Everything below describes how our 5-year drainage recertification service runs, from the first permit pull to the filed package.
Step 1: Permit pull and desktop review
Before anyone visits the site, we pull the original Environmental Resource Permit (ERP), the drainage plan, and current aerial imagery. This tells us the number of ponds, catch basins, control structures, and outfalls we're supposed to be inspecting against. It also flags anything that's been added, removed, or paved over since the permit was issued.
Timeline: 3 to 5 business days. Cost: free.
Step 2: On-site inspection
A qualified inspector walks the property and documents every component named in the permit. Ponds get control-elevation, littoral-shelf, and sediment measurements. Basins get sump-depth checks and photos. Outfalls get erosion, blockage, and flow verification. CCTV goes into any pipe run that shows evidence of blockage.
Timeline: 1 day for most HOAs; 2 to 3 days for multi-pond communities. Cost: from $999.
Step 3: The deficiency report
You get a written report with photos of every component, a plain-English list of what needs corrective work, and a fixed-price scope for each item. There is no pressure to use us for the fix. But if you do, the inspection fee is credited.
Timeline: 5 to 7 business days after inspection.
Step 4: Corrective work
The typical HOA finds 20 to 35% of catch basins need cleanout, one or two pond structures need sediment removal, and maybe one section of pipe needs jetting. Most recerts complete corrective work in a single week-long mobilization.
Timeline: 1 to 2 weeks depending on scope. Cost: varies. See our storm drain cleaning cost guide.
Step 5: Sign-off and filing
After corrective work, we re-inspect the affected components and certify substantial conformance to the permit on state form 62-330.311. Where a district requires a Professional Engineer seal, we coordinate with a licensed FL engineer for the final signature. The full package is delivered ready to file.
What to budget as an HOA board
For a typical 200 to 400 unit community with 30 to 50 basins and 1 to 2 ponds, budget in the $10,000 to $25,000 range for the full recert cycle including corrective work. Communities that have kept up with annual PM come in at the low end; communities catching up after 10+ years without records come in higher.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Hiring an engineer to inspect, then a separate contractor to fix. You pay two mobilizations and two markups.
- Waiting for a district notice before starting. You want lead time to phase corrective work over a fiscal year.
- Skipping documentation. The report is what the district accepts, not "we cleaned everything, trust us."
