May 2026, Volume 28, Issue 5 - Members Only

Thank you to our Newsletter Sponsors!

  Table of Contents

Florida legislative leaders spent much of May continuing budget negotiations ahead of the state’s July 1, 2026 fiscal year deadline.  Funding priorities such as education, local government appropriations, infrastructure investments, and environmental funding programs remained some of the more closely watched areas of negotiation.  Leadership worked through the Memorial Day weekend and reached an agreement on a state budget total of approximately $115 billion dollars.

Have you Checked the Statewide Stormwater Rules Lately?

As we head into the summer season, we want to remind local government stormwater managers that Florida’s Statewide Stormwater Rule is now in effect and continues to influence project review, permitting, and long-term system management statewide.

Local governments should be aware of several important implementation considerations. Updated operation and maintenance requirements, including inspection and reporting obligations for permitted stormwater systems, may affect both publicly and privately operated facilities. In addition, the revised stormwater treatment performance standards and nutrient reduction criteria should be evaluated for nearly all new stormwater ERP projects and system modifications. As FDEP continues development of Water Quality Enhancement Area (WQEA) rules, some applicants may also explore compensating stormwater treatment options pursuant to Section 9.7 of the ERP Applicant’s Handbook Volume I.

We encourage local governments to review their existing stormwater ordinances, design standards, criteria manuals, and development requirements to ensure consistency with the updated statewide ERP framework. Several stormwater managers have identified situations where local requirements may conflict with or unintentionally complicate implementation of the revised statewide standards. Addressing those issues early may help streamline permitting and project review.

The FDEP ERP Stormwater Resource Center remains a good resource for current rule language, guidance documents, implementation flowcharts, FAQs, training information, and agency contacts. It continues to be one of the best sources of information for stormwater professionals navigating the updated statewide requirements.

Water Quality Enhancement Area Rulemaking

FDEP Rule for Residential Synthetic Turf Now Effective

The rule establishing minimum statewide standards for installing synthetic turf on single-family residential properties of one acre or less is now effective.  The FDEP rule for Minimum Standards for the Installation of Synthetic Turf on Specified Properties (Chapter 62-308.100) is in effect as of May 19, 2026.  After the Notice of Change announcement in March, no further requests for changes or time extensions were made, so FDEP was able to move forward and finalize this rulemaking effort.   As a reminder to those who may believe they are impacted by this rule, the application of this rule is applicable to single-family residential properties of one acre or less in size.  For more details, including the full proposed rule, visit the FDEP Division of Water Restoration Assistance Rulemaking Page.

FDEP Proposes Repeal of 62-40.110, F.A.C

FDEP provided a Notice of Repeal for Chapter 62-40.110, F.A.C, which is a broad ranging rule that includes provisions on the Environmental Regulations Commission (ERC), and procedures to review and challenge state rules.  This rule has historically been an approach stakeholders can consider when a new rule is of concern and provides the procedures to question or even challenge a rule.  This rule also provided some guidance on keeping state agencies consistent in how they move forward with any rule making or regulatory efforts.  FDEP is accepting comments on this rule repeal effort until June 18, 2026.

Federal PFAS Regulations Updated

The U.S. EPA is proposing revisions to PFAS drinking water regulations originally finalized under the Biden administration in 2024. Under the 2024 rulemaking, EPA established enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) for six PFAS compounds and mixtures. Under the newly proposed approach, EPA would retain MCL standards for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), while proposing to rescind regulatory determinations and associated standards for several other PFAS compounds, including PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX chemicals), and certain PFAS mixture hazard index requirements.

EPA formally introduced the proposed PFAS Rescission Rule, with the proposal currently available for public review and comment through the federal rulemaking process. In a separate proposed action, EPA also proposed providing eligible regulated entities with up to a two-year extension for compliance with the PFOA and PFOS drinking water standards, potentially extending compliance deadlines to 2031.

