Does Indian River County, FL have its own stormwater management ordinance?

No. Indian River County, FL does not appear to have a local stormwater management ordinance, Florida state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Florida Statutes.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown FAQ Sources More in Indian River County

Indian River 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: St. Johns River Water Mgmt District
Statute: Fla. Stat. §373.413
Drains to: Indian River Lagoon
Nutrient rule: County fertilizer summer blackout

Summary

Building or altering a stormwater system in Indian River County requires an Environmental Resource Permit. Under Fla. Stat. §373.413, the St. Johns River Water Management District permits these systems so runoff does not harm the Indian River Lagoon.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Indian River 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 Indian River County, constructing or altering a stormwater management system triggers the Environmental Resource Permit program. The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) administers ERPs under Fla. Stat. §373.413 and Chapter 62-330, Florida Administrative Code. Because runoff from Vero Beach, Sebastian, and the barrier-island communities drains into the Indian River Lagoon, a nationally significant but nutrient-stressed estuary, projects must capture and treat runoff before it reaches the lagoon's seagrass. The county's stormwater ordinance and its fertilizer ordinance, with a summer rainy-season blackout on nitrogen and phosphorus, layer nutrient controls on top of the ERP. Sites disturbing an acre or more also need federal NPDES coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does an Indian River County project need a stormwater permit?

When it builds or alters a stormwater management system. The St. Johns River Water Management District issues the Environmental Resource Permit under Fla. Stat. §373.413 and Chapter 62-330.

Are there fertilizer limits to protect the lagoon?

Yes. The county fertilizer ordinance restricts nitrogen and phosphorus and imposes a summer rainy-season blackout to reduce nutrient runoff into the Indian River Lagoon.

Sources & Official References

[1]Florida Statutes

Other rules in Indian River County

Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Coastal DevelopmentHeavy Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Animal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsFew Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Artificial TurfSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesFew Restrictions

All Indian River County rules

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