July 2026, Volume 28, Issue 6 - Members Only

Thank you to our Newsletter Sponsors!

  Table of Contents

  FSA & FSAEF Welcomes New Leadership!

The Florida Stormwater Association (FSA) and the FSA Educational Foundation (FSAEF) proudly welcomed new leadership during the Annual Membership Meeting held on June 19, 2026, at the Sunseeker Resort in Port Charlotte.  

President Mark Heidecker City of Tallahassee

Vice President Lee Mullon Drummond Carpenter

Secretary-Treasurer Amy Eason Martin County

Past President Melanie Weed Pinellas County

Conference Mike Hardin Geosyntec Consultants

Education Joseph Thames Pinellas County

Legislative/Agency Relations Jason Icerman City of Tallahassee

Membership Katie Britt Williams Hale Innovation

Thank You for Making the 2026 FSA Annual Conference a Record-Breaking Success!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the beautiful Sunseeker Resort for the FSA Annual Conference in June.  This year’s conference was one for the record books, with our highest attendance ever, bringing together more than 500 stormwater professionals.

From outstanding educational sessions and engaging networking opportunities to a vibrant exhibit hall with 50 exhibitors to the generous partnership of our sponsors, this year's conference was an incredible success because of you. It was inspiring to reconnect with longtime members, welcome many first-time attendees, and spend time with professionals from across Florida and beyond who are dedicated to protecting and improving the stormwater community.

We invite you to re-live some of the highlights by watching our special Thank You Video.

Focus on Innovation – The 2026 FSA Fall Seminar

Join us September 4, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista South in Kissimmee as we take a detailed look into how innovation is working to accelerate all things stormwater.  The rapid pace of technological innovation is transforming stormwater management, bringing new tools and capabilities into everyday practice. From advanced data management to emerging applications of artificial intelligence (AI), these innovations are enhancing how agencies address complex challenges.  

During this Fall Seminar, stormwater professionals are leading the way in stormwater innovation.  Two local governments plan to share their experiences, one using advanced technology to develop a stormwater model to better understand impacts from rainfall, and the other taking a more holistic approach to stormwater management.  FSA welcomes representatives from three Florida universities, who will cover advanced research initiatives that can assist stormwater managers, from better assessment techniques to address water quality restoration efforts, using AI to understand the benefits of green stormwater infrastructure, to using AI to build a stormwater model.  The last speaker will step away from innovation and talk about a highly discussed topic in Florida: Data Centers.  

As we innovate and increase the usage of tools such as AI, the need for more data capacity and availability is needed. Many local areas are learning more about the development of data centers in their areas.  While data centers are not new, the overall scale of these large hyper data centers has changed the discussion, and many more questions and concerns are being raised.  The seminar will include time for questions after presentations and have networking opportunities throughout the day. Join us to explore how innovation and proven strategies are coming together to shape the future of stormwater management.  Registration is open now — don’t miss out!

 Membership Renewal is Right Around the Corner

It's almost time to renew your Florida Stormwater Association membership! FSA's 2026–27 fiscal year begins on November 1, 2026, and renewal notices will be emailed this August to the primary contact for each member organization. Receiving your renewal notice early provides an opportunity to pay next year's dues using funds from your current fiscal year's budget.

Before renewal notices are sent, take a few minutes to ensure your organization's membership information is up to date. Log in to the Member Portal to review your organization's profile, including your primary contact and billing information. If updates are needed, please email them to [email protected].

Keeping your information current helps ensure a smooth renewal process, prevents delays, and allows your team to continue enjoying uninterrupted access to FSA's educational programs, networking opportunities, advocacy efforts, and member resources.

If you have any questions about your membership or renewal, we're here to help. Contact the FSA office by emailing [email protected] or give us a call at (888) 221-3124.

Governor Signs State Budget and Vetoes Numerous Environmental Projects

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the state budget on June 29, 2026, bringing an end to the lengthy and challenging Florida legislative session.  Following legislative approval, the Governor has the authority to review and revise the budget, including issuing line-item vetoes for specific programs and projects. During this review period, the Governor vetoed funding for numerous initiatives across the state. 

The final state budget totaled $117 billion. Through line-item vetoes and additional budget reductions, more than $1.6 billion was removed from the proposed spending plan. While the adopted budget continues to provide funding for many state programs and initiatives, several allocations were reduced compared to previous years. 

One program that continued to face limited funding is the Florida Forever Program, which did not receive an allocation in the 2026-2027 budget. Instead, funding that has historically supported Florida Forever was directed toward the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. This shift has raised concerns among conservation advocates and others seeking increased funding for the acquisition and protection of lands through the Florida Forever protection. 

