•  
    Florida´S Leadership Remains
    Focused On Water Issues



    Florida’s water quality has received increased focus due to
    impacts from algae blooms and red tide across the state, and
    Governor DeSantis has been consistent and aggressive in his
    efforts to advance policies to make a difference. The public
    sentiment appears to be strongly in favor of these policy
    changes as well as the need to invest in our aging water...

  • Florida H20 Coalition
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2021 Florida Water Forum

Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando

September 30 - October 1

 

 

The 11th Annual Florida Water Forum will be held September 30 - October 1 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.

The issues surrounding water and environmental policy are of critical importance to the future of Florida. Our business climate, ability to grow as a state and our quality of life are all directly tied to the availability and sustainability of our water resources and a healthy environment. These issues and more will be discussed during the 2019 Florida Water Forum, where you will have a unique opportunity to hear from Florida's top experts, policymakers, and elected leaders.  As The Voice of Florida Business representing employers in Florida, AIF will continue to lead the discussion on water issues.

You may view photos, videos, and presentations from previous Water Forums.


Agenda

Thursday, September 30
1:00 pm
General Session
5:30 pm
Reception
7:00 pm
Sponsor's VIP Dinner
 
Friday, October 1
8:00 am
Breakfast
8:30 am
General Session
11:30 am
Meeting Adjourns

Florida´s Leadership Remains Focused on Water Issues

Florida’s water quality has received increased focus due to impacts from algae blooms and red tide across the state, and Governor DeSantis has been consistent and aggressive in his efforts to advance policies to make a difference. The public sentiment appears to be strongly in favor of these policy changes as well as the need to invest in our aging water infrastructure. The additional influx of money from Florida’s Water and Land Conservation Amendment has been tapped over the last few years for a variety of projects, and Florida’s legislative leaders continue to devote significant amounts time, money, and attention to water.

Time is of the essence. Our state is facing significant challenges with some of its largest economic regions as they struggle with water quality concerns and are forced to plan for the loss of affordable, sustainable groundwater in the not-too-distant future. Florida inches closer to water shortages and the associated acrimonious and expensive litigation among water users, challenges to water management district permits and rules, restrictions on new economic development, and in some areas, a continued decline in water quality and natural resources.

  • Southeast Florida must continue to balance water supply with environmental needs, both heavily dependent on Lake Okeechobee, and faces significant changes to the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule.
  • Southwest Florida remains wrapped in a water-use caution area and remains vulnerable to saltwater seeping into the aquifer.
  • Central Florida is planning for a long-term groundwater shortage and grappling with regulations to address the issue.
  • North Florida continues to face issues stemming from its abundant but impacted springs.

The last two legislative sessions have resulted in two landmark pieces of water policy legislation. 2020 gave us SB 712, the Clean Waterways Act, a sweeping piece of legislation to implement the Governor’s Blue Green Algae Task Force recommendations. In 2021, a priority of Senate President Simpson was passed, SB 64, which implemented many of the recommendations of the Potable Reuse Commission. These policy changes, along with innovative solutions and expanded infrastructure hold a great deal of promise. Does Florida embrace these possibilities, or slide further toward problems like those in California?

These issues and more will be discussed during the 2021 Florida Water Forum, where you will have a unique opportunity to hear from Florida’s top experts, policymakers and elected leaders.