September 2026, Volume 28, Issue 8 - Members Only |
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Table of Contents
A Message from Your Membership Chair
What an exciting year to be taking over as Membership Committee Chair. I know I have big shoes to fill after the wonderful Amy Eason led the Membership Committee so flawlessly! It has been an absolute pleasure supporting her in growing our membership to the highest levels yet!
I have no doubt that we can continue growing as Florida’s premiere organization for stormwater resources. There is no better way to support our membership than each one of you providing your input and testifying to the benefits that FSA provides. You are all part of the Membership Committee- whether you realize it or not! As FSA continues to flourish, the Membership Committee remains dedicated to membership retention, originating innovative recruitment strategies, and analyzing member services.
What continues to impress me about FSA is the people involved. Our members each want the best future for Florida’s water resources. We have 33 out of the 67 counties, 173 out of 411 municipalities, and 4 out of the 5 water management districts in Florida as members. Imagine the impact on our water resources as we achieve 100% involvement! I also want to thank our local governments, consultants, academia, special districts, and vendors, who also help shape our organization with their membership. You stay involved and dedicated even when resources may be tight and we sincerely appreciate you for that. With our diverse membership, we can innovate and implement real solutions now and into the future.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or ideas on how we can continue striving to be the best association our field can offer to its members! I am honored to serve as Membership Committee Chair this year and look forward to seeing all your faces at our upcoming events!
Katie Britt Williams, Hale Innovation
Membership Committee Chair
FSA's fiscal year 2026-27 commences on November 1st. To ensure uninterrupted access to all member services and benefits for your organization’s employees, please renew your membership promptly. Early renewal notices were distributed in mid-August. If you have any questions, please contact us at 888-221-3124 or [email protected].
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) published a notice regarding a Supplemental Rule for the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations in the Federal Register on September 9, 2026. The federal agencies are seeking additional input on how several key terms should be defined under the WOTUS regulations, particularly terms used to determine whether streams and wetlands have sufficient permanence or a connection to regulated waters.
The Supplemental Rule includes several items for review and consideration, including an explicit regulatory definition of “perennial,” an additional approach for determining what constitutes a “relatively permanent water,” and a more specific definition of “continuous surface connection” for wetlands.
The Supplemental Rule does not change the November 2025 WOTUS rule currently; rather, it proposes additional alternatives for consideration under the existing regulatory framework. However, there are concerns that some of the proposed alternatives could narrow federal jurisdiction over wetlands located near regulated waters but lacking a physical and continuous surface connection.
These potential changes are particularly significant for Florida, where wetlands are widespread and provide important environmental and infrastructure functions, including flood protection, water storage, water quality protection, and stormwater management. A reduction in federal jurisdiction could affect how certain wetlands are evaluated and regulated in Florida.
The federal agencies are accepting public comments on the Supplemental Rule through October 9, 2026. FSA will continue to monitor developments and any revisions to the WOTUS regulations and will notify members if significant changes occur following the Supplemental Rule review.
Water Quality Enhancement Area Rulemaking Change
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) continues to move forward with finalizing rule language for Chapter 62-332, F.A.C., regarding Water Quality Enhancement Areas (WQEAs). The WQEA rule establishes a regulatory framework for the creation, permitting, operation, monitoring, and management of natural systems that provide offsite, regional water-quality treatment. The rulemaking implements Section 373.4134, Florida Statutes, which was created through House Bill 965 during the 2022 Legislative Session.
During the August public hearing, FDEP staff acknowledged that changes to the proposed language rule could be made following its review of submitted comments and feedback from the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC). On September 9, 2026, FDEP posted a Notice of Change to the WQEA rule. The proposed changes include updates to the credit release schedule, revisions to locational valuation factors (LVFs), and changes to project monitoring and financial assurance requirements.
FDEP is not providing an additional formal comment period for the changes outlined in the Notice of Change. However, FDEP staff remain available to discuss questions or concerns regarding the proposed revisions.
Since the rulemaking process began, FSA has provided comments and feedback to FDEP and will continue to engage with the Department throughout the remaining rulemaking process. FSA will keep members informed of significant developments as the Department works toward finalizing the rule, currently anticipated in October 2026.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has released its proposed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Two-Year Work Plan, which includes a priority list identifying the waterbodies proposed for TMDL development over the next two years. The work plan was developed using FDEP’s Prioritization 2.0 process and is intended to guide TMDL development for the 2026–2028 cycle.
FDEP is accepting comments on the proposed work plan through September 30, 2026. Following the comment period, FDEP will review the comments received before finalizing the 2026–2028 TMDL Priority List of Waters. The final Two-Year Work Plan and Priority List will then be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the 303(d) Vision Metric Priorities for the 2026–2028 cycle.
FSA encourages members to review the proposed priority list and provide input to FDEP, as appropriate, before the list is finalized and submitted to EPA. Early engagement is particularly important because TMDLs can be complex and may have significant implications for water quality management, permitting, and future regulatory requirements. Staying informed and communicating concerns with FDEP early in the process provides an opportunity for member input to be considered before the priority list advances to the federal review process.
