Florida Environmental Permitting Skill

When to Invoke

• Questions about SJRWMD permits
• Wetland assessment needs
• Flood zone determination
• Stormwater management
• Environmental constraints

SJRWMD Permit Types

ERP (Environmental Resource Permit)

Required for:

• Projects disturbing >1 acre
• Work in wetlands
• Stormwater systems
• Activities in/near surface waters

Thresholds:

• <4,000 sq ft impervious: Exempt
• 4,000 sq ft - 1 acre: Noticed General

• 1 acre: Individual permit

WUP (Water Use Permit)

Required for:

• Irrigation systems >1 acre
• Commercial water use
• Dewatering operations

Flood Zone Determination

FEMA Zone Designations

Zone	Risk Level	Requirements
X	Minimal	Standard construction
A	High (no BFE)	Elevation required
AE	High (BFE known)	Build above BFE
VE	Coastal high hazard	Strict requirements

Building Requirements by Zone

• Zone X: No special requirements
• Zone A/AE: Lowest floor ≥ BFE + 1 ft
• Zone VE: Open foundation, ≥ BFE + 1 ft

Wetland Assessment Process

1. Desktop Review

   • Check National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
   • Review aerial imagery
   • Identify potential wetland areas

2. Field Delineation (if needed)

   • Hire certified wetland delineator
   • Flag wetland boundaries
   • Prepare delineation report

3. Permit Strategy

   • Avoid: Best option
   • Minimize: Reduce impact
   • Mitigate: Compensate for unavoidable impact

Stormwater Requirements

Retention/Detention

• Pre vs post development runoff
• 25-year, 24-hour storm
• Water quality treatment

Common Solutions

• Retention ponds
• Dry detention
• Swales
• Underground systems

Timeline Estimates

Permit	Review Time
ERP General	30 days
ERP Individual	90 days
WUP	90 days
Wetland Delineation	30-60 days

Key Contacts

• SJRWMD: 386-329-4500
• FDEP: 850-245-2118
• US Army Corps: 904-232-1666