Knowledge Base
Resources & Guides
Practical guides, checklists, and reference documents for developers, GCs, facility managers, and property owners working on commercial projects in Central Florida.
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Downloadable Guides
Central Florida Site Development Permit Checklist
Every permit typically required for commercial site development in Lake, Sumter, Marion, Citrus, and Hernando counties.
Covers:
- County Land Disturbance / Site Development Permit
- ERP from SJRWMD or SWFWMD
- NPDES Notice of Intent (sites > 1 acre)
- FDOT Driveway Connection Permit
- Army Corps Section 404 (wetland impacts)
- FDEP NPDES Industrial Stormwater
Florida Irrigation Water Restrictions Guide
County-by-county irrigation schedules for Central Florida, seasonal adjustment requirements, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping compliance notes.
Covers:
- Lake, Sumter, Marion, Citrus, Hernando schedules
- SJRWMD vs SWFWMD district boundary
- ET-based controller programming guidance
- Fertilizer blackout season calendar
- Florida Statutes Chapter 373 references
- Landscape establishment variance process
Commercial Landscape Maintenance Spec Template
A ready-to-use specification template for property owners and GCs to get apples-to-apples bids and enforce service standards.
Covers:
- Mowing frequency and height by turf type
- Edging, trimming, and blowing standards
- Fertilization (Florida BMP-compliant)
- Pest and disease scouting requirements
- Irrigation inspection protocols
- Service documentation requirements
Florida ERP Stormwater Permit Overview
Plain-language summary of the ERP process — who needs one, what triggers review, which district has jurisdiction, and typical timeline.
Covers:
- ERP permit thresholds (acreage, wetlands)
- SJRWMD vs SWFWMD jurisdiction map
- General Permit vs Individual ERP
- SB 7040 (2024) stormwater rule update
- Typical ERP timeline and fee schedule
- What EUI handles vs. the engineer
Pre-Construction Site Preparation Checklist
Everything a developer, GC, or owner should verify before their site contractor mobilizes — permits, utilities, survey, and access.
Covers:
- Final permit set confirmed (county, ERP, NPDES)
- Sunshine 811 locate ticket submitted
- Survey control established
- Access easements and gate codes confirmed
- Adjacent property notifications
- Construction entrance designated
Florida-Friendly Plant Guide for Commercial Properties
Curated Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ plants for commercial properties — organized by water use category and application.
Covers:
- Low-water-use trees for commercial streetscape
- Florida-native palms at commercial scale
- Drought-tolerant groundcovers for large beds
- Salt-tolerant selections for road-adjacent sites
- Invasive species banned in Florida
- UF/IFAS compliance notes
Official Florida Regulatory Links
Direct links to the agencies, permit portals, and programs referenced in our guides.
Sunshine 811 — Utility Locate Request
Submit your 811 ticket online before any excavation (Chapter 556, F.S.)
SJRWMD ERP Permit Portal
St. Johns River Water Management District online permitting services
SWFWMD Applicant's Handbook Volume II
Southwest Florida Water Management District — design requirements
FL DEP ERP Stormwater Resource Center
SB 7040 (2024) rule update and statewide stormwater resources
UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
Official FFL program resources, plant lists, and laws
FL DEP NPDES Construction General Permit
Required for land disturbance greater than 1 acre