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Charlotte 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
Southwest Florida Water Mgmt District
Statute
Fla. Stat. §373.413
Rules
Fla. Admin. Code 62-330
Drains to
Peace River, Charlotte Harbor

Summary

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

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Charlotte 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

In Charlotte County, constructing or altering a stormwater management system triggers the Environmental Resource Permit program. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) administers ERPs under Fla. Stat. §373.413 and Chapter 62-330, Florida Administrative Code. Because runoff from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and the canal communities of Punta Gorda Isles and South Gulf Cove drains straight into the Peace River, the Myakka River, and Charlotte Harbor, projects must capture and treat runoff to meet the district's water-quality and water-quantity standards before it reaches the estuary and its seagrass. The county's land development code layers additional stormwater rules on plats and site plans. Sites disturbing an acre or more also need federal NPDES coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Charlotte County

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsCoastal DevelopmentHeavy RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsBoat Dock PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Charlotte County rules

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