January 2026, Volume 28, Issue 1
Table of Contents
Education Committee Article
Joseph Thames, Pinellas County, FSA Education Committee Chair
 The FSA Education Committee is gearing up for another strong year of timely and relevant training opportunities for Florida’s stormwater professionals. With the recent updates to statewide rules in full effect, a new MS4 permit on the cusp of statewide issuance, and a continued need for high-quality operator training, FSA remains committed to supporting member organizations with accessible and practical education.
This year also marks a major milestone as it is the 20th Anniversary of the Keith Fogarty Training Center. Founded in 2005, with its first training course delivered in 2006, the Training Center has delivered more than 10,000 course registrations and now supports stormwater operators in over 75% of Florida’s cities and counties. To commemorate two decades of excellence in stormwater training, FSA has unveiled a refreshed webpage and a commemorative anniversary logo.
The Education Committee also continues to refine and enhance course materials to include current content and ensure alignment with FDEP requirements. Members can expect ongoing improvements in training delivery and expanded opportunities for both in-person and online instruction. To explore upcoming Stormwater Operator Certification courses or view recertification dates, visit the Fogarty Training Center webpage.
Don’t forget to take advantage of FSA’s free member webinars throughout the year. Topics will include legislative updates, technical advancements, and emerging issues impacting stormwater programs statewide. Registration is open now for our first webinar of 2026, FSA’s Florida Legislative Session Recap Webinar, watch your inbox for details as members receive advance notification of all FSA offerings.
We look forward to supporting your training needs in the year ahead and continuing our shared work to protect and enhance Florida’s water resources.
Stormwater Legislation – Early Session in a Year of Change
 2026 begins with an early legislative session start time, marking a pivotal year of gubernatorial transition that will usher in a new administration and potentially new state priorities. This session will be the final one under the Desantis Administration, an era characterized by notable shifts in environmental policy, increased funding for projects, and significant changes to statewide stormwater regulations. As Florida looks ahead to the new administration, attention will focus on how state priorities may evolve. While lawmakers continue to emphasize tax reduction and budget considerations, stormwater policy is expected to remain an important area of legislative interest.
Several bills have been filed addressing statewide stormwater project standards, building requirements, and inspections, including SB 558/ HB 239. These Standards for Storm Water Systems proposals would establish statewide standards for new stormwater projects and require inspections to be conducted by third-party entities. The legislation has seen early movement during the pre-session period and is being reviewed and amended as stakeholder input is considered. Members seeking more information, including bill language, amendments, and committee schedules, are encouraged to visit the FSA Legislative Page. Throughout session, FSA will continue to post its weekly Priority Issues update, which highlights bills of interest and provides links to legislation being actively tracked. Beyond stormwater standards, FSA is also engaged with legislators on bills related to local government environmental regulations and wetland buffer limits, including SB 718/ HB 479. Lawmakers continue to pursue local government preemption, with multiple proposals affecting development and land-use policies at the local level. All tracked bills are available on the Legislative Page. If you have information to share on any bills, whether currently tracked or not, please don’t hesitate to reach out to FSA. We are here to help!
FDEP Proposes Rules for Residential Synthetic Turf
On January 20, 2026, FDEP issued a Notice of Proposed Rule establishing minimum statewide standards for installing synthetic turf on single-family residential properties of one acre or less. Once adopted, the rule will ensure that local governments cannot ban synthetic turf that meets these standards or enforce conflicting regulations. FDEP has accepted some stakeholder feedback on the draft rule and continues to review comments. Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted through February 10, 2026, via email to [email protected]. The rule implements HB 683, passed in 2025, which directs FDEP to consider factors such as permeability, stormwater management, potable water conservation, water quality, and the proximity of synthetic turf to trees and vegetation. Stakeholders, including FSA, provided input throughout the rule development process to help strengthen water quality protections and clarify preemption requirements. See FSA's August 19, 2025 comments and FSA's December 10, 2025 follow-up comments.
New Year = New Regulations
The new year brings in more than regulatory and policy changes for stormwater managers to consider. From a fully effective Statewide Stormwater Rule, to new FDEP permits, to BMAPs now facing legislative deadlines, 2026 will not be a slow year for many FSA members. Below is a brief list of regulatory actions that the stormwater community should be aware of:
- Statewide Stormwater Rule: The Statewide Stormwater Rule is now fully in effect. The nutrient performance criteria deadline was December 28, 2025; therefore, all new stormwater permits must now address nutrient performance standards when developing stormwater projects. Certain exemptions may apply, so we strongly recommend reviewing the FDEP ERP Stormwater Resource page (and be sure to look the FAQs) for additional information and for contacts at both FDEP and Water Management Districts.
- NPDES Construction General Permit (CGP): The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction Generic Permit (CGP) may be finalized early this year. FDEP held a public workshop on the draft rule in November and accepted comments through the end of 2025. While a notice of a final rule has not yet been posted, we would recommend monitoring the rulemaking process, as a new rule could be issued in the near future. The draft rule and recordings of the November workshop are available on the Water Resource Management Rules in Development page.
- Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs): Many nutrient focused Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) are reaching critical five-year milestones for achieving reduction requirements. As part of its annual project collection effort for the Statewide Annual Report, FDEP will be reviewing submitted projects and assessing progress. If you are located within an active nutrient BMAP area, we recommend reaching out to your prospective FDEP basin coordinator for additional guidance.
