevations must meet or exceed the base flood elevation plus applicable freeboard, commonly 1 ft above BFE for residential and 2 ft for critical facilities. Elevation certificates from licensed surveyors are required at pre-slab, post-slab, and final inspection. Seawall tie-in elevations, bulkhead lines, and driveway slopes are regulated, and sloped driveways to below-grade garages require depressed curb approvals and backflow prevention.