FSA will continue to monitor the TMDL Two-Year Work Plan and keep members informed of significant developments throughout the process.
In 2027, the Florida Legislative Session will return to its traditional schedule, beginning in March. However, as we move into the fall, interim committee meetings will begin and provide an early indication of the issues and priorities that may shape the upcoming session.
With the November election bringing a new Governor, potentially new legislators, and important property tax measures before voters, there are several significant questions surrounding the 2027 legislative landscape. If the property tax amendment passes, the Legislature may need to address potential funding impacts on local government services. If the amendment does not pass, legislators and the Governor may consider changes to the state’s property tax framework during the session.
A new Governor and new legislative leadership will also bring new priorities that could affect the state agencies responsible for administering Florida’s water resources. Changes to the Statewide Stormwater Rule adopted in 2024 have continued to be discussed, and any proposed revisions to the rule will remain a top priority for FSA.
Program funding will also be an important issue as the state works to maintain a balanced budget. Environmental programs could continue to face funding constraints, as seen during the development of the final 2026 state budget. FSA will closely monitor budget discussions and advocate for funding that supports effective water resource management and environmental programs.
We encourage members to remain engaged as the 2027 legislative process takes shape. FSA will actively monitor interim committee meetings, legislative developments, and budget discussions and will continue advocating for the interests of our members throughout the 2027 Legislative Session.
Constitutional Amendment 3: What Members Should Know
This November, Florida voters will decide whether to approve Constitutional Amendment 3, which would make significant changes to the state’s property tax structure. If approved, the amendment would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments beginning in 2029.
The amendment would not affect school property taxes. The increased homestead exemption would apply to county, city, and other local property taxes. Amendment 3 would also lower the annual limit on increases to the taxable value of certain non-homestead properties from 10% to 5% and establish limits on how counties and municipalities may use property tax revenues.
For stormwater professionals, the potential impact on local government revenues and spending is an important consideration. Local governments rely on a variety of revenue sources to fund infrastructure, maintenance, water quality programs, and stormwater management. Changes to property tax revenues or restrictions on how those revenues can be used could affect local budgeting and the resources available for these programs. The extent of any impact will vary by community and local government.
The Florida League of Cities (FLC) and Florida Association of Counties (FAC) have developed resources providing additional information and analysis on Amendment 3 and its potential impact on local governments. FSA members may find these resources helpful in understanding the amendment and considering what it could mean for their specific communities, infrastructure, and stormwater programs.
FSA encourages members to review the amendment and these resources, consider how potential changes could affect their local government, and stay informed as the November election approaches. FSA will continue to monitor developments and provide members with relevant information as it becomes available.
Don't Miss FSA's 2026 Winter Conference - Register Today!
Registration is now open for the Florida Stormwater Association’s 2026 Winter Conference, taking place December 2–4, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South in Kissimmee, Florida.
The Winter Conference begins Wednesday with two Pre-Conference opportunities - the morning session, “Navigating State Regulations: A Local Government Perspective,” will focus on navigating the regulatory landscape from a local government perspective. In the afternoon, “Laws, Rules, and Ethics for Professional Engineers” will provide an opportunity for Florida Professional Engineers to earn continuing education while exploring important legal and ethical requirements.
Thursday and Friday will feature informative sessions focused on practical insights, innovative approaches, and real-world solutions to today’s stormwater challenges. The conference is also a great opportunity to connect with fellow stormwater professionals from across Florida, share experiences, and learn from others working in the field.
Whether you are looking to stay current on regulations, explore new approaches, earn continuing education, or connect with colleagues, FSA’s 2026 Winter Conference offers opportunities to learn and engage.
Visit FSA’s Winter Conference page for the full schedule, registration information, and additional details. Register today and make plans to join us in Kissimmee this December!
2026 FSA Fall Seminar Recap: Integrating and Innovating
FSA would like to thank all the attendees, sponsors, and speakers who participated in the 2026 FSA Fall Seminar, Innovate & Integrate: Modern Approaches to Stormwater Management, held September 4th in Kissimmee.
Stormwater professionals from Florida and beyond came together to explore how local governments and Florida universities are using emerging technologies and innovative approaches to address today’s stormwater challenges. Sessions covered a range of topics, including advanced data management, artificial intelligence, and more holistic approaches to stormwater management.
The seminar concluded with a discussion of hyperscale data centers, including both the opportunities and challenges they may present for communities and stormwater professionals.
Last Chance to Get Recertified Before the End of the Year!
Did you last attend an FSA Stormwater Operator Course in 2021? If so, it may be time to renew your certification. FSA is offering Level 1 and Level 2 Recertification Webinars on November 10, 2026.
Stormwater Operator certifications must be renewed every five years. These recertification webinars provide an opportunity to stay current on stormwater management standards and best management practices while keeping your certification active.
Check the FSA Stormwater Operator Certification Renewal Date List to confirm your certification expiration date.
The year is flying by, and November will be here before you know it, register today to save your spot!
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© Florida Stormwater Association
PO Box 13688
Tallahassee, FL 32317
1-888-221-3124 | [email protected]