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November 2025, Volume 27, Issue 10 - Members Only

Thank you to our Newsletter Sponsors!

 Table of Contents

A Message from Your FSA Legislative & Agency Relations Committee Chair
Marcy Frick, Tetra Tech

Mary Frick Headshot

I am honored to continue to serve as the chair of the Legislative & Agency Relations Committee. On behalf of the FSA membership, our committee navigates the complex legislative and rulemaking process with a continued focus on protecting and improving our water resources statewide.

On December 28, 2025, the final provisions of the Statewide Stormwater Rule (Chapter 2024-275, Laws of Florida) become effective, implementing the new performance standards for all general and individual permits and major modifications of existing permits. FSA and our membership were instrumental in moving the stormwater rule forward, and we continue to be engaged to help shape the rule implementation.

At the federal level, last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army announced proposed revisions to the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). These revisions intend to clarify and define which waterbodies fall under WOTUS, which will affect permitting in the future.

With the 2026 Legislative Session, which begins on January 13th, quickly approaching, FSA and the Legislative & Agency Relations Committee have already begun monitoring bills that could affect stormwater quality and local governments’ ability to manage stormwater. You can follow our efforts on FSA’s Legislative Page (member login required) where bills of concern and interest are already posted. When the 2026 Legislative Session begins, FSA will provide updated Priority Issue summaries on a weekly basis. To best serve you, we need your input so please let us know if there is a water resource issue that is important to you and is not being tracked.

Thank YouThank You for Being Part of Our Community!

In a world full of choices, your decision to be part of FSA is a gift we deeply value and never take for granted.

As we reflect on the past year, one thing stands out above all else: our gratitude for you.  Thank you for your trust, your commitment, your engagement, and for being an essential part of our community! 

Don’t Miss Out — Renew Your FSA Membership Today!

It’s renewal season! FSA’s new fiscal year began on November 1, 2025, and the 30-day grace period for member organizations ends November 30, 2025. After that date, access to exclusive FSA member benefits and advocacy, including this newsletter, will pause until your membership is renewed.

Renewal notices have been sent to your organization’s primary contact. If you haven’t received your invoice or need a copy, please reach out to us, we’re happy to help ensure your membership stays active and uninterrupted.

Stay connected, informed, and engaged — renew your FSA membership today! 

Get Ready for FSA’s 2025 Winter Conference!

FSA is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Winter Conference is coming to Kissimmee, FL, and this year promises to be our biggest yet! With over 360 participants, including 300 attendees and more than 60 exhibit booth representatives, we’re looking forward to an exciting week of learning, networking, and collaboration. Please note: the event is officially sold out. 

The conference kicks off with two dynamic pre-conference events: a Guided Tour of Green Infrastructure and a hands-on workshop on Managing Stormwater Infrastructure: Asset Management and Utility Rate Strategies. These sessions are designed to provide practical insights and inspiration for stormwater professionals across the state. The Opening Session will feature keynote speaker Eddy Bouza, Chief Resilience Officer for the State of Florida, followed by the presentation of this year’s FSA Educational Foundation Scholarships, celebrating the next generation of stormwater leaders.

The conference will continue with two full days of presentations, covering the latest trends, challenges, and solutions impacting Florida’s stormwater community. From innovative strategies to regulatory updates, attendees will leave with valuable knowledge to bring back to their organizations.

A special thank-you to our exhibitors and sponsors, your support makes events like this possible and helps FSA continue to strengthen Florida’s stormwater community.

Holiday Group Photo
And for a little holiday fun, FSA is spreading the cheer by inviting everyone to wear their most festive attire on Friday during the Winter Conference. Come dressed in your brightest, most joyful, and most spirited holiday outfits as we celebrate the season together. 

Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the future of stormwater management in Florida! 

Invest in the Future of Stormwater Management

FSA’s Educational Foundation awards scholarships each year to inspire full-time graduate students to pursue careers in stormwater management. These scholarships are made possible by generous supporters like you, a win-win: you help grow the profession and your donation is tax-deductible. With the year coming to a close, now is the perfect time to give. 

2026 Annual Conference – Save the Date!


Photo of HotelMark your calendars for FSA’s 2026 Annual Conference, June 17-19, 2026, at the stunning Sunseeker Resort! This premier waterfront venue is the perfect setting for stormwater leaders from across Florida to connect, learn, and tackle the challenges of our field together.

The conference theme, Rising to the Challenge: Navigating Stormwater Change Together, reflects our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving as we address the evolving landscape of stormwater management. The Call for Presentations is now open, and we invite professionals to share their expertise with colleagues statewide.  The deadline to submit a presentation is January 16, 2026.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate, collaborate, and rise to the challenge with Florida’s stormwater community!

