Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions — Florida Statewide
Foundation Masters, LLC is Florida’s first engineering firm to pioneer the waterproofing industry. Because Florida has no true waterproofing code, many builders here are unaware of how to properly keep water out of foundations. We changed that — bringing engineer-designed drainage systems and lifetime-warranted waterproofing solutions to homeowners, condo boards, and commercial property managers across the state.
Why Drainage & Waterproofing Matter in Florida
Florida has one of the most challenging water management environments in the U.S.:
- Annual Rainfall: 50–60 inches on average, with summer thunderstorms capable of dumping 3 inches of rain in an hour.
- Water Table Fluctuations: A single 3-inch storm can raise the local water table 12–18 inches in low-lying soils.
- Tidal Influence: High tide can push the water table inland, reducing the soil’s ability to absorb stormwater.
- Flat Terrain: Minimal slope means water has nowhere to run when the ground becomes saturated.
Poor drainage around homes and parking lots leads to:
- Slab moisture and interior water damage
- Soil washout and sinkhole formation
- Foundation settlement and cracking
- Mold growth and unhealthy indoor air
Florida’s limestone geology makes uncontrolled water particularly dangerous — it can erode underground cavities, triggering sudden subsidence or sinkholes.
Florida’s Code Reality: Elevation Matters, Waterproofing Isn’t Regulated
Unlike northern states, Florida has no dedicated waterproofing building code. The only statewide standard is an elevation requirement: the first finished floor slab must be 12 inches above finished grade.
That rule exists because of the high water table — in much of Florida, putting a basement below grade is like placing a boat in water. It can be done safely, but it requires true engineered waterproofing.
Unfortunately, many older and even some newer homes have slabs built at or near grade level, where the water table can fluctuate and come into direct contact with the slab. Over time this:
- Destroys vapor barriers
- Allows moisture to wick through the concrete
- Warps wood floors, pops tile, and damages interior finishes
Foundation Masters introduced true structural waterproofing to Florida to solve this exact problem — designing systems that keep water out even in high water table and coastal environments.
Our Statewide Drainage & Waterproofing Services
- Residential & Commercial Drainage Design — hydrology-based sizing of pipes, inlets, and discharge per Florida DEP Stormwater Guidelines
- Foundation Waterproofing — below-grade sealing with our proprietary Seal Tight System
- Parking Lot Drainage Repair & Retrofit — catch basin rebuilds, pipe replacement, subgrade stabilization
- Sump Pumps & French Drains — engineered to handle high groundwater and tidal pressure
- Soil Stabilization & Sinkhole Prevention — controlled water management and pressure grouting where needed
- Emergency Flood Response — fast intervention for failed drainage or rising water tables
Why Choose Foundation Masters
- Pioneers of Florida Waterproofing — the first engineering firm to bring true structural waterproofing to the state
- Engineer-Led Diagnostics — civil and geotechnical expertise behind every design
- Lifetime Transferable Warranty — peace of mind for resale and insurance
- Permitting Knowledge — compliance with Florida DEP and local stormwater rules
- Emergency Response — rapid help for flooding or high groundwater events
Get a Statewide Drainage & Waterproofing Consultation
Call 813-614-1718 or 656-233-7089 to schedule a free engineer-led inspection anywhere in Florida. Prevent moisture damage, protect your foundation, and prepare for upcoming 25- and 30-year structural milestone inspections before costly emergency repairs are required.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Drainage & Waterproofing
My house floods after heavy rain — is my water table too high?
Possibly. Florida storms can drop 3 inches of rain in one hour, raising the water table by 12–18 inches in flat, low-lying soils. If your slab is at grade, water can reach and breach the vapor barrier.
Why doesn’t Florida have a waterproofing code?
Florida only regulates elevation — slabs must be 12 inches above finished grade. Because builders assume shallow slabs will stay dry, there’s no required waterproofing standard. Many homes fail when the water table rises.
Can you waterproof a house with a slab at grade level?
Yes. We specialize in waterproofing “below the water table.” Our Seal Tight System seals the slab and redirects groundwater so it never touches the concrete, even during extreme storms or king tides.
Do you help commercial properties like parking lots?
Absolutely. We repair and retrofit catch basins, storm drains, and underground piping for retail centers, HOAs, and industrial sites statewide.
Will fixing my drainage help prevent sinkholes?
Yes. Controlling water keeps soils stable and prevents erosion into Florida’s limestone voids — a key trigger for sinkhole collapse.
Are your systems engineered and warrantied?
Yes. Every design is created and sealed by a Florida-licensed civil engineer and comes with a lifetime transferable warranty.