The Governor’s budget announcement provides a detailed overview of funded and unfunded programs, along with a comprehensive list of line-item vetoes made during the budget review process.

FDEP Funding Portal Accepting Applications

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) announced there is over $230 million in upcoming grant funding opportunities through various state programs.  There is a long list of programs accepting applications now, including Alternative Water Supply Grants, Springs Restoration Grants, Nonpoint Source Management Grants, Deepwater Horizon Grants, Beach Management Funding Assistance, and the more popular than ever, Resilient Florida Implementation Grants. The FDEP Protecting Florida Together Grants page has all the information you need for the various criteria considered for each of the available programs and has links to the application form that can be used to submit a project for funding consideration.

Take a Break from the Heat and Review the Statewide Stormwater Rule!

We are knee deep in the summer heat so we recommend everyone take a break, hydrate, and maybe spend some time in a cool shady spot.  And while you’re there, take a look at Florida’s Statewide Stormwater Rule.  Anyone working on or planning a stormwater project should be aware of the rules that are now in place, including operation and maintenance requirements, inspections, and nutrient treatment performance standards.  The FDEP ERP Stormwater Resource Center is a great resource, and includes current rule language, guidance documents, implementation flowcharts, FAQs, training information, and agency contacts.  FSA appreciates the work FDEP has done to create this “one stop shop” for stormwater regulations in Florida, and this online resource continues to be one of the best sources of information for stormwater professionals navigating the updated statewide requirements.

Delays Continue on Final WOTUS Rule

Recent reports from federal partners watching the progress (or lack thereof) of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule approval have noted that EPA sent a revision to the White House Office of Budget and Management (OMB) at the end of June 2026.  EPA had previously submitted a version of the WOTUS rule, completed in November of 2025, for review by OMB. Reports say that many of the comments posted during the public review period continually pushed back after the comment deadline, and warranted a change to the wet season test which was a component of the updated WOTUS rule.  

Amendment 3 and Potential Impacts on Stormwater Programs:  FSA Wants to Hear from Members

One of the most discussed issues Floridians will consider this November is Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase the homestead exemption and could affect property tax revenues available to local governments. If approved, the amendment could impact funding available for a variety of local government services, including stormwater management and water quality programs.

FSA is working with other organizations to better understand the potential impacts of Amendment 3 and how communities may be affected. We want to hear from members who are already considering how potential changes in available funding could influence stormwater programs, projects, and services.

Some examples of information that would be valuable to share with FSA include:

• Potential changes to approaches for meeting state or federal compliance requirements. Has the potential reduction in revenue affected planned projects, delayed or eliminated efforts to implement Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI), or impacted education and outreach activities?

• Concerns regarding the operation and maintenance of existing stormwater infrastructure. Are communities anticipating challenges in maintaining current systems or meeting ongoing service needs?

• Stormwater or water quality projects that are being delayed, modified, or canceled due to potential funding limitations.

Real-world examples help provide important insight to those working to understand the potential impacts of Amendment 3 and advocate for effective stormwater management solutions. We greatly appreciate any members willing to share their experiences, concerns, or anticipated challenges.

Please reach out to Kevin Coyne, directly with any information or questions you may have regarding Amendment 3 and its potential impacts on stormwater programs.

  Help Shape the Future of Stormwater - Student Scholarships Applications Due August 7th

The FSA Educational Foundation (FSAEF) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship Awards, and we need your help spreading the word!

Each scholarship recipient will receive an award of at least $2,000, along with complimentary registration and hotel accommodations to attend the 2026 FSA Winter Conference in Kissimmee, where they will be recognized before Florida's stormwater professionals.

These scholarships support students pursuing careers in stormwater management, engineering, environmental science, and related fields, while providing a valuable opportunity to connect with industry leaders, expand their professional network, and experience one of Florida's premier stormwater conferences. Numerous past scholarship winners have continued to be a part of Florida’s stormwater community, and some have become FSA leaders, from Board Members, to Executive Committee Members, to Chairing the FSAEF Board.

Do you know a deserving student? Whether it's an intern, a student employee, or someone you've mentored, encourage them to apply before the August 7, 2026 deadline. Your recommendation could help launch the career of a future leader in Florida's stormwater industry.

Together, we can continue investing in the future of our profession—one student at a time.  

                                                                                  Save the Date:  2026 FSA Winter Conference

Mark your calendars!  The 2026 FSA Winter Conference is coming December 2-4, 2026, to Kissimmee.  We’re excited to begin planning another outstanding conference that will bring together stormwater professionals from across Florida for education, networking, and collaboration.  This year’s conference will feature our biennial “DEP Day” and the required Florida Laws, Rules, and Ethics content for Professional Engineers.

