Pond and Stormwater Service in Central Florida
Retention Pond Construction in Orlando, FL
Central Florida's trusted underground utility contractor for retention pond construction — from permitting and excavation through final grading and inlet/outlet structures. Built to SJRWMD and FDEP standards, on schedule.
65+ years serving Central Florida
Licensed local service team
Fast scheduling and clear communication
Service Overview
Retention Pond Construction Backed by 65+ Years of Local Experience
Florida's flat terrain, high water table, and year-round rain events make stormwater management one of the most critical — and regulated — elements of any new development. A properly constructed retention pond controls runoff, protects adjacent properties from flooding, and keeps your project in compliance with SJRWMD and FDEP Environmental Resource Permit requirements from day one.
Lapin Services has been handling underground utility and sitework projects across Central Florida since 1958. We work directly with civil engineers to execute retention pond construction that meets permit drawings to the letter — excavation, berm construction, inlet and outlet structures, and final grading — so your development timeline stays on track and your stormwater system performs for decades.
Problems We Solve
Common Retention Pond Construction Problems We Fix
Here are the issues our team commonly finds and resolves during retention pond construction calls across Central Florida.
Stormwater Runoff and Flooding Risk
New impervious surfaces — rooftops, parking lots, roads — dramatically increase runoff volume. Without a properly sized retention pond, that water ends up on neighboring properties or roadways, creating liability and regulatory problems.
SJRWMD / FDEP Permit Requirements
Development projects in Central Florida require an Environmental Resource Permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District and coordination with FDEP. A pond built outside permit specifications can trigger stop-work orders, fines, and costly rework.
Incorrect Grading and Berm Elevation
Florida's nearly flat topography leaves little room for grading error. Berms built to the wrong elevation fail to contain design-storm water volumes, undermining the entire stormwater system.
High Water Table Complicating Excavation
Central Florida's water table is notoriously shallow. Excavation without proper dewatering and sequencing leads to unstable banks, erosion, and a pond that doesn't hold its designed shape or capacity.
Inlet and Outlet Structure Failures
Undersized or improperly installed control structures allow ponds to overflow uncontrolled or fail to discharge at the permitted rate — both of which create flooding, compliance, and liability issues for the property owner.
When to Call
Signs Your Pond Or Stormwater Asset Needs Professional Attention
If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule retention pond construction before the problem becomes more disruptive or expensive.
Your Development Requires an ERP
If your project disturbs more than one acre or alters drainage patterns, SJRWMD will require an Environmental Resource Permit — which typically mandates a designed retention or detention pond as part of approval.
Civil Plans Include a Stormwater Pond
Once a civil engineer has designed your stormwater management system and the permit is approved, you need a licensed underground utility contractor to execute the construction to those exact specifications.
You're Breaking Ground on a New Development
New residential subdivisions, commercial sites, HOA communities, and light industrial projects in Central Florida almost universally require stormwater retention as a condition of development approval.
Existing Drainage Is Causing Flooding or Complaints
If a site lacks adequate stormwater capacity and runoff is creating drainage problems, constructing a compliant retention pond may be required to resolve both the issue and any regulatory findings against the property.
Your GC Needs a Specialty Utility Sub
General contractors building in Central Florida frequently need a licensed underground utilities contractor to handle the earthwork, excavation, and structure installation for the stormwater pond portion of the project.
Our Process
What to Expect From Your Retention Pond Construction Visit
Lapin keeps the process straightforward from the first call through final documentation, so you know what is happening at every step.
Step 1
Call or Schedule Online
We review your civil drawings and permitted ERP to understand pond dimensions, berm elevations, inlet/outlet structure specifications, and any phasing requirements before mobilizing.
Step 2
On-Site Inspection and Diagnosis
Site is staked and dewatering is set up as needed. Excavation begins to the permitted grades and bottom elevations, accounting for Florida's high water table and soil conditions.
Step 3
Honest Assessment and Recommendations
Berms are constructed and compacted to the specified elevations and slopes, ensuring the pond holds its design storm volume and side slopes remain stable long-term.
