With less than 100 days until hurricane season in Southwest Florida, lawmakers are pushing for stronger stormwater drainage inspections to help reduce flooding.
During Hurricane Helene in 2024, downtown Punta Gorda saw floodwaters rise from storm drains along several streets. While flooding is sometimes unavoidable, a new proposal aims to ensure drainage systems are regularly inspected and maintained.
Senate Bill 810 would require cities and counties to inspect storm drain systems annually. The bill would also standardize stormwater management across Florida, mandating that a report be submitted to the Division of Emergency Management by June 1 each year.
Many local governments along the Gulf Coast already maintain stormwater systems. In Cape Coral, Public Works replaces about 15,000 feet of pipe annually and upgrades drainage infrastructure.
In Punta Gorda, Public Works is responsible for maintaining common drainage areas, including roadside swales, which are already inspected yearly.
If passed, the legislation would take effect on July 1, 2025. Cities without existing inspection practices would need to implement new regulations.
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