Funding available for projects that protect, restore, or conserve Florida’s water resources

The St. Johns River Water Management District is now accepting applications for the 2025 Cost-Share Program. The District collaborates closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), local governments, private sector, and agricultural partners to implement impactful projects benefiting the water resources within the District's 18-county service area.

The District will be accepting applications that will be forwarded to FDEP for funding consideration in three key project areas: alternative water supply, water conservation and initiatives focused on enhancing springs within the District. Each application will be thoroughly reviewed, scored, ranked and presented to the Governing Board for consideration and approval. The approved list will be submitted to FDEP in May 2024 for their consideration.

Project types and eligibility criteria:

1. Alternative water supply:
• Funding priority for regional projects addressing critical water needs and safeguarding Florida’s natural systems.
• Consideration factors include regional benefits, support for water bodies with adopted minimum flows and levels (MFLs), dual benefits for water supply and quality, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Water conservation:
• Encouraging prevention and reduction of water usage for enhanced efficiency.
• Eligible projects encompass residential, recreational and commercial/industrial conservation efforts.
3. Springs enhancement, restoration and/or protection:
• Projects focusing on measurable benefits to springs within the District.
• Criteria include nutrient reduction, quantity improvements, applicant's commitment, readiness, proximity to priority focus areas, cost-effectiveness, alignment with restoration, prevention or recovery plans such as Basin Management Action Plans, Reasonable Assurance Plan, or MFL Recovery or Prevