Hillsborough County, FL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing standard
- SWFWMD rules + County Technical Manual
- Easement improvements
- Grass only, absent county approval
- Floodplain fill
- Must offset lost storage/conveyance
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Hillsborough County only
Summary
New subdivisions in unincorporated Hillsborough County must design stormwater systems to SWFWMD water-quality standards and the county's own Stormwater Management Technical Manual before plats are approved.
The Stormwater Management System shall be designed to comply with the water quality requirements of SWFWMD and with the Hillsborough County Stormwater Management Technical Manual.
B. Drainage Easements; Use Restrictions and County Maintenance.
1. Drainage improvements shall be allowed in drainage easements. When public drainage easements are shown on the plat, the plat and affected deeds shall state, "Drainage easements shall not contain permanent improvements, including but not limited to sidewalks, driveways, impervious surfaces, patios, decks, pools, air conditioners, structures, utility sheds, poles, fences, sprinkler systems, trees, shrubs, hedges, and landscaping plants other than grass, except as approved by the County Administrator."
2. Drainage easements shall be granted to Hillsborough County for all stormwater management facilities to be maintained by Hillsborough County. Off-site drainage easements may be required in cases where the minimum maintenance activities associated with roads and stormwater management facilities to be dedicated to Hillsborough County would not be practical without such easements. For subdivi- sions which are to be privately maintained, the design and maintenance require-
Full Breakdown
Under LDC Sec. 6.02.11, any subdivision's stormwater management system must meet both Southwest Florida Water Management District water-quality rules and the Hillsborough County Stormwater Management Technical Manual. Drainage easements dedicated to the county for stormwater facilities may carry no permanent improvements -- no sidewalks, driveways, pools, sheds, fences, or landscaping beyond grass -- without County Administrator approval. Development in the conveyance portion of a 100-year floodplain is barred unless it compensates for lost conveyance capacity.
Violations & Fines
Plats and site plans that fail to meet SWFWMD/technical-manual design standards are not approved; unauthorized permanent improvements placed in a dedicated drainage easement may be required to be removed by the County Administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a shed or fence in a drainage easement on my lot?
Whose stormwater standards apply to new subdivisions?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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