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July 2025, Volume 27, Issue 6

Thank you to our Newsletter Sponsors!

 Table of Contents

Statewide Stormwater Rule Deadlines Begin - More Ahead in December

Florida’s revised Statewide Stormwater Rule is now in effect, marking the most significant update in decades. These changes affect how stormwater systems are designed, permitted, and maintained, and FSA members need to be ready.

Stormwater practitioners should take note: important deadlines under Florida’s Statewide Stormwater Rule are now in effect, with more compliance deadlines quickly approaching. As of June 28, 2025 the requirements for Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Plan submittals and inspection requirements (for non-MS4 entities) are officially in effect. These requirements, including exemptions for existing MS4s, are outlined in Section 12.5 of the Applicant’s Handbook, Volume I. 

Looking ahead, the next major milestone comes December 28, 2025, when the new nutrient performance criteria take effect. These standards, detailed in Section 8.3 of the Applicant’s Handbook, will apply to most new stormwater projects, unless a qualifying exemption applies.

We strongly encourage members to review these requirements now and contact FDEP with any questions on the requirements and potential exemptions you may have.

Where can you learn more? We’ve gathered the resources below to assist:

Fall Seminar Highlights Local Government Challenges

As Florida continues to navigate the stormy waters of environmental change, the 2025 FSA Fall Seminar promises to deliver a timely and impactful program that shines a spotlight on the real-world stormwater challenges facing local governments.

Join us on September 5, 2025 at the Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista South in Kissimmee to explore the complex regulatory landscape, local innovation, and evolving strategies to address Florida’s most pressing issues, from increased flooding and water quality degradation to resiliency and environmental compliance.

Attendees will hear firsthand from stormwater professionals on the frontlines, including:

  • Volusia County, tackling both water quantity and quality in an integrated approach.
  • City of Gainesville, navigating overlapping regulatory restoration requirements.
  • Sarasota County, advancing resiliency planning in the face of climate impacts.
  • City of Orlando, implementing new mandates under an updated Phase I MS4 permit.

And as the regulatory terrain shifts, the seminar’s closing session will offer a critical overview of Senate Bill 180, passed during the 2025 Legislative Session. This bill brings with it significant preemptions to local government planning authority, some of which could directly affect stormwater and environmental programs.

Why Attend?
This seminar isn’t just another event, it’s your opportunity to:

  • Stay informed on policy changes.
  • Gain practical insights from peers.
  • Prepare your community to meet new regulatory and environmental demands head-on.

If you’re a stormwater professional working in or with local government, this seminar is designed with your challenges in mind.

Join us to stay informed, inspired, and prepared to respond to Florida’s dynamic stormwater regulatory landscape. Registration is open now — don’t miss out!

FDEP Rule Workshop on Synthetic Turf for Residential Properties

House Bill 683 (HB 683) passed during the 2025 Legislative Session which included a requirement for FDEP to establish minimum standards for the installation of synthetic turf on single-family residential properties one acre or less. On July 22, 2025, FDEP issued a Notice of Rule Development, marking the commencement of the rulemaking process to fulfill the requirements set forth by this new legislation.

HB 683 outlines specific areas that FDEP must consider while developing these standards, including permeability, stormwater management, potable water conservation, water quality, and the proximity of synthetic turf to trees and other vegetation. These factors are critical for maintaining the environmental integrity of adjacent properties. During the legislative process, FSA provided valuable feedback regarding the preemption requirements. Initial drafts of the bill proposed total preemption of local government regulations concerning synthetic turf in residential areas. However, these provisions were revised to delay preemption until FDEP adopts its final standards. A rulemaking workshop will be in Tallahassee, on August 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. View FDEP’s Notice of Rule Development linked above for additional information, including details on how to attend virtually.

Triennial Review Hearing in September

FDEP will be a central topic of discussion at the upcoming September 25, 2025 meeting of the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission (ERC). This meeting is particularly notable as it marks the return of activity for the ERC, which has been largely inactive in recent years. Here’s a list of current ERC members. A key focus of the meeting will be the Triennial Review, a federally required process under the Clean Water Act. Every three years, states are mandated to review and if necessary, revise their surface water quality standards to ensure they continue to protect public health and the environment. This process allows for scientific updates, stakeholder input, and regulatory adjustments to better align with evolving environmental and public health data. The ERC plays a critical role in this process. 

As part of Florida’s administrative structure, the ERC is responsible for approving any proposed modifications to the state’s water quality standards. These standards may include limits to pollutants, nutrient criteria, and classifications for designated uses of waterbodies. If the ERC votes to approve the proposed revisions during the September hearing, the next step will be submission to EPA for final review and approval. The EPA must ensure that any changes remain consistent with the goals of the Clean Water Act. For an overview of FSA communications with FDEP regarding the Triennial Review, including submitted comments, visit FSA’s Advocacy Page. 

