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Business owner Tim Shwartzman discusses how connected we are with the water around us.

Know your State Agencies

There are several state agencies with roles and responsibilities related to water quality in Florida. These agencies work together to protect and manage water resources, monitor water quality, and enforce environmental regulations.

The leadership of each of these agencies is an unelected position appointed by the Governor of Florida and approved by the senate making public involvement ever more important. Attend meetings when available and participate in public comment to have your voice heard.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): The DEP is responsible for overseeing water quality in Florida. This includes implementing and enforcing environmental regulations, monitoring water quality, and developing water quality standards and assessments.
Florida Department of Health (DOH): The DOH is responsible for ensuring that drinking water in Florida is safe and meets federal and state standards. They also monitor recreational waters to ensure they are safe for swimming.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): The FWC is responsible for managing and protecting Florida's fish and wildlife resources, including those that live in or depend on waterways. They also work to restore and protect aquatic habitats.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS): The FDACS is responsible for regulating agriculture and related industries in Florida, which can have significant impacts on water quality. They oversee programs to minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Water Management Districts (WMDs): Florida is divided into five WMDs that are responsible for managing water resources in their respective regions. They are involved in regulating water usage, monitoring water quality, and implementing restoration and conservation projects.

Florida WMDs work with local governments, stakeholders, and the public to develop water management plans that address the unique needs of their respective regions - Photo courtesy of the Florida Department Of Environmental Protection

Nothing goes Unnoticed

Every action no matter how small can make a big difference. You have the power to change things. Every piece of trashed picked up, invasive species removed and tree planted is ensuring that these vital resources are protected and sustained for future generations.

Some actions that an individual can do are:

Create Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGS)
Participate in trash clean ups
Remove invasive species
Attend city council meetings
Have Florida friendly lawns

Politician Robert Blackmon discusses what individuals can do to make a difference

Volunteers plant mangroves - Photo by Xavier Cortada

Share as often as you can

Spreading awareness and educating others is the simplest thing we can do to help Florida's waterways. Knowing is the first step in understanding, and we can't save what we don't understand.

Some ways you can spread awareness are:

Have conversations with your family, friends and community
Share and create content on social media
Develop curriculum that integrates water issues for local schools and universities
Create or join public campaigns
Write opinion pieces or articles for magazines, websites or your local newspaper

The Father of Springs Conservation Jim Stevenson discusses how to make politicians aware of environmental issues.

People enjoy kayaking in a Florida spring

Get Involved

Sign up to volunteer with local conservation groups or government agencies that are actively working to restore Florida's waterways such as:

Some of many local and statewide organizations that are working to improve Florida's waterways - Image courtesy of the Florida Springs Council.

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Appreciate

Credits:

Created with images by InsideCreativeHouse - "Volunteer man collecting trash on the beach. Ecology concept" • Guy Bryant - "Kayaking on Juniper Springs Creek, Florida"