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August 2026, Volume 28, Issue 7 - Members Only

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  Table of Contents

 A Message from Your President

Heidecker Mark HeadshotDear FSA Members,

It is an honor to serve as President of the Florida Stormwater Association for the 2026–2027 year. Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me and for your continued commitment to advancing the stormwater profession across Florida. FSA's success is built on the expertise, dedication, and volunteer spirit of its members, and I want to thank Melanie Weed and our Board of Directors for their outstanding leadership over the past year. As we look ahead, our focus will be on four key priorities: advocacy, recruitment, communication, and supporting the continued development of stormwater utilities throughout Florida.  Importantly, we will also be developing a new 5-year strategic plan to guide our actions into the future.

Advocacy is more important than ever. FSA will continue to serve as a trusted voice on legislative and regulatory issues, promoting practical, science-based solutions that protect and advance Florida's water resources. We will also work to grow our membership by engaging professionals and organizations, strengthening the diverse network that makes our Association so valuable. Clear and timely communication will remain a priority as we expand opportunities to keep members informed, connected, and engaged. Finally, FSA will continue to promote sustainable stormwater funding by sharing knowledge and resources that help communities establish and strengthen stormwater utility programs.

Our Association is only as strong as the members who participate. Whether you attend our conferences, serve on a committee, contribute your expertise, or mentor the next generation of professionals, your involvement makes a difference. I look forward to working with all of you as we continue advancing the stormwater profession and building an even stronger Florida Stormwater Association.

Thank you for your continued support, and I wish us all a successful year ahead.

Mark Heidecker, FSA President
City of Tallahassee

Renew Your FSA Membership and Keep the Benefits Coming!

Don’t miss out on the valuable member services and resources available to everyone in your organization! FSA’s 2026–27 membership renewal campaign is now underway, making this the perfect time to renew and ensure your team continues to have access to the benefits, information, and connections FSA provides.

Renewal notices were sent the first week of August via USPS and email to your organization’s primary contact. For local government members, this early notice provides an opportunity to secure current fiscal year funds for next year’s membership dues, a smart way to plan ahead and make the most of your budget.

If you are your organization’s primary contact, be sure to check your inbox for your FSA renewal notice and take action to keep your membership active for another year.

Questions about your renewal? We’re happy to help! Contact FSA at 888-221-3124 or [email protected].

Water Quality Enhancement Area Rulemaking Workshop

Waterdrop

On August 25, 2026, FDEP held a workshop to present and discuss draft rule language for Chapter 62-332, F.A.C., Water Quality Enhancement Areas (WQEAs). This rule establishes a regulatory framework for creating, permitting, operating, monitoring, and managing natural systems that provide offsite regional water-quality treatment. The rulemaking implements Section 373.4134, Florida Statutes, created through House Bill (HB) 965 during the 2022 legislative session. 

FDEP staff noted that under the proposed rule, a WQEA must be authorized through an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) under Chapter 62-330, F.A.C. An applicant utilizing a WQEA includes multiple components to meet the rule criteria, including a demonstration of site suitability, expected pollutant reductions, ecological and hydrological benefits, construction plans, long-term management, monitoring procedures, financial responsibility, and protection through a conservation easement.
 
The proposed rule language outlines the mechanisms for the development and application of credits, and important location factors that impact the number of credits needed to meet permit requirements.  Part of the workshop discussion focused on locational valuation factors (LVFs), which adjusts the number of credits required based on pollutant transport, attenuation, and variability within the receiving waterbody. The use of the LVFs accounts for differences in the effectiveness of pollutant reductions depending upon where the WQEA and the credit purchaser are located.  The use of WQEA credits is considered another tool in the regulatory world toolbox, but FSA has asked FDEP to ensure that this new system does not negatively impact those not involved in a credit transaction.  Since the initiation of the rule making effort, FSA has provided comments and feedback to FDEP and will continue to work with and communicate until the rule is finalized in October this year.

2027 Legislative Session Calendar

After a whirlwind 2026 Legislative Session, one marked by special sessions and statewide decisions that will be decided by voters on the November ballot, the 2027 Legislative Session will be here before we know it. Interim committee meetings will begin in late November 2026 and continue through February 2027, setting the stage for the regular session.  Session officially kicks off on March 2, 2027, and is scheduled to conclude April 30, 2027. As always, the 60-day session will be preceded by weeks of interim meetings and work focused on shaping policy, establishing budget priorities, and developing proposed legislation.
 
There are plenty of questions about what the 2027 Session will bring. Florida will have a new governor, new leadership in both the House and Senate, and potentially new faces in the Legislature following the November election. The outcome of the November ballot, including the property tax amendment, could also have a significant impact on the issues and priorities lawmakers address next Spring.
 
A new administration will bring new priorities for the state, and how those priorities align with legislative goals will be an important dynamic to watch. Following the November election, FSA will begin meeting with the new administration and staff to learn more about its priorities and goals. We will continue to keep FSA members informed as we learn more and better understand what the 2027 Session may look like.
 
In the meantime, we encourage you to mark your calendars, stay engaged, and continue following the issues that could shape the upcoming session. As we begin outreach to the new administration after the November election, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or issues you would like us to raise when we have opportunities to engage with state leaders. The 2027 Session is still months away, but the groundwork is already beginning, and we look forward to keeping you informed every step of the way.

New Efforts to Restore FDEP 404 Program Control

Federal regulators are asking the D.C. Circuit Court to entertain a new hearing on the state of Florida’s control of the Section 404 Program.  EPA filed a petition on August 7, 2026, asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to rehear the 2024 decision that vacated the 2020 action that allowed the state to control the 404 Program. The federal government approach to developing a regulatory structure based on cooperative federalism is assisting in this request and noting that the 2024 decision has set a higher bar for other states attempting to make a similar move to control 404 permitting programs.  The state of Florida is also attempting to have the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to review the 2024 decision.  With the federal and state governments looking to rehear the 2024 decision, we may see some movement on this, and a potential return of the program back to Florida.

Winter is Coming And So Is FSA's Winter Conference!

The countdown is on for this year’s Winter Conference in Kissimmee!  Join stormwater professionals from across the state and beyond December 2-4, 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the stormwater community, the Winter Conference is a great opportunity to connect with peers, gain valuable insights, explore the latest innovations, and hear from industry experts shaping stormwater management in Florida.  This year’s conference will feature our biennial “DEP Day” and the required Florida Laws, Rules and Ethics content for Professional Engineers. Registration will open in September, so stay tuned for more details.  We hope to see you in Kissimmee this December!

Tips for Searching the FSA Website

Did you know the FSA website has a built-in search feature to help you quickly find the information you need? Whether you're searching for types of BMPs, a conference presentation, education resources, publications, or other topics, the search feature is a great tool to assist in finding that information.  To get started, look for the Search our site box in the upper right corner of the page.  Enter a keyword and press enter.  If your first search doesn’t give you what you’re looking for, try a different keyword or phrase and use the filters available on the search results page to help narrow your results. 

Haven't Registered for FSA's Fall Seminar?  There's Still Time!

fall seminar bannerFSA’s 2026 Fall Seminar Innovate & Integrate: Modern Approaches to Stormwater Management will be taking place this Friday, September 4, at the Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista South in Kissimmee! 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. 

What’s on the agenda? Our speakers will cover topics on how to use advanced technology, holistic approaches, and artificial intelligence (AI) in your stormwater program. The last speaker will wrap up the day by covering the good and bad of hyperscale data centers in Florida. 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 still open — don’t miss out!

We're Over Halfway Through 2026! Get Recertified Before the End of the Year!

Did you last attend an FSA Stormwater Operator Course in 2021? If the answer is “yes,” you are up for recertification! Registration is open for the November 10, 2026 Level 1 and Level 2 Recertification Webinars. Stay up to date on the 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 1 – November 10, 2026 - 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Eastern / Online
  • Level 2 – November 10, 2026 - 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern / Online

The year is flying by and November will be here before you know it, register today to save your spot!

Open Position to Fill? Post it Free in the Career Center

Looking to fill an open position in the stormwater industry? The FSA Career Center offers a free way to share your job openings with qualified professionals across Florida.

From engineers and inspectors to program coordinators, operators, and environmental specialists, the Career Center helps your organization get its opportunities in front of professionals who understand the stormwater field.

Whether you’re hiring for an immediate need or building your team for the future, take advantage of this free member resource to reach candidates with relevant industry experience.

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