Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

DeSantis Announces $112 Million for Statewide Water Quality and Supply Projects

TAMPA, Fla. — December 3, 2025 — Governor Ron DeSantis has announced more than $112 million in new state investments aimed at improving water quality, strengthening water supplies, and advancing innovative environmental technologies across Florida.

The statewide funding package includes:

• $50 million for 14 alternative water supply projects

• $50 million for 23 springs restoration projects

• $12 million for 16 innovative technology initiatives targeting harmful algal blooms

Governor DeSantis positioned the funding as part of his administration’s long-term commitment to safeguarding Florida’s natural resources.

“My administration has made historic investments in protecting our water resources,” DeSantis said. “Florida is a leader in water resource protection, and we will continue to deliver results and act as responsible stewards of our resources.”

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said the projects reflect a science-driven approach to long-term environmental management.

“Our decisions are driven by science and long-term stewardship,” Lambert said. “These investments will help communities secure reliable water supplies, improve water quality, and better respond to environmental challenges.”

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$50 Million for Alternative Water Supply Projects

Half of the newly announced funding—$50 million—will support 14 alternative water supply projects expected to generate more than 94 million gallons of new water per day once completed. These projects focus on reclaimed water expansion, aquifer recharge, and conservation programs designed to support both growing communities and natural ecosystems.

State water management leaders praised the investment:

• Drew Bartlett, Executive Director, South Florida Water Management District, highlighted the importance of reducing nutrient pollution and conserving freshwater resources.

• Brian Armstrong, Executive Director, Southwest Florida Water Management District, emphasized the need for long-term planning to meet rising water demand.

• Mike Register, Executive Director, St. Johns River Water Management District, called the funding a “forward-thinking commitment” to sustainable water supply expansion.

• Hugh Thomas, Executive Director, Suwannee River Water Management District, said the projects support “smart, sustainable growth.”

• Lyle Seigler, Executive Director, Northwest Florida Water Management District, described the investment as innovative and essential to protecting natural resources.

Since 2019, Florida has invested $335 million in alternative water supply initiatives, creating an estimated 445 million gallons per day of additional future water capacity for the state’s rapidly growing population.

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$50 Million to Restore Florida’s Freshwater Springs

Florida will also invest $50 million in 23 projects dedicated to restoring the state’s iconic freshwater springs. These initiatives focus on improving spring flow, upgrading wastewater infrastructure, and reducing nutrient pollution—particularly nitrogen, a key contributor to water quality decline. Collectively, the projects are expected to eliminate more than 100,000 pounds of Total Nitrogen each year.

The Springs Restoration Grant Program continues to support statewide efforts to protect springs through targeted land acquisitions and infrastructure upgrades. Key funded projects include:

• $2.9 million for Newberry’s septic-to-sewer conversion, replacing outdated residential septic systems to improve the Santa Fe River and nearby springs.

• $1 million for the Alachua Conservation Trust’s Suwannee High Recharge Pinelands acquisition, benefiting Rainbow River and its springs.

• $1.6 million for Inverness’ sewer extension project to connect homes and businesses to centralized wastewater treatment, supporting Chassahowitzka–Homosassa Springs.

• $6.1 million for Wakulla County’s Crawfordville East Phase V & VI septic-to-sewer conversions, benefiting the Upper Wakulla River and Wakulla Spring.

Since 2019, Florida has committed $430 million to 147 springs restoration projects, reducing nitrogen pollution by an estimated 907,000 pounds per year. The newly announced projects build on this progress to ensure long-term protection of the state’s most treasured natural features.

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$12 Million for Innovative Algal Bloom Technology

An additional $12 million will support 16 new projects focused on deploying cutting-edge technologies to prevent, detect, and respond to harmful algal blooms (HABs). The funding enhances Florida’s rapid-response capabilities and expands the tools available to local governments during bloom events.

Previous investments have enabled the state to maintain six approved technology vendors on standby and to roll out advanced systems for real-time monitoring, forecasting, and mitigation of bloom conditions in affected communities.

The program, created in 2019 following recommendations from the Blue-Green Algae Task Force, has now received $75 million to support 68 projects statewide.

Florida Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Rains emphasized the importance of staying ahead of evolving environmental challenges:

“By investing in emerging technologies, we are expanding our scientific capacity to better understand and manage harmful algal blooms. These projects integrate real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and field-scale treatment systems to improve how we forecast bloom conditions and implement rapid mitigation strategies.”

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Ongoing Commitment to Water Quality and Resilience

Together, the 2025–26 DEP grant awards reinforce Florida’s long-term commitment to protecting water resources, strengthening resilience, and planning for population growth. From springs restoration to alternative water supply development and HAB mitigation, the state continues to expand efforts that safeguard both natural ecosystems and community needs.

A full list of funded Alternative Water Supply, Springs Restoration, and Innovative Technology projects for Fiscal Year 2025–26 is available at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants

FAQs: Florida’s Springs Restoration & Algal Bloom Technology Investments

1. How much funding is Florida investing in freshwater springs restoration?

Florida is investing $50 million in 23 projects aimed at restoring and protecting the state’s iconic freshwater springs.

2. What will the springs restoration projects accomplish?

These projects will improve spring flow, upgrade wastewater systems, and reduce pollution—collectively cutting over 100,000 pounds of Total Nitrogen per year.

3. What types of projects are being funded for springs restoration?

Funding supports septic-to-sewer conversions, land acquisitions, wastewater improvements, and conservation initiatives that protect spring systems statewide.

4. Which major springs projects were awarded funding?

Key projects include:

• $2.9M for Newberry septic-to-sewer conversion (Santa Fe River & springs)

• $1M for Suwannee High Recharge Pinelands land acquisition (Rainbow River & springs)

• $1.6M for Inverness septic-to-sewer connection (Chassahowitzka–Homosassa Springs)

• $6.1M for Wakulla County septic-to-sewer upgrades (Upper Wakulla River & Wakulla Spring)

5. How much has Florida invested in springs restoration since 2019?

The state has invested $430 million in 147 projects, reducing nitrogen pollution by more than 907,000 pounds per year.

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Innovative Technology & Harmful Algal Blooms

6. What is the purpose of the $12 million in funding for harmful algal blooms?

The $12 million investment funds 16 projects that use advanced technology to detect, forecast, prevent, and mitigate harmful algal blooms (HABs).

7. What types of technologies are being deployed?

The projects include real-time water monitoring systems, predictive modeling tools, field-scale treatment methods, and rapid mitigation response technologies.

8. How prepared is Florida for future algal bloom events?

Florida now has six approved HAB technology vendors on statewide standby, along with multiple tools for forecasting bloom conditions and deploying response efforts.

9. When was the algal bloom technology program established?

It was created in 2019, following recommendations from the Blue-Green Algae Task Force, and has since received $75 million for 68 projects.

10. What did Florida’s Chief Science Officer say about the program?

Dr. Mark Rains emphasized that emerging technologies provide real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and adaptive treatment strategies, enabling a more data-driven approach to managing blooms.

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Florida’s Long-Term Water Protection Strategy

11. How do these investments fit into Florida’s broader water quality strategy?

The funding supports long-term planning, improved water supply resilience, pollution reduction, ecosystem protection, and rapid response capabilities.

12. Where can the public find the full list of funded projects?

A complete list of Fiscal Year 2025–26 projects is available at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants