Frequently Asked Questions

A drainage engineer designs systems to manage stormwater and prevent flooding on properties. This includes calculating water flow rates, designing retention/detention systems, creating grading plans, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. At StructureSmart, our PE-licensed engineers create sealed plans that get approved by building departments.

Most drainage projects in Florida require permits. This includes:

• New construction with impervious surfaces (driveways, patios, pools)
• Filling or grading that changes water flow patterns
• French drain or swale installation
• Connecting to municipal drainage systems

Even "minor" changes often need permits. We recommend a free consultation to determine your specific requirements.

We primarily serve South Florida, including Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. We also serve Indian River, Okeechobee, Hendry, and Collier counties. For projects outside these areas, we offer remote design services with coordination through local engineers.

Pricing depends on project complexity:

• Basic residential: Starting at $695 for simple patio/pool drainage
• Standard residential: $1,500-$3,000 for whole-property drainage
• Commercial projects: $3,500+ depending on site size and complexity

We provide detailed quotes after reviewing your specific project needs during a free consultation.

No. Our quotes include all engineering design and PE-sealed plans. Permit fees paid to the county/city are separate and vary by jurisdiction—we'll tell you exactly what those will be upfront. If revisions are needed due to county comments (rare with our 98% first-time approval rate), we handle those at no extra cost.

Typical timelines:

• Simple residential: 3-5 business days
• Complex residential: 1-2 weeks
• Commercial projects: 2-4 weeks depending on scope

Rush services are available for time-sensitive projects at an additional fee.

Permit review times vary by jurisdiction:

• Palm Beach County: 2-4 weeks typical
• Broward County: 3-5 weeks typical
• Miami-Dade County: 4-6 weeks typical
• Smaller municipalities: Often faster, 1-3 weeks

We track all submissions and respond to any comments quickly to minimize delays.

To begin your project, we typically need:

• Property survey (we can help you obtain one if needed)
• Site photos showing drainage issues or project area
• Description of your project goals
• Any existing plans (if adding to previous construction)

Don't have everything? No problem—schedule a free consultation and we'll guide you through what's needed.

Retention systems hold water and let it percolate into the ground—common in South Florida due to sandy soils. Examples include dry wells, French drains, and swales. Detention systems temporarily hold water and release it slowly to the storm system. Your engineer will recommend the right approach based on your soil type and local requirements.

Most Florida building departments require drainage plans to be sealed by a Professional Engineer (PE). A PE stamp means the design has been reviewed and approved by a licensed professional who takes legal responsibility for its accuracy and safety. This protects you and ensures the system will actually solve your drainage problems.