New UF/IFAS Training Program for Stormwater Inspectors

A new training program is now available through UF/IFAS for individuals who want to conduct stormwater inspections but do not currently meet the qualifications of a "qualified inspector" under Florida’s Statewide Stormwater Rule.

According to the rule, a qualified inspector must satisfy one of the following criteria:

  • Be a registered professional (e.g., Professional Engineer),
  • Operate under the supervision of a registered professional, or
  • Have completed relevant training* within the past five years and be able to provide documentation.
    *For a comprehensive list of required training topics, please refer to Section 12.5(c) of the Applicant’s Handbook.

For individuals who do not meet these criteria, UF/IFAS has developed a new online training program called SQuInT (Stormwater Quality Inspection Training). This program provides the knowledge and credentials needed to fulfill the qualified inspector requirements for non-MS4 entities.

Note: Entities operating under an existing Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit are exempt from these inspection training requirements.

The SQuInT program was funded by FDEP and developed with review and input from FSA. It is designed to offer flexible, accessible training to help ensure compliance and improve stormwater inspection quality across the state.

To learn more about the program or to register, contact UF/IFAS staff or visit the training portal.

Water Restoration and Resilient Florida Grants Portal Now Open

FDEP announced the launch of the funding process for various state programs aimed at enhancing stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and community resilience initiatives. As of July 7, 2025, the Florida Grants Funding Portal is officially open for grant submissions. This portal offers eligible entities the opportunity to submit proposals designed to protect and restore Florida’s vital water resources while strengthening the resilience of our communities. From July 7 through September 1, 2025, FDEP will accept proposals for both water restoration and resilience-focused grant programs. We encourage all eligible applicants to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for any programs for which they qualify. 

EPA Identifies WOTUS Rulemaking as a 2025 Priority

As 2025 moves forward, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have signaled that updating the WOTUS rule remains a key federal priority. In a statement released in June, the agencies confirmed that they are actively reviewing stakeholder feedback from recent listening sessions as they work to shape the future of WOTUS regulations.

Among the most common themes in the feedback:

  • A strong push for state flexibility – Stakeholders from across the spectrum, including environmental organizations, local governments, and industry representatives, emphasized the need for rules that account for regional ecological diversity and allow states to tailor implementation to local conditions.
  • Clarification of exemptions – There is growing consensus that a revised WOTUS rule will likely include clearer exemptions for man-made ditches, stormwater conveyance systems, and isolated wetlands not directly connected to surface waters.

The proposed updates could be released before the end of the year, marking another major chapter in a long-running and often controversial regulatory process. 

FSA submitted formal written comments during the public comment period, with a focus on protecting water quality while preserving local authority and implementation flexibility. You can view FSA’s letter on the FSA Advocacy webpage. Stay tuned for further updates as the rulemaking process continues—this is a critical issue that will shape how stormwater and wetland regulations are interpreted and applied across Florida and the nation.

BMAP Implementation Moves Forward - With Some Potential Delays

The July regulatory deadlines to finalize updates to all nutrient related Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) has passed, as FDEP finalized Secretarial Orders for each individual BMAP (28 in total, from BMAPs addressing Outstanding Florida Springs, the St. Johns River, to Lake Okeechobee, all were updated.) The mechanism that enforces BMAPs are the Secretarial Orders associated with each BMAP, and part of the order process is a potential request for an extension or challenge to the order. From a historical perspective, the first formal actions taken against BMAPs was associated with the 2016 passage of the springs BMAPs, which included a request for delay in implementation (which was granted), then a full challenge against the springs BMAPs, which was heard before an administrative law judge then later appealed after the decision from the administrative court. FDEP has reported there have been both requests for time extensions and challenges posted, and they are working on how to address and communicate those actions. FSA is in communication with FDEP staff on this matter and will provide updates as they are released. Beyond any extensions or challenges, all revised nutrient BMAPs have been posted on the FDEP BMAP website, and we recommend any entity in a BMAP basin review the document and reach out to FDEP staff with any questions or concerns about new requirements as soon as possible.

FSA & FSAEF Welcomes New Leadership!

The Florida Stormwater Association (FSA) and the FSA Educational Foundation (FSAEF) proudly welcomed new leadership during the Annual Membership Meeting held on June 13, 2025, at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott in Ft. Myers. 

We’re excited to announce the 2025-26 FSA Officers:

President
Melanie Weed
Pinellas County

Vice President
Mark Heidecker
City of Tallahassee

 Secretary-Treasurer
Lee Mullon
Drummond Carpenter		 Past President
Melissa Long
City of Jacksonville

President Melanie Weed has appointed the following Committee Chairs for 2025-26:

Conference
Mike Hardin
Goesyntec Consultants		 Education
Joseph Thames
Pinellas County		 Legislative & Agency Relations
Marcy Frick
Tetra Tech		 Membership
Amy Eason
Martin County

We also extend our congratulations and appreciation to the new FSA Educational Foundation Board of Directors:

  • Chair: Tiffany Busby, Wildwood Consulting
  • Jessica Bruso, Ferguson Waterworks
  • Justin Gregory, Jones Edmunds
  • Charlotte Haberstroh, Black & Veatch
  • Joseph Thames, Pinellas County

For a complete listing, visit the FSA Board of Directors, FSA Committees, and FSAEF Board of Directors, and webpages. 

