Key Takeaways
Understanding Florida’s Stormwater Evolution
1 Pioneering Leadership
Florida established the nation’s first stormwater regulation in 1982 (Chapter 62-25), setting the foundation for modern stormwater management practices nationwide.
2 Scientific Foundation
The 2006-2007 evaluation study provided scientifically defensible, reproducible methodologies that became the basis for the current statewide rule and BMPFast software.
3 Standardization Achievement
The new statewide rule (effective 2024) replaced inconsistent district-specific criteria with unified standards based on HUC-12 watershed boundaries and downstream water quality.
4 Enhanced Requirements
Treatment standards evolved from TSS-based to nutrient-based criteria (Total Phosphorus and Total Nitrogen), better protecting Florida’s sensitive water resources.
Evolution of Standards
1982 Original
80% TSS reduction
or 95% for OFWs
2024 Current
TP: 80-95% & TN: 55-95%
based on water classification