Drainage Engineering in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County property owners face specific drainage and stormwater requirements governed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). CivilSmart's Licensed Professional Engineers provide PE-stamped drainage plans, stormwater management designs, and full permit coordination for residential and commercial projects throughout Hillsborough County.
Our Engineering Services in Hillsborough County
Licensed Professional Engineers delivering PE-stamped drainage designs, stormwater management, and permit services.
Residential Drainage Design
PE-stamped drainage plans for Hillsborough County homes. Yard flooding, pool drainage, grading permits, and stormwater management for residential properties.
Learn MoreCommercial Stormwater
Commercial stormwater management for Hillsborough County developments. Site plans, detention/retention design, and SWFWMD ERP compliance.
Learn MorePermit Services
Full drainage permit management for Hillsborough County. SWFWMD ERP applications, HillsGovHub (hcfl.gov) coordination, and local permit processing.
Learn MoreDrainage Challenges in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County sits at the core of the Tampa Bay watershed — SWFWMD's strictest enforcement area. The Northern Tampa Bay Basin applies the most stringent drawdown criteria in the entire state of Florida. SWFWMD's emphasis on peak discharge control (vs. SFWMD's volume recovery approach) means engineering designs must follow a fundamentally different methodology than South Florida projects.
Tampa Bay watershed
Hillsborough is the core of SWFWMD's strictest enforcement area, with Northern Tampa Bay Basin drawdown criteria that are the most stringent in Florida.
Peak discharge control emphasis
SWFWMD focuses on peak discharge control vs. SFWMD's volume recovery — the engineering approach differs significantly between districts.
Higher water quality treatment
SWFWMD requires first 1.5 inches of runoff treatment (vs. SFWMD's 1 inch), meaning designs must account for 50% more treatment volume.
Hurricane Milton impact (2024)
The storm exceeded all design criteria in the Tampa Bay area — many properties need drainage system upgrades and recertification.
Key Requirements
- Stormwater fees: $47.57-$86.49/year single-family (2025)
- SMTM Technical Manuals
- HillsGovHub online portal
Hillsborough County Drainage Regulations
Governed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)
Permit Thresholds
LDC Chapter 10 stormwater provisions. 25-year storm standard.
Local Stormwater Ordinance
Hillsborough County enforces its own stormwater ordinance with requirements that may exceed SWFWMD minimums. Projects must comply with both local and district standards.
Stormwater fees: $47.57-$86.49/year single-family
Stormwater fees: $47.57-$86.49/year single-family (2025)
SMTM Technical Manuals
SMTM Technical Manuals
HillsGovHub online portal
HillsGovHub online portal
Design Storm
25-year, 24-hour (open basins); 100-year, 24-hour (closed basins)
Retention Standard
LDC Chapter 10 stormwater provisions. 25-year storm standard.
Permit Portal
HillsGovHub (hcfl.gov)
Special Requirements
- Stormwater fees: $47.57-$86.49/year single-family (2025)
- SMTM Technical Manuals
- HillsGovHub online portal
How We Work in Hillsborough County
Contact & Consult
Describe your Hillsborough County drainage challenge. We assess your situation and outline the engineering approach.
Site Assessment
We evaluate your property, review existing conditions, survey elevations, and identify regulatory requirements.
Design & Engineering
Our licensed professional engineer creates SWFWMD-compliant drainage plans, PE-stamped and ready for permit submission.
Permit & Approval
We submit to SWFWMD and Hillsborough County, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.
Contact & Consult
Describe your Hillsborough County drainage challenge. We assess your situation and outline the engineering approach.
Site Assessment
We evaluate your property, review existing conditions, survey elevations, and identify regulatory requirements.
Design & Engineering
Our licensed professional engineer creates SWFWMD-compliant drainage plans, PE-stamped and ready for permit submission.
Permit & Approval
We submit to SWFWMD and Hillsborough County, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.
Contact & Consult
Describe your Hillsborough County drainage challenge. We assess your situation and outline the engineering approach.
Site Assessment
We evaluate your property, review existing conditions, survey elevations, and identify regulatory requirements.
Design & Engineering
Our licensed professional engineer creates SWFWMD-compliant drainage plans, PE-stamped and ready for permit submission.
Permit & Approval
We submit to SWFWMD and Hillsborough County, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.
We engineer the solution — you get the approved permit.
Get Your Free Hillsborough County Drainage Quote
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Hillsborough County Drainage Engineering FAQ
Do I need a drainage permit in Hillsborough County?
How much does drainage engineering cost in Hillsborough County?
What drainage regulations apply in Hillsborough County?
Cities We Serve in Hillsborough County
CivilSmart provides drainage engineering across Hillsborough County, including the following cities and communities.
Ready to Solve Your Hillsborough County Drainage Problem?
Get a free quote from Florida's drainage engineering specialists. PE-stamped plans, full permit coordination, and 100% approval rate.
Licensed Professional Engineers | 1,000+ Projects | 100% Permit Approval | Since 2004