Thank you to all of our dedicated Committee Members, Chairs, and Board Members, your leadership and service are vital to the success of our association and the advancement of stormwater management across Florida!

Last Chance to Submit a Presentation for the FSA Winter Conference 

It’s not too late to submit a presentation for the FSA Winter Conference! Showcase your experience and expertise at the premier stormwater conference in Florida. The Winter Conference attracts engineers, scientists, managers, policy makers and elected officials from throughout the State of Florida as we look for innovative solutions to stormwater problems. Submit a presentation now, today is the deadline!

Woolpert - FSA's Emerging Technology Winner!

This year’s FSA Annual Conference featured an Emerging Technologies Session – Shark Tank Style! The session featured three emerging technologies from exhibitors at the Annual Conference. Each presenter had the opportunity to showcase their technology in a Shark Tank style educational session. Attendees voted and selected Woolpert as the winner! Here’s a little more about them: 

We were thrilled to win the Florida Stormwater Association’s recent Emerging Technologies™ Shark Tank-Style competition in Fort Myers, where we showcased Fluidion Alert Bacteria Analyzers. Woolpert is a rapidly growing engineering, architecture, and geospatial firm with projects and staff around the world. With over 250 employees based in Florida, we provide a wide range of core stormwater services directly within your communities. 

For more than two decades, Woolpert has delivered niche environmental monitoring services using cutting-edge sensors and analyzers. Our turnkey solutions include installation, operation and maintenance, data analysis and interpretation, and regulatory applications such as MS4 and TMDL compliance. 

Among all measured physical, chemical, and biological parameters, indicator bacteria has remained one of the most difficult to detect and quantify reliably—until now. Woolpert recently began using the full suite of Paris-based Fluidion Alert Bacteria Analyzer products to rapidly detect E. coli and enterococci on behalf of our clients. These robust, field-deployable devices provide onboard incubation and enumeration of field samples, eliminating the need for laboratory analysis.

Validated by the World Health Organization and other authorities, these devices address longstanding challenges in traditional bacteria sampling—such as short holding times, limited lab operating hours, and delays in results. The result: efficient, real-time waterbody characterization, rapid illicit discharge detection, and timely assessment of public health risks. 

Woolpert is both a user and an authorized distributor of these innovative products within EPA Region 4. Please contact us to learn how this game-changing technology can transform bacteria monitoring in your community! Find our more here: Hardware – StormOps | Products

Early Membership Renewal Begins Soon!

FSA’s fiscal year begins November 1, 2025. First renewal notices for Fiscal Year 2025-26 will be sent in August to the primary contact for each member organization. This early notice gives members the opportunity to pay next year’s dues using remaining funds from the current fiscal year.

To ensure your membership renewal goes smoothly, we encourage all members to login to the Member Portal and review your organization’s profile, including your primary contact and billing information an send update to [email protected]. Keeping this information current helps avoid delays and ensures your team continues to receive the full benefits of membership without interruption. Questions? Please call us at (888) 221-3124.

FSAEF Scholarship Award - Application Deadline Approaching 

Applications for the FSA Educational Foundation’s 2025 Scholarship Award are due August 8, 2025. The FSAEF will be offering awards of at least $2,000 per recipient at the 2025 Winter Conference in Kissimmee. Please help us spread the word!

The Original Industry Standard for Florida Stormwater Practitioners!

The FSA Fogarty Training Center offers online and in-person Level 1 and Level 2 Stormwater Operator Certification Courses. FSA's Stormwater Operator Certification Training helps to fulfill FDEP's training requirements of your MS4 permit for appropriate stormwater management personnel in Illicit Discharge Inspections; Spill Prevention and Response; Good Housekeeping; Construction Site Plan Review; and Construction Site Inspections!

Visit the Level 1 Course page for more details and a full list of dates and locations.

Visit the Level 2 Course page for more details and a full list of dates and locations.

2025 is Flying By - Don’t Let Your Certification Expire!

The last opportunity in 2025 to renew your Stormwater Operator Certification for Level 1 and Level 2 is November 5, 2025. The Level 1 and Level 2 Recertification courses provide previously trained Certified Stormwater Operators with updated information to ensure that the most current standards and best management practices are being followed within stormwater management systems. Certifications must be renewed every 5 years. Check the FSA Stormwater Operator Certification Renewal Date List for your certification's expiration date. 

  • Level 1 – November 5, 2025 - 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Eastern / Online
  • Level 2 – November 5, 2025 - 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern / Online

 We appreciate your feedback! Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about FSA.