Updated FDEP Rulemaking on Synthetic Turf Available

FDEP has provided an updated draft rule regulating the use of synthetic turf on residential lots smaller than one acre.  Mandated by House Bill (HB) 683 passed in 2025, this statewide rule must consider key factors such as permeability, stormwater management, potable water conservation, water quality, and the proximity of synthetic turf to trees and vegetation. FDEP provided a draft rule for review in August, and FSA provided comments and revisions to the August draft rule language.  FDEP held a second workshop on November 20th to discuss the updated rule and provided feedback on what revisions were made to the draft rule and next steps in the rulemaking process. FDEP is accepting comments on the November draft rule until December 10th, and comments can be emailed to FDEP at [email protected].  FSA was present and provided additional feedback to FDEP staff and will continue to communicate with FDEP on additional revisions to the draft rule.  Visit FDEP’s Division of Water Restoration Assistance rulemaking webpage to view the draft rules, meeting notices, and copies of the workshop presentations.

FDEP Rulemaking Construction General Permit (CGP)

On November 19th, FDEP held a rulemaking workshop on updates to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit (CGP). The updates to the rule include a revision to the structure and format of the rule, provide a clearer and more concise permit for implementation, and addressing new requirements outlined in the 2022 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency CGP.  During the rulemaking workshop, FDEP staff provided a review of the rule revisions, answered questions, and outlined next steps in the rulemaking process.  FSA has been in contact with FDEP on this rule and is monitoring the revision process.  Visit FDEP’s Water Resource Management Rules in Development rulemaking webpage to view the draft CGP rule, workshop presentation, and rulemaking notice.

Last Deadline for Florida’s Statewide Stormwater Rule

Stormwater practitioners in Florida are a month away from facing the final, and in many ways the most significant, deadline in the Statewide Stormwater Rule. In June, two key requirements became effective (inspections requirements for non-MS4 entities and Qualified Inspector certifications). The next milestone arrives on December 28th, when the nutrient performance criteria become effective. 

Although grandfathering provisions and regional exemptions exist, all practitioners should review the Statewide Stormwater Rule closely to determine whether the new criteria apply to their stormwater projects. Full details for these and other requirements are provided in Sections 8.3 and 12.5 of the Applicant’s Handbook. We strongly recommend reviewing these sections before beginning any new projects or submitting reports this summer.  For additional information including requirements, exemptions, FAQs, and training links visit the FDEP ERP Stormwater Resource Center.

FDEP Seeks Public Input on 2024–2026 Waterbody Assessment Draft

FDEP held a virtual public meeting on November 19th to present and receive comments on the Biennial Assessment 2024–2026 draft assessment lists of waterbodies and waterbody segments. The online meeting provided an overview of the proposed updates to verified, delisted, and study-designated waterbodies based on recent water quality data. FDEP will continue to accept written public comments on the draft assessment lists through January 9, 2026, and encouraged stakeholders, local governments, and community members to review the materials and submit feedback during the comment period. Visit FDEP’s Watershed Assessment Section webpage for details. 

Interim Meetings and Bills of Interest Filed for 2026 Legislative Session

Interim committee meetings continued in October, with legislators holding meetings and continuing to submit draft legislation for the 2026 Legislative Session. Taxes and scrutiny on how local governments spend money continue to be major topics during interim sessions. Some environmental discussions have taken place both in House and Senate meetings, mostly focusing on Everglades restoration and state lands management.  

FSA is tracking legislation important to stormwater practitioners, including bills impacting local stormwater design standards, land-use preemption measures, and proposals to standardize irrigation system installation, operation, and maintenance. Some of the bills FSA is actively tracking include:

Links to the text of these bills is available via FSA’s Legislative Page, which will be continually updated as new legislation is introduced during the 2026 Session.  Legislators will continue to meet prior to the January 13, 2026 session start date, with interim meetings scheduled for December.

New WOTUS Rule Released

The federal government returned to work on November 13th, after a 44-day shutdown that halted nearly all federal policy development actions.  Federal administrators wasted little time in moving forward on some key priority issues, including the update to the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. On November 17th, EPA provided the updated draft WOTUS Rule for review and consideration and will move forward with the regulatory process to finalize this new rule.  Many were not surprised that the new draft rule limits the scope of federal oversight, a concern that could lead to a challenge of the rule and further delay the process to finalize the WOTUS rule.  Visit FSA’s Advocacy page for a link to the new Rule and watch for additional information as the WOTUS rule effort continues.

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