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Bay County, FL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Permit
Environmental Resource Permit (ERP)
Authority
Northwest Florida Water Mgmt District
Statute
Fla. Stat. §373.413
Rules
Fla. Admin. Code 62-330
Standard
No harm to water resources

Summary

Building or altering a stormwater system in Bay County requires an Environmental Resource Permit. Under Fla. Stat. §373.413, the Northwest Florida Water Management District permits these systems so runoff does not harm the district's waters, including St. Andrew Bay.

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

Across Bay County, from Panama City and Lynn Haven to Panama City Beach and the West Bay corridor, constructing or altering a stormwater management system triggers the Environmental Resource Permit program. The Northwest Florida Water Management District administers ERPs under Fla. Stat. §373.413 and Chapter 62-330, Florida Administrative Code. Projects must capture and treat runoff before it reaches the St. Andrew Bay estuary, its seagrass beds, and the Gulf, meeting the district's water-quality and water-quantity standards. The county's land development regulations add stormwater and drainage requirements on the plats and site plans it reviews. Sites disturbing an acre or more also need federal NPDES permit coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does a Bay County project need a stormwater permit?
When it builds or alters a stormwater management system. The Northwest Florida Water Management District issues the Environmental Resource Permit under Fla. Stat. §373.413 and Chapter 62-330.
Who regulates stormwater in Bay County?
The Northwest Florida Water Management District through the ERP program, with the county adding drainage requirements through its land development regulations.

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 RestrictionsErosion ControlHeavy RestrictionsCoastal DevelopmentHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Bay County rules

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