Step 4
Service Completed
Inlet and outlet control structures are installed to permit specifications — including weir walls, control elevation boards, pipes, and erosion-resistant outfall aprons.
Step 5
Documentation and Follow-Up
Final grading and cleanup are completed. We coordinate with your civil engineer and the permitting agency for required inspections and provide all documentation needed to close out the ERP.
Why Lapin
Why Central Florida Chooses Lapin for Retention Pond Construction
Lapin combines licensed expertise, local knowledge, and responsive service for pond services work throughout Central Florida.
65+ Years of Experience
Founded in 1958, Lapin has been Central Florida's trusted utility specialist for three generations — with the knowledge and credentials to back it up.
4.9★ Rating · 1,000+ Reviews
The best-rated utility contractor in Florida — not by our own measure, but by the property owners and businesses who've trusted us.
Licensed Underground Utilities Contractor
License CUC1223686. Fully certified for underground utility installation, repair, maintenance, and compliance.
End-to-End Service
One company for installation, repair, inspections, and compliance across all underground utility systems. No handoffs, no finger-pointing between subs.
Available 24/7
Utility emergencies don't wait for business hours. Our team is available around the clock so you're never left waiting when it matters most.
Related Services
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FAQs
Retention Pond Construction FAQs
What is a retention pond and how is it different from a detention pond?
A retention pond holds a permanent pool of water year-round and manages stormwater by storing runoff above that permanent pool level. A detention pond is typically dry between rain events, holding water only temporarily. Most Florida developments use retention ponds because the high water table makes permanent pools natural and beneficial for water quality treatment.
Does my development project require an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP)?
Most projects in Central Florida that disturb one acre or more, alter existing drainage, or fall within certain regulated areas require an ERP from the St. Johns River Water Management District and may also require FDEP review. Your civil engineer will determine permit applicability and design the stormwater system to meet those requirements. We execute construction to those approved drawings.
How long does retention pond construction take?
Timeline depends on pond size, soil conditions, water table depth, and weather. A straightforward retention pond on a small commercial or residential development typically takes two to four weeks for earthwork and structure installation. We coordinate closely with your project schedule to keep the critical path on track.
Do you work with civil engineers on retention pond projects?
Yes. We regularly coordinate with civil engineers throughout construction to confirm grades, elevations, and structure placements match the permitted drawings. If field conditions require a design adjustment, we communicate immediately so changes can be reviewed and documented properly.
How does Florida's high water table affect retention pond construction?
A high water table means groundwater may be encountered at shallow depths during excavation. We plan for dewatering as part of the scope when needed, select appropriate excavation sequencing, and compact berms from stable, dry material to ensure long-term slope stability. This is standard practice in Central Florida and one reason local experience matters.
What are inlet and outlet control structures and why do they matter?
Inlet structures direct stormwater from the site into the pond. Outlet control structures — typically a control structure with a weir or orifice — regulate how fast water discharges from the pond after a storm event, preventing downstream flooding and meeting the permitted discharge rate. Proper installation is critical for the pond to perform as designed and stay in compliance.
Do you handle permitting, or is that the engineer's responsibility?
The civil engineer of record prepares and submits the ERP application and stormwater design. Our role is to construct the pond to the permitted drawings and coordinate with inspectors during construction. We manage any field inspections required during the build and provide documentation needed to close out the permit.
Can Lapin Services construct retention ponds for HOA communities and commercial developments?
Yes. We work on new residential subdivisions, HOA communities, commercial sites, light industrial properties, and mixed-use developments across Central Florida. Whether you’re a general contractor, developer, or property owner, we have the licensing, equipment, and experience to handle retention pond construction as part of your project.
Schedule Service
Schedule Retention Pond Construction Today
Planning a new development or need a retention pond built to permit specs? Call Lapin Services today — Central Florida's licensed underground utility contractor with 65+ years of experience and the credentials to get it done right.