Everything You Need to Know about the Florida SWPPP and NPDES Permit Requirements
- joeyruse
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
Florida’s unique environment and stringent regulations make compliance with stormwater permitting a vital component of any construction project. In Florida, this involves adhering to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) NPDES Generic Permit and creating a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). This article provides an overview of SWPPP requirements, NPDES permit compliance, and the steps for submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) with FDEP for stormwater permit coverage.
What is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?
A SWPPP is a site-specific document that outlines strategies and practices to prevent pollutants from contaminating stormwater runoff. The primary goal of the SWPPP is to minimize the impact of construction and industrial activities on local water bodies by controlling sediment, erosion, and other potential pollutants from leaving the construction site.
Who Needs a SWPPP in Florida?
In Florida, any construction activity disturbing one acre or more of land must develop a SWPPP as part of obtaining coverage under the NPDES Generic Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities. Smaller projects that are part of a larger common plan of development that cumulatively disturb an acre or more are also subject to these requirements. Projects under one acre of land disturbance typically do not require a SWPPP or related permit coverage.
Key Components of a SWPPP
A compliant SWPPP must include the following elements:
Site Description:
Location and size of the project.
Description of construction activities.
Identification of potential pollutant sources expected to be kept onsite.
Erosion and Sediment Controls:
Detailed measures to prevent soil erosion and sediment discharge, such as silt fences, sediment basins, and temporary seeding. These must be included in narrative form and outlined on a map of the site.
Good Housekeeping Practices:
Proper waste management, material storage, and spill prevention practices and procedures to reduce the risk of materials discharging from the site.
Inspections and Maintenance:
Regular site inspections to ensure that control measures are functioning correctly. Specific to Florida, inspections must occur at least once every seven days and after a rainfall event of 0.5 inches or more.
Maintenance schedules for stormwater controls.
Record Keeping:
Documentation of inspections, maintenance, and any corrective actions taken.
NPDES Generic Permit Requirements in Florida
The NPDES Generic Permit is issued by FDEP and applies to stormwater discharges associated with construction activities. To comply with this permit, operators must:
Prepare a SWPPP before submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI).
Submit a NOI to FDEP to request coverage under the NPDES Generic Permit.
Implement the SWPPP at the project site.
Conduct Regular Inspections and maintain proper documentation as required by the permit.
Submit a Notice of Termination (NOT) when construction is complete, and final stabilization has been achieved.
Understanding the Notice of Intent (NOI)
The NOI is a formal application submitted to FDEP to obtain coverage under the NPDES Generic Permit. Key steps in the NOI process include:
Creating a FDEP Account:
Operators applying for permit coverage should note account creation requires the mail-in of physical form that has been notarized. Typical processing time is 3 business days to receive account approval.
Completing the NOI Form:
Provide information about the project, including location, estimated start and end dates, receiving waterbodies, MS4 operators, and construction operator details.
Submitting the NOI:
NOIs can be submitted electronically through FDEP’s NPDES Stormwater Program portal.
Paying the Required Fee:
Annual fees for permit coverage are broken down into two categories:
Small Construction Sites classified as more than 1 acre but less than 5 acres of land disturbance: $250
Large Construction Sites classified as 5 acres or more of land disturbance: $450
Receiving Confirmation of Coverage:
Once the NOI is processed and approved, FDEP will issue confirmation of coverage under the NPDES permit and provide a site specific ID number.
Compliance and Enforcement
Failure to develop a SWPPP, submit a NOI, or comply with NPDES requirements can result in significant penalties, including fines and potential project delays. Regular audits and inspections by FDEP help ensure that operators adhere to the required standards.
Final Thoughts
Ensuring compliance with SWPPP and NPDES requirements is essential for protecting Florida’s water resources and avoiding costly enforcement actions. By developing a comprehensive SWPPP, submitting the required NOI, and maintaining compliance throughout the project lifecycle, operators can ensure projects stay on time and budget.
Not sure if you have everything you need? Contact the qualified stormwater compliance professionals at Eco Permit Pros today to check SWPPP off your to-do list!
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