Navigating Florida’s Stormwater Rules: ERP/FDPES Requirements

Why Choose JRH Engineering

Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH

Most engineering firms talk about technical capability. We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.

Faster Project Turnaround

Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.

Clear & Responsive Communication

You work directly with engineers who keep you informed. No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.

Proven Results Across Three States

We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.

Check out JRH's case studies.

Licensed & Certified Professionals

Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers. JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.

How Florida Stormwater Permitting Works

Florida development sites usually deal with two stormwater permits:

• An Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) for the permanent stormwater system

  
  

• NPDES construction coverage for runoff during construction

  
  

Florida has moved its stormwater treatment criteria toward nutrient reduction. Designs increasingly need to show how nitrogen and phosphorus are treated, not just how runoff is stored.

JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.

JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.

Environmental Resource Permit (ERP)

• Covers the permanent stormwater management system for a development

  
  

• FDEP district offices and the five water management districts share ERP permitting under operating agreements (FDEP ERP program)

  
  

• Confirm which treatment criteria apply to your application with FDEP or the water management district before design

  
  

NPDES Construction Coverage

FDEP's construction activity page lists:

• Coverage for sites disturbing 1 acre or more

  
  

• A Notice of Intent with the fee at least 2 calendar days before construction

  
  

• A Notice of Termination within 14 days after final stabilization

  
  

Treatment Options for Nutrient Reduction

• Wet detention ponds and retention basins

  
  

• Pretreatment such as hydrodynamic separators

  
  

• Filtration and biosorption media for nitrogen and phosphorus

  
  

• Infiltration and permeable pavement where soils and groundwater allow

  
  

• Multistage systems that combine several of these

  
  

Maintenance Matters

Treatment systems only work if they are maintained, so operation and maintenance plans should be part of the design.

Project: Hometown Bank Class A Replacement, Galveston, TX

This Texas coastal project shows the same on-site stormwater approach many Florida sites use.

• Bank demolition and new Class A building in Galveston

  
  

• Reviewed by the City of Galveston

  
  

• Read the full Hometown Bank case study

  
  

Challenges

• Limited land left little room for a detention pond

  
  

• Coastal floodplain rules required a higher finished floor

  
  

Objectives

1. Solve stormwater without losing usable land.

   
   

2. Deliver a clean first City submittal.

   
   

Solutions JRH Engineering Provided

• Full civil engineering and stormwater design

  
  

• Permeable paving across the site to infiltrate stormwater on-site

  
  

• A design that qualified for the City of Galveston detention pond exemption

  
  

Results:

• No traditional detention pond needed

  
  

• Clean first City submittal with no mid-review changes

  
  

Stormwater Rules in Florida, Texas and North Carolina

Florida

• See our Florida SWPPP Compliance Guide and How Much Land Will Detention Take From Your Site in Florida?

  
  

Texas

• See Navigating Houston's Updated Stormwater Quality Permitting Process.

  
  

North Carolina

• Stormwater control measures follow the NCDEQ Stormwater Design Manual.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ERP in Florida?

An Environmental Resource Permit for a development's permanent stormwater management system.

Who issues ERPs?

FDEP district offices and the five water management districts, under operating agreements.

When is NPDES construction coverage needed?

Generally when construction disturbs 1 acre or more.

How are nutrients removed from stormwater?

With wet ponds, filtration media, pretreatment, infiltration and multistage systems.

Why does maintenance matter?

Treatment systems lose performance without regular inspection and upkeep.

Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?

No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.

Want More Information on this Topic?

• Call JRH Engineering at (800) 227-9635

  
  

• Use the chatbot in the lower right-hand corner of this page

  
  

• Submit a request through JRH Engineering's contact page

Find JRH Engineering on Google:

• JRH Engineering – Florida

This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.