The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has extended the application deadline for several water quality protection grants. The online grant portal will remain open until July 31, 2024, allowing eligible entities to submit proposals for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Since taking office in 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis has secured record funding for the state's environment. This includes grant programs aimed at protecting and restoring Florida's water resources. DEP encourages local governments, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations to apply for all relevant grant programs.
Grant opportunities include:
Water Quality Improvement Grants: These grants assist communities with projects addressing wastewater, stormwater, agricultural issues, and other efforts to reduce nutrients in water bodies. Specific grants under this category include the Water Quality Improvement Grant, Indian River Lagoon Water Quality Improvement Grant, Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant, and Caloosahatchee Water Quality Improvement Grant.
Alternative Water Supply Grants: These grants support community planning and implementation of water conservation and reuse projects. Priority is given to regional projects in areas of greatest need that provide significant benefits.
Springs Restoration Grants: These funds can be used for land acquisition to protect springs and capital projects that maintain the quality and quantity of spring water flow. Eligible project types include agricultural best management practices, hydrologic restoration, septic-to-sewer conversions, wastewater treatment upgrades, and stormwater treatment.
Wetlands Restoration and Protection Grants: These grants aim to restore and protect wetlands with priority given to projects benefiting fish and wildlife habitats or providing flood attenuation. Projects must have at least $200,000 in non-state matching funds.
Innovative Technology for Harmful Algal Bloom Grants: These are designated for evaluating and implementing technologies to combat harmful algal blooms or nutrient enrichment in freshwater bodies.
Local Government Water Supply Pilot Grants: Available for infrastructure projects within Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa or Walton Counties. This opportunity remains open until September 1, 2024.
Nonpoint Source Management Grants: Support shovel-ready stormwater treatment projects reducing nonpoint source nutrient pollution in impaired waterbodies. Funding also supports public education programs on pollution prevention.
Florida's Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative Grants: Focused on establishing propagation facilities and developing site-specific restoration plans for Florida’s Coral Reef.
Florida Keys Area of Critical Concern Grants: Aimed at improving water quality through various initiatives such as wastewater management or nearshore water quality enhancement. This opportunity is open until September 1, 2024.
For proposal submissions or more information on past awardees visit ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants