Drainage Engineering in Pinellas County
Pinellas 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 Pinellas County.
Our Engineering Services in Pinellas County
Licensed Professional Engineers delivering PE-stamped drainage designs, stormwater management, and permit services.
Residential Drainage Design
PE-stamped drainage plans for Pinellas County homes. Yard flooding, pool drainage, grading permits, and stormwater management for residential properties.
Learn MoreCommercial Stormwater
Commercial stormwater management for Pinellas County developments. Site plans, detention/retention design, and SWFWMD ERP compliance.
Learn MorePermit Services
Full drainage permit management for Pinellas County. SWFWMD ERP applications, pinellas.gov coordination, and local permit processing.
Learn MoreDrainage Challenges in Pinellas County
Pinellas County enacted Florida's first stormwater ordinance in 1970 (Code Sec. 73-7) and enforces the state's strictest local standard: zero net runoff increase. Any development must fully offset its drainage impact. As the most densely populated county in Florida, stormwater engineering in compact urban spaces is the norm, not the exception. Over 55 years of stormwater regulation means mature enforcement and detailed technical expectations.
Zero net runoff increase
Pinellas's "no net increase in runoff" standard is the strictest local standard in Florida — any development must fully offset its drainage impact.
Most urbanized county
Pinellas has the highest population density in Florida — stormwater engineering in compact spaces is routine, requiring creative design solutions.
Oldest stormwater regulation history
55+ years of regulation (since 1970) means mature enforcement, detailed technical expectations, and no shortcuts in the permit process.
Clearwater AAA-rated stormwater bonds
Fitch June 2025 rating shows serious institutional investment in stormwater infrastructure — the regulatory environment is sophisticated and well-resourced.
Key Requirements
- Oldest FL stormwater ordinance (1970, Code Sec. 73-7)
- Zero net runoff increase standard
- PE-prepared site plan required
- Habitat Permit for tree removal
Pinellas County Drainage Regulations
Governed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)
Permit Thresholds
No net increase in runoff. 25/50/100-year storm detention. First 1/2 to 3/4 inch retention.
Local Stormwater Ordinance
Pinellas County enforces its own stormwater ordinance with requirements that may exceed SWFWMD minimums. Projects must comply with both local and district standards.
Oldest FL stormwater ordinance
Oldest FL stormwater ordinance (1970, Code Sec. 73-7)
Zero net runoff increase standard
Zero net runoff increase standard
PE-prepared site plan required
PE-prepared site plan required
Habitat Permit for tree removal
Habitat Permit for tree removal
Design Storm
25-year, 24-hour (open basins); 100-year, 24-hour (closed basins)
Retention Standard
No net increase in runoff. 25/50/100-year storm detention. First 1/2 to 3/4 inch retention.
Permit Portal
pinellas.gov
Special Requirements
- Oldest FL stormwater ordinance (1970, Code Sec. 73-7)
- Zero net runoff increase standard
- PE-prepared site plan required
- Habitat Permit for tree removal
How We Work in Pinellas County
Contact & Consult
Describe your Pinellas 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 Pinellas County, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.
Contact & Consult
Describe your Pinellas 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 Pinellas County, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.
Contact & Consult
Describe your Pinellas 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 Pinellas County, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.
We engineer the solution — you get the approved permit.
Get Your Free Pinellas County Drainage Quote
Leave your details and we'll reach out within 24 hours.
Pinellas County Drainage Engineering FAQ
Do I need a drainage permit in Pinellas County?
How much does drainage engineering cost in Pinellas County?
What drainage regulations apply in Pinellas County?
Cities We Serve in Pinellas County
CivilSmart provides drainage engineering across Pinellas County, including the following cities and communities.
Ready to Solve Your Pinellas 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