Many utilities, local governments, and regulated entities are expected to closely evaluate the proposed changes given the significant costs and operational considerations associated with PFAS monitoring, treatment, residuals management, and long-term compliance planning. At the same time, the proposed rescission of several PFAS drinking water standards may create additional uncertainty for stormwater professionals, particularly as states, local governments, and watershed programs continue evaluating PFAS management strategies independent of federal SDWA requirements. Stormwater managers, utilities, consultants, and permit applicants should continue monitoring both federal rulemaking activity and potential state-level responses as the regulatory framework for PFAS continues to evolve. 

Shape the Future of Stormwater Leadership in Florida

Serve on the FSA Board or Join a Committee
Are you passionate about advancing stormwater management and improving water quality across Florida? This is your opportunity to turn that passion into impact. The Florida Stormwater Association (FSA) and the Florida Stormwater Association Educational Foundation (FSAEF) are seeking dedicated, forward-thinking leaders to help guide the future of our profession. Whether you’re ready to step into a leadership role on the Board or contribute your expertise through a committee, there are meaningful ways for you to get involved and make a difference. Explore our leadership structure page to learn more.

Board of Directors Elections
Elections for open seats on the FSA and FSAEF Boards will take place during the Membership Meeting the morning of Friday, June 19th at the Annual Conference in Port Charlotte.

Serving on the Board is a unique opportunity to help shape the policies, programs, and priorities that support stormwater professionals across Florida. If you’re ready to lead, we encourage you to submit your Board of Directors Nomination Form by June 1, 2026. After this deadline, nominations will only be accepted from the floor during the in-person membership meeting. View current nominations here.

Get Involved Through an FSA Committee
Looking for a hands-on way to contribute? FSA Committees are the backbone of our organization, driving efforts in policy development, education, and professional advancement. Committee service offers valuable leadership experience, meaningful networking opportunities, and a direct way to support FSA’s mission.

Visit the FSA Committees page to view current rosters and submit your Committee Request Form by June 26, 2026. Appointments will be made in July. Please note: Committee membership is not automatically renewed. Current members who wish to continue serving must submit a new request form.

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.

Florida Stormwater Utility Report Coming Soon!

FSA wants to take a moment to thank the 129 local governments that took the time to complete this year's survey! The 2026 Florida Stormwater Report summarizes the results of FSA's 16th biennial survey of stormwater utilities in Florida. Its purpose is to provide information to both managers and policymakers in state and local government. Local governments can use the trends in the characteristics of the stormwater programs, utility rates, and other practices in this valuable resource to assist in adjusting their current stormwater utility or when creating their own.

The primary contact for each FSA member organization and all contributors to the Survey will receive a complimentary USB copy of the Report in June! The Report will also be available on FSA’s Stormwater Utility Report page. Members will be able to download a copy for free when they log into their profile.

Thank you to our sponsors for this important report! 

                                                         Funding Stormwater Projects Webinar Materials Available!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for FSA’s Funding Stormwater Projects: Lessons Learned and Practical Strategies for Local Governments Webinar. Lee Hale (Hale Innovations) and P.J. Harbert (City of Tarpon Springs) shared how local governments can successfully find grant funding opportunities to plan, develop, and build stormwater and water quality projects.

If you missed the live event, or want to review the insights again, you can watch the recording at your convenience. Please note continuing education credit is only available for those who attended the live webinar.

The webinar was brought to FSA members free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of Applied Sciences, a Parsons Company. 

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                                                                                  Post Your Open Positions on the FSA Career Center!

With job opportunities on the rise across the stormwater industry, standing out to qualified professionals can be a challenge. Whether your organization is seeking engineers, inspectors, program coordinators, operators, or environmental specialists, the FSA Career Center is the ideal place to promote your open positions and connect with professionals throughout Florida.

As a benefit of membership, FSA members can post job openings quickly, easily, and at no cost. Each listing is featured for up to 30 days, giving your organization valuable visibility among a targeted audience of stormwater professionals actively engaged in the industry.

Don’t miss the opportunity to reach experienced candidates who are already connected to Florida’s stormwater community. Visit the FSA Career Center today and submit your job opening to start attracting top talent.

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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. 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 the FSA Educational Foundation website.             

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