Registration is scheduled to open in September, so stay tuned for additional details in the upcoming months.  We look forward to seeing you in Kissimmee this December!

 How Does Your Stormwater Utility Report Compare?  Find Out in the 2026 FSA Stormwater Utility Report!

The latest edition of the FSA Florida Stormwater Utility Report is now available! The Report summarizes the results of FSA’s 16th biennial survey of stormwater utilities in Florida. Managers and policymakers in state and local governments can use this Report to identify trends in characteristics of stormwater programs, utility rates, and other practices within local governments. A complimentary USB copy of the Report was distributed to the primary contact of each FSA member organization and all contributors in June! Members can also view the Report for free after logging into their profile and visiting FSA’s Stormwater Utility Report page.

FSA would like to thank all local governments who participated this year as well as the sponsors who continue to make this Report possible!

During this year’s FSA Annual Conference, the Emerging Technologies™ – Shark Tank Style! session highlighted three emerging technologies selected from among the conference’s fifty exhibitors. Each presenter showcased their technology in a Shark Tank style educational session, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about their cutting-edge technologies shaping the stormwater industry.  Attendees cast their votes and Hyfi was named the winner!  Learn more about their innovative solutions below: 

Hyfi builds and operates real-time stormwater and flood monitoring networks as a service so your team can track water levels and respond to emergencies faster. The service comes fully integrated: non-contact water level sensors feed a cloud data platform with AI-driven quality control, delivering ready-to-use apps and reliable alerts to managers and the public. Our sensors are wireless and solar powered, install in minutes, and report over cellular. The same sensor works across every type of stormwater asset, all on one platform.

We operate hundreds of sensors across the Great Lakes, Northeast, and Gulf Coast, and the same platform adapts to what each city needs: in New Orleans, it detects floods and gives dispatchers an hour of warning ahead of 911 calls; in Dearborn, it catches debris jams before they get costly; and in Cleveland, it helps engineers calibrate stormwater models to prioritize capital spending.

We're already at work in Florida: Hyfi helps Charlotte County track tides and storm-surge, and the combination of alerts and long-term data helped a high-risk community in Pinellas County secure recovery funding. The system is also battle tested: in 2024 it ran through four hurricanes, three of them in Florida, without a single outage.

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hyfi is built on over a decade of AI and water management research grounded by conversations with stormwater managers and public works teams like you. We'd love to continue that conversation and show you what's possible for your community. Reach us at hyfi.io or [email protected]. 

 Find Answers Faster:  Visit the Member FAQ Section

Have a question? We’ve made it easier to find the answers you need! Members are encouraged to log into their profile and explore the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section located under the Member Services tab. This is a helpful resource that is designed to provide quick answers to common questions.  Whether you need assistance resetting your password, locating your Continuing Education hours, or renewing your membership, the FAQ section is a great first place to look.  Log in to your member profile today and check out this valuable resource. If you have a question that isn’t answered there, we welcome your feedback and suggestions so we can continue improving your member experience.

Become a Certified Stormwater Operator and Help Meet FDEP's MS4 Program Requirements

The FSA Keith Fogarty Training Center has offered a Stormwater Operator Certification Program for the past 20 years. This program provides 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 Level 1 course is designed for field maintenance personnel such as foreman, technicians, heavy equipment operators, road stabilization crews, and crew leaders with a focus on introducing staff to basic concepts. The Level 2 course is intended to familiarize stormwater management field supervisors with the tools necessary to effectively implement their organization’s goals and objectives by focusing on system operation and maintenance. Both courses cover Illicit Discharge Inspections; Spill Prevention and Response; Good Housekeeping; Construction Site Plan Review; and Construction Site Inspections.

Visit the FSA Keith Fogarty Training Center to find Level 1 and Level 2 courses online or in your area. Interested in being a host? Contact FSA today!

                                                      November Recertification Webinars - Don't Let Your Certification Expire!

Does your Stormwater Operator Certification expire in 2026? FSA has a convenient way to get recertified! Registration is open for the November 10, 2026 Level 1 and Level 2 Recertification Webinars. Each webinar is two hours long, making it easy to get recertified and kept up to date on the most current standards and best management practices for your stormwater management system. Certifications must be renewed every five years. Check the FSA Stormwater Operator Certification Renewal Date List for your certification’s expiration date.

•    Level 2 – November 10, 2026 - 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern / Online

Space is filling up quickly, register today to save your spot!

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