April 2026, Volume 28, Issue 4 - Members Only

Thank you to our Newsletter Sponsors!

  Table of Contents

FDEP Water Quality Standards Revisions Approved by USEPA

After investing years of time and effort, FDEP received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on revisions to Chapter 62-302, Chapter 62-303 and Rule 62-4.242, Florida Administrative Code.  This approval was part of the Triennial Review package delivered on March 24, 2026.  Federal approval of state water quality standards is part of the process outlined under the Federal Clean Water Act (40 Code Federal Regulation 131.20) which typically requires states conduct a comprehensive review of all water quality standards at least once every three years and is typically called the “Triennial Review.”  While the federal guidelines note that states should be reviewing water quality standards every three years, that does not always happen and at times reviews can take well over three years in some circumstances.  FDEP presented the revised surface water quality standards to the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission (ERC) for approval on September 25, 2025, and delivered the Triennial Review package to USEPA for review and approval on December 18, 2025.  The revised rule documents can be found on the Triennial Review website.

Florida 404 Program Authorization Appeal Decision

The effort for the state of Florida to continue having control over the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 Program was dealt a major blow when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a decision from a lower court that vacated state control of the program granted in December of 2020.  The original lawsuit submitted by a coalition of environmental groups, argued that the transfer of the program to the state lacked authority, and the state did not meet requirements of the CWA and Endangered Species Act.  The March 27, 2026, decision by the Circuit Court keeps the permitting responsibility at the federal level, and at this time an additional appeal by the state has not been decided.

FDEP Holding BMAP Annual Meetings

Items Left on the “To Do” List for the 2026 Legislative Session

The regularly scheduled 2026 Legislative Session ended in March, but state leaders left Tallahassee with several key items still unresolved before the session can be fully finalized. Chief among these is the state budget, which remains at an impasse as the House and Senate have yet to agree on a final spending plan.  The ongoing lack of a compromise continues to delay completion and submission of the budget to Governor Desantis for consideration.

Governor Desantis had initially scheduled a Special Session for April 24, 2026, to address redistricting, vaccine policy, and regulations related to artificial intelligence (AI). That session has since been postponed  to April 27, 2026.  A special session has been scheduled to address the state budget with lawmakers returning to Tallahassee May 12, 2026 and have until May 29, 2026 to complete a budget and deliver to the Governor for review and approval.  State lawmakers are required to pass a budget by July 1, 2026, and as the deadline approaches, pressure continues to build. At this time FSA does not anticipate that stormwater-related issues will be addressed during the April Special Session. However, we will continue to closely monitor developments, particularly as discussions progress and the potential for a separate budget-focused Special Session emerges.

Unlocking Stormwater Funding: Lessons for Local Governments

Join us for our upcoming “Funding Stormwater Projects: Lessons Learned and Practical Strategies for Local Governments Webinar,” designed to help local governments navigate the rising costs of stormwater and water quality projects. As funding becomes more competitive, learning from real-world experience is more important than ever. In this session, two experienced and well-qualified speakers will share practical insights into what worked (and what didn’t) when planning, funding, and delivering projects. From overcoming common hurdles and managing complex application requirements to emphasizing the importance of early planning, the discussion reflects the challenges communities face today. We’ll also explore proven strategies for identifying and securing grant funding opportunities, helping you move projects from concept to completion with greater confidence.

Attendees will earn one (1) hour of continuing education credit while gaining actionable guidance to strengthen their funding approach. The webinar is brought to FSA members free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of Applied Sciences, a Parsons Company. 

 

FSA’s Educational Foundation is Providing Scholarships!

The FSA Educational Foundation is proud to support the next generation of leaders in stormwater management and environmental stewardship. Graduate students enrolled in Florida colleges and universities now have the opportunity to receive financial assistance through the Foundation’s scholarship program. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to students pursuing graduate studies in engineering, natural sciences, public administration, or related fields, with a focus on stormwater quality, management, or finance. If you’re an eligible student, this is your chance to advance your education while contributing to the sustainability and health of Florida’s water systems. Applications are open until August 7, 2026. Interested students must submit an application along with the required supporting materials.

Help us spread the word, this opportunity could make a real difference for a deserving student in your network! For more information and to apply, visit FSA Educational Foundation website.

Step Up: FSA and FSAEF Board Nominations Open!

The Florida Stormwater Association (FSA) is seeking dynamic leaders committed to advancing the stormwater management profession and improving water quality programs across Florida. Elections will be held during the Annual Membership Meeting at the FSA Annual Conference to fill vacancies on the Boards of Directors for both FSA and the FSA Educational Foundation (FSAEF). This is your chance to help shape the future of Florida’s premier stormwater association.

Why consider serving?

• Play a key role in advancing your profession and the field of stormwater management.
• Help set the strategic direction and enhance the impact of FSA and FSAEF.
• Gain exclusive insights into the latest challenges and innovations in your industry.
• Collaborate and exchange ideas with other passionate volunteer leaders.

Act now! Nominations close June 1, 2026. Whether you’re interested in serving or want to recommend a colleague, don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference. Complete your Board of Directors Nomination Form today and view the full list of 2026 Board nominations.

Put Your Passion into Action: Join an FSA Committee!

Are you ready to make a difference in Florida’s stormwater industry? The Florida Stormwater Association (FSA) invites members to get involved by serving on one of our committees. This is a great way to share your expertise, shape initiatives, and connect with industry leaders. To learn more visit the FSA Leadership Structure page for full committee descriptions and details.

 How to Participate:

• Submit an FSA Committee Request Form by June 26, 2026.
• Committee appointments will be announced in July.

 Take the next step in your professional journey—your skills and passion can help drive Florida’s stormwater programs forward!

FSA's Fogarty Center: 20 Years of MS4 Compliance Training

Effective stormwater management relies not only on good system design but also on the professionals who operate and maintain the infrastructure. The Florida Stormwater Association’s (FSA) Keith Fogarty Training Center offers a Stormwater Operator Certification Program, providing practical training for field staff and supervisors responsible for keeping stormwater systems running efficiently.

Many local governments use the training to help meet FDEP’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System program requirements by ensuring personnel performing stormwater maintenance activities are professionally trained. The courses cover Illicit Discharge Inspections; Spill Prevention and Response; Good Housekeeping; Construction Site Plan Review; and Construction Site Inspections. By offering certification levels for both operators and supervisors, the FSA program is leading the way to develop a knowledgeable workforce capable of maintaining stormwater infrastructure and supporting effective stormwater management programs.

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