FDEP Announces Strategic Monitoring Plan
FDEP has announced that the 2026 Strategic Monitoring Plan is available for review and download. The new plan includes a corresponding geodatabase that can be used for additional information. FDEP also released the Impaired Waters Rule (IWR) 67, which will be used to support various program objectives, including total maximum daily load development and the effectiveness of restoration efforts through the implementation of alternative restoration plans and basin management action plans. All information can be found on the FDEP Watershed Assessment Section page, which includes contact information for FDEP staff.
New WOTUS Rule Kicks Off 2026
As state legislators consider draft legislation to revise local regulations and policies related to wetland buffers, the federal government has moved forward with a final rule defining Waters of the United States (WOTUS). After a regulatory process that has spanned decades, the federal government released a final draft WOTUS rule in 2025, largely based on the 2023 Sackett vs. EPA decision., which established a more limited scope for wetland determinations. Final action on the rule was initiated in December 2025, with a public comment period closing on January 6, 2026.
The final WOTUS rule removes the controversial “significant nexus” test and places greater emphasis on the relative permanence of a wetland and its connection to navigable waters. The 2025 WOTUS rule also includes revised definitions clarifying how wet-season features may affect wetland jurisdiction determinations.
FSA 2026 Annual Conference - Save the Date
 Mark your calendars for the FSA 2026 Annual Conference, taking place June 17-19, 2026, at the beautiful Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, FL. Set against the beautiful waterfront backdrop, this year’s conference promises to be both inspiring and impactful. With the theme “Rising to the Challenge: Navigating Stormwater Change Together,” the conference will bring stormwater professionals from across the state together to share insights, reflect on lessons learned, and explore innovative solutions for the future. Attendees can look forward to multiple days of stormwater focused education, meaningful networking opportunities, and a hands-on volunteer service project that gives back to the local community. The conference will also feature robust exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, offering companies a platform to showcase cutting-edge stormwater products, technologies, and services to a highly engaged audience.
Registration opens in March, be sure to save the date now. We look forward to welcoming you Charlotte Harbor and hope you’ll join us for this exciting and collaborative event!!
Stormwater Excellence Awards: Submit Your Nomination Today
The FSA Excellence Awards Program honors exceptional stormwater programs, projects, and public education efforts that deliver meaning benefits to both the environment and local communities. Awards are presented annually to public sector and academic members who demonstrate innovation, effectiveness, and excellence in stormwater management. Do you have a program that deserves recognition for its impact and hard work? Submit your nomination by February 16, 2026, and let your achievements be recognized statewide.
FSAEF Scholarship Supports the Next Generation of Stormwater Leaders
The Florida Stormwater Association Educational Foundation (FSAEF) offers a competitive annual scholarship to support graduate students pursuing careers in stormwater management. The program recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic performance, professional potential, and a clear interest in stormwater issues such as water quality, infrastructure, or finance. Scholarship recipients receive at least $2,000, along with registration and hotel accommodations for the FSA Winter Conference, providing both financial support and valuable professional exposure. Eligible applicants must be graduate students enrolled at a Florida college or university in a related field, be in good academic standing, have completed at least one semester of graduate study, and plan to enroll full-time in the upcoming fall semester.
The application process is open now, with application packets due by August 7, 2026. Awards will be presented in December at the FSA Winter Conference. Do you know a qualified graduate student applicant? Help us spread the word. To learn more, view the 2025 scholarship recipients, visit the FSAEF “About the Scholarship” page, or call (888) 221-3124. 
Register for the Florida Legislative Session Recap and Earn Continuing Education Credit!
Join us on March 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern for the only “post Session” webinar focused on Florida’s stormwater legislation! The webinar will examine the impact of this year’s Legislative session, analyzing policy bills that targeted stormwater and environmental regulations (both successfully and unsuccessfully), the potential outcomes of special sessions, and provide insights into what to expect for 2027. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the future of state water policy, hear more about new regulations and local government preemptions, what a new administration might focus on for 2027 and beyond, and explore potential changes to water quality improvement programs in Florida. Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity to stay informed and engaged in the evolving landscape of stormwater legislation in the Sunshine State. Attendees will be eligible for one continuing education credit pending approval.
<include logo>The webinar is brought to FSA members free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of Applied Sciences.
Celebrate 20 Years of the Original Industry Standard for Florida Stormwater Practitioners!
For 20 years, the FSA Fogarty Training Center has been providing practical, consistent, and up-to-date stormwater operator training. FSA's Stormwater Operator Certification Training has since evolved to offer online and in-person Level 1 and Level 2 courses and is recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as helping to fulfill MS4 permit requirements. Join the over 10,000 who have received training 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.
Visit the Level 2 Course page for more details.
Don't forget to check for when you are up for recertification! Registration for the April Webinars is now open!
- Level 1 - April 7, 2026 - 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Eastern / Online
- Level 2 - April 7, 2026 - 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern / Online
FSA 2026 Stormwater Utility Survey - It's Not Too Late to Participate!
FSA is updating its biennial Survey of Stormwater Utilities. The Survey has become widely recognized throughout Florida by managers and policymakers at both the state and local levels. Trends in the characteristics of the stormwater programs, utility rates and other practices within local government can be observed by comparing FSA's survey results. If your jurisdiction has a stormwater utility, someone within your jurisdiction should have received an email with a link to the Survey to update. The deadline to submit the Survey has been extended to February 6. Be sure to contact FSA if you did not receive your Survey link or if you have any questions.
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