Jacksonville, FL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Ordinance Code Ch. 754
- Enforcing office
- Public Works Stormwater Management Utility Director
- Max civil penalty
- $2,000 per day of violation
- Fee basis
- Impervious area per Single Family Unit
- Excluded areas
- Beach cities and Town of Baldwin
Summary
Jacksonville bans dumping anything but stormwater into its storm sewer system and funds citywide drainage management through a mandatory monthly utility fee on every developed parcel.
In addition to illicit discharges, discharge of spills and the dumping and disposal of materials other than stormwater, including, but not limited to, industrial and commercial wastes, commercial car wash wastes, sewage, garbage, yard waste, trash, petroleum products (including used motor vehicle fluids), leaf litter, grass clippings, and animal wastes), into the MS4 whether directly or indirectly, are prohibited, unless authorized under a NPDES permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The Stormwater Management Utility Code (Ch. 754, Ordinance Code) makes it unlawful to discharge anything other than stormwater into the City's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), including sewage, garbage, yard waste, grass clippings, and used motor vehicle fluids, unless covered by an NPDES permit. The Public Works Department's Stormwater Management Utility Director administers the program, and every owner of developed property in the General Services District pays a monthly stormwater service charge based on impervious surface area to fund drainage construction, maintenance, and federal water-quality compliance. The beach cities (Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach) and the Town of Baldwin run their own systems and are excluded.
Violations & Fines
Violating the discharge ban is a class D offense; the City can also pursue civil penalties up to $2,000 per day, injunctive relief in Circuit Court, and attorney's fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dump anything besides rain into a Jacksonville storm drain?
Does every Jacksonville property pay a stormwater fee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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