Nonpoint Source Funds

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) serves as the lead agency for environmental management and stewardship in the state of Florida. Its mission is to protect air, water, and land resources across the state, fostering community partnerships and enhancing Florida’s ecosystems. The Nonpoint Source Management Program, operated by DEP’s Division of Water Restoration Assistance, manages the allocation of funds aimed at controlling pollution from nonpoint sources, particularly stormwater. These sources differ from traditional point source pollution such as that from industrial or sewage treatment plants, as they stem from widespread land use activities and runoff. The program administers two key grant opportunities: the Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grants, also known as “319 Grants,” funded through the Environmental Protection Agency, and the State Water-quality Assistance Grants, or “SWAG.” Both are intended to support projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution in priority watersheds and other vulnerable areas throughout Florida. Typical annual funding available for these grants is approximately eight million dollars, with amounts contingent on federal and state appropriations. Eligible applicants for these funding programs include local governments such as counties and municipalities, special districts, water management districts, other state agencies, public universities and colleges, and national estuary programs located within Florida. The grants support a range of activities, including demonstration and evaluation of best management practices (BMPs), green stormwater infrastructure or low-impact development, groundwater protection, public education on nonpoint source management, and septic-to-sewer conversion projects under certain circumstances. Applications for these grants can be submitted at any time during the year, and project proposals are reviewed periodically or after an open solicitation. Proposals not selected in the current cycle remain under consideration for future funding rounds unless an update is required. If a project is not selected within the state fiscal year, applicants must resubmit their proposal for subsequent evaluation. Notifications of open solicitations and other updates are disseminated via an email listserv and the Protecting Florida Together website. Proposals should be submitted through the designated online portal during open periods or directly to the grant coordinator outside of those periods, along with supporting documents. The evaluation process focuses on the effectiveness of proposed projects in reducing nonpoint source pollution and meeting the goals outlined in water quality restoration plans. Priority is given to projects located in areas with impaired waters or that utilize green infrastructure strategies. Resources available to assist applicants include the EPA Approved Florida Nonpoint Source Management 5-Year Plan, BMP efficiency spreadsheets, and recommended models for demonstrating anticipated water quality improvements. For further information or assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact the Nonpoint Source Management Program directly via email at [email protected] or by phone at 850-245-2118. The program does not specify precise opening or closing dates for proposals, as applications are accepted on a rolling basis. There are no stated pre-application deadlines or Q&A periods, and award dates are determined as part of the evaluation cycle. The program’s website and contact resources provide additional details, including eligibility clarifications, submission guidance, and links to useful modeling and reference tools. The overall objective is to facilitate meaningful reductions in nonpoint source pollution to enhance and protect Florida’s water resources for present and future generations.