The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has outlined its major environmental achievements for 2025, emphasizing the role of natural resources in supporting the state’s economy and quality of life. DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert stated, “Florida’s environment is not separate from our economy; it is the foundation of it. Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has made strategic, forward-thinking investments that protect our air, water and land while ensuring Florida remains a place where both communities and commerce can thrive. I look forward to working with the Governor and the Florida Legislature in the coming year to continue turning Florida’s environmental commitments into measurable results.”
Among this year’s milestones was a new agreement between Florida and the U.S. Department of the Army that allows the state to lead construction on key parts of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This deal is expected to speed up completion of the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir by five years, now set for 2029 instead of 2034.
Other significant projects included finishing the 10,000-acre Caloosahatchee Reservoir and starting work on infrastructure such as the Blue Shanty Flow Way and Lake Hicpochee Project, which are designed to improve water flow and reduce pollution.
DEP also reported near completion of mapping Florida’s seafloor from nearshore areas out to the continental shelf. The project began with $100 million in funding in 2021 and will provide a digital elevation model for use in coastal management, emergency response, navigation, science, habitat restoration, and planning for resilience.
In terms of water quality initiatives, DEP updated 28 nutrient Basin Management Action Plans statewide through collaboration with local governments and stakeholders. These plans aim to reduce nutrient pollution in various bodies of water across Florida by setting clear goals and identifying targeted strategies.
The department celebrated 25 years of its land conservation program—Florida Forever—securing its 200th conservation easement this year. Since 2019, over $1.4 billion has been invested in protecting more than 390,000 acres. In 2025 alone, nearly 107,000 acres were protected through a combination of conservation easements and acquisitions.
Florida’s state parks continued their growth as well; two parks ranked among Beach’s Top 10 Beaches List for 2025: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park at No. 4 and St. Andrews State Park at No. 7.
For air quality measures, DEP noted that Florida met all National Ambient Air Quality Standards for a fifth consecutive year—the only state with such a large population to do so—and is on track to meet new standards for fine particulate matter.
In drinking water policy, DEP finalized rules enabling advanced treated potable reuse as an additional source for public systems while maintaining safety standards amid population growth.
Enforcement actions by DEP’s Environmental Crimes Unit led to dozens of arrests related to illegal dumping or disposal operations during investigations throughout several counties.
DEP also completed removal actions targeting PFAS contamination at fire training facilities at Hillsborough Community College and Palm Beach State College.
Finally, cleanup efforts expanded under the Petroleum Restoration Program by broadening eligibility criteria for site rehabilitation funding; more than 6,000 new sites began cleanup activities this year while over two-thirds (13,000+) have reached closure status since inception.
