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FSA Training Center

Establishing Stormwater Utilities in Florida

The passage of Amendment #1 has heightened local government’s need to examine alternative sources of revenue. This is especially true concerning fees or assessments for stormwater management where state and federal mandates relating to the Clean Water Act and TMDL program remain in full force.

Stormwater utilities allow the cost of many stormwater management services to be shifted out of the general fund. They provide a more equitable mechanism to assist in the funding of environmental mandates. Local governments without stormwater utilities may now consider establishing these financing mechanisms; those with existing utilities may consider changes to their rate structures.

The seminar will discuss the "how to's" for new utilities and adjustments to rates and reallocation/reapportionment of costs for established utilities. Case studies of both county and city stormwater utilities will be presented. Participants will receive a copy of FSA’s Manual “Establishing a Stormwater Utility in Florida.” The Manual serves as a road map that describes the various issues, processes and options involved in development and implementation of a stormwater utility:

• Reasons to Establish A Stormwater Utility
• Data Collection Methods
• Legal Authority To Establish Utilities
• Billing, Collection and Enforcement
• Gaining Community Acceptance
• Administration of a Stormwater Utility
• Rate Structures and Apportionment of Costs

Who Should Attend?
Elected Officials, Senior Managers, Engineers and Directors of Public Works