Broward County, FL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing agency
- Public Works and Environmental Services Dept
- Governing law
- Broward County Code Ch. 27, Art. V
- First citation penalty
- $500 for operating without a license
- Max NOV penalty
- $15,000 per violation per day
- Scope
- Countywide, incorporated and unincorporated areas
Summary
Broward County requires a Public Works and Environmental Services Department license before constructing any stormwater or surface water management works, with citations up to $500 and hearing-examiner penalties up to $15,000 per day of violation.
(1)License required: Any person constructing water management works other than those exempted in Section 27-194(c) shall obtain a county license.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward's Public Works and Environmental Services Department (PWESD) licenses water management works -- lakes, retention/detention systems, control structures, culverts and drainage systems -- countywide under Chapter 27, Article V (Water Resource Management). Section 27-198(d)(1) requires a county license before constructing, altering or operating such works unless exempted under Section 27-194(c) (small sites, minor pond work, road resurfacing, etc.). Section 27-193(a)(1) separately bars discharges that violate water quality standards but exempts stormwater sent to permitted retention/detention systems. Applicants submit engineer-sealed drainage plans and stage-storage calculations, and must designate a responsible entity -- often a homeowners association -- to maintain the system.
Violations & Fines
Constructing or operating unlicensed water management works draws a $500 PWESD citation; contested or repeat violations go to a hearing examiner who can assess up to $15,000 per day per violation plus enforcement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Broward County require a permit for stormwater drainage work?
Is this rule only for unincorporated Broward County?
What happens if I build a pond or drainage system without a county license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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