Monroe County Stormwater Rules Updated for New Development

Monroe County officials are finalizing revisions to stormwater management standards that will affect new single-family homes and duplexes across the county, including in Summerland Key.

The Board of County Commissioners first reviewed the proposed changes on June 17, 2020. The updates aim to protect water quality in Florida Bay and Atlantic nearshore waters by requiring engineers and architects to reduce or eliminate runoff from development sites and reuse captured stormwater where possible.

County staff incorporated projected sea-level rise, changing storm patterns, and new technology into the revised guidance. Future board meetings will allow public comment before final adoption.

The updates align with the Monroe County Land Development Code chapters on landscaping and environmental resource protection. Residents and professionals can reference the Stormwater Manual, Layman's Brochure, and the 2024 KEYWEP Manual for Keys Wetland Evaluation Procedure to comply with local regulations.