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

Stormwater management in Broward County is governed by the county NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) permitting. The county Environmental Engineering and Permitting Division reviews drainage plans for new development including pre- and post-construction runoff modeling, water quality volume capture, and detention or retention requirements. Broward sits at a low elevation with large areas below 10 ft, making pumped drainage, tidal valves, and sea level rise adaptation essential. SFWMD permits are required for site discharges to canals and the C-canal system that outfalls to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. Illicit discharges to storm drains such as paint, oils, and grass clippings violate the MS4 permit and local ordinances with fines. Operation and maintenance of private drainage systems is the responsibility of property owners and HOAs, while public systems are maintained by Broward County Water and Wastewater Services.