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August 2025, Volume 27, Issue 7

Thank you to our Newsletter Sponsors!

 Table of Contents

A Message from Your President
Melanie Weed, Pinellas County, FSA President

Melanie WeedDear FSA Members,

I am grateful and thrilled to serve as your Association President for the 2025-2026 year. I want to express my sincere appreciation for your continued dedication and support of the Association. FSA wouldn’t be the foremost stormwater professional association in the state without the expertise and commitment of its members. I also want to acknowledge Melissa Long and the Board’s outstanding leadership this past year. I am proud to continue FSA’s legacy of excellence.

This year, we will focus on growing membership to build upon the diversity of the association. We will continue to enhance the association’s educational offerings and explore channels to provide educational content. We will also be focusing on developing the association’s relationships and presence in legislative, advocacy and regulatory affairs. 

FSA’s strength lies in the contributions of its members. I encourage you to get engaged in our upcoming events. These meetings, events and conferences allow you to learn from others, share your expertise and form invaluable professional connections.  

I am excited about the future of FSA and the positive impact we can make together as we navigate this year’s opportunities and challenges. Thank you for your commitment and I look forward to a successful year!

Fall Seminar is Just One Week Away - Don’t Miss It!

The 2025 FSA Fall Seminar is right around the corner, happening September 5th in Kissimmee, and it’s shaping up to be a must-attend event for stormwater professionals across Florida. This year’s seminar focuses on the real challenges local governments are facing, from increased flooding and regulatory pressure to climate resiliency and environmental compliance.

You’ll hear directly from:

  • Volusia County - Managing both water quality and quantity
  • City of Orlando - Implementing its updated MS4 permit
  • Sarasota County - Planning for long-term resiliency
  • City of Gainesville - Navigating complex restoration rules
  • Florida League of Cities - Breaking down SB 180 and its impact on local governments

View and download the agenda to learn more. 

There’s still time to register, but spots are filling quickly. Register now!

Get Ready for FSA’s Winter Conference!
December 3–5, 2025 | Kissimmee, Florida
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South

Mark your calendar for Florida’s premier stormwater event! The FSA Winter Conference brings together professionals from across the state for three dynamic days of learning, networking, and discovery. Whether you're a seasoned expert or new to the field, this is your chance to connect with peers, gain fresh insights, and explore the latest innovations driving stormwater management forward. Kick off your experience on Wednesday with optional pre-conference activities, choose between an exclusive guided tour in Orlando or a hands-on workshop. Then, dive into two full days of expert-led sessions covering the most pressing topics facing Florida’s stormwater community. Don’t miss the Exhibit Hall, where cutting-edge products and services will be on full display. Registration opens in September, don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

Renew Your FSA Membership Now and Keep the Benefits Coming!

Don’t miss out on the valuable member services available to everyone in your organization! FSA’s 2025–26 membership renewal is underway, and now’s the perfect time to secure your benefits for another great year. First renewal notices went out in mid-August via USPS and email to your organization’s primary contact. These early notices give local government members a chance to use current fiscal year funds for next year’s dues, a smart move for your budget and your team! If you're the primary contact, be sure to check your inbox for renewal emails from FSA and take action today. Have questions? We’re here to help, contact us at 888-221-3124 or [email protected].

Stay connected. Stay current. Stay ahead — with FSA!

FDEP Rulemaking on Synthetic Turf for Residential Properties

FDEP is moving forward with the developing a new rule to regulate the use of synthetic turf on residential lots smaller than one acre. This rulemaking effort was mandated by House Bill (HB) 683, passed during the 2025 Legislative Session, and must address key factors such as permeability, stormwater management, potable water conservation, water quality, and the proximity of synthetic turf to trees and vegetation. FDEP issues a Notice of Rule Development on July 22, 2025, and held a rulemaking workshop on August 5, 2025 in Tallahassee. The Division of Water Restoration Assistance has a rulemaking webpage that includes the draft rule, meeting notice, and copy of the workshop presentation. FSA participated in the rulemaking workshop and submitted both verbal and written comments including proposed language to strengthen the draft rule. FSA will continue to monitor the rulemaking process and keep members informed. 

2026 Legislative Preparation Begins

As fall approaches, preparations for the 2026 Legislative Session are underway. Interim Committee meetings are set to begin in early October and will continue through the weeks leading up to the Session’s official start on January 13, 2026. FSA will be meeting with legislators as they return to Tallahassee and will be attending interim meetings covering stormwater-related topics. One carryover item from the 2025 Legislative Session is the implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 180, which affects how local governments adopt new requirements and implement local growth and development laws. Many local governments have voiced concerns on how this bill is impacting operations and abilities to address state requirements, including stormwater and water quality restoration efforts. FSA, in collaboration with other advocacy groups, will work closely with legislators to address these issues and propose alternate language and policies. We will keep members informed of any developments related to SB 180 and other legislation that may affect stormwater programs across the state.

UF/IFAS SQuInT Training Begins

The UF/IFAS Stormwater Quality Inspection Training (SQuInT) program officially kicked off in July, and a database of individuals who have passed the SQuInT training is available for review. The training is provided via a virtual platform and allows a user to take the course when they have time available to move through the various training modules. The program provides the knowledge and credentials needed to fulfill the qualified inspector requirements for non-MS4 entities, as outlined in Florida’s Statewide Stormwater Rule.  As a reminder, a Stormwater Rule notes 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.

As a reminder, entities operating under an existing Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit are exempt from these inspection training requirements.

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

New Chief Resilience Officer Named

After the departure of Dr. Wes Brooks, who moved to a new role as Deputy Assistant Administrator for Policy at USEPA, Florida has named a new Chief Resiliency Officer.  On August 21, 2025, Edward "Eddy" C. Bouza II was appointed as the next Florida Chief Resiliency Officer.  Attendees at the most recent FSA Winter Conference DEP Day, may recall Mr. Bouza presenting updates on the state resiliency efforts, and his willingness and open nature when addressing questions from attendees.  Mr. Bouza will continue to lead the Resilient Florida Program at FDEP as he takes on this important new role, and we look forward to him leading state resiliency efforts and participating in future FSA programs.

Don’t Let Your Certification Expire - Last Chance to Renew in 2025

This is the last opportunity this year to renew your Stormwater Operator Certification for Level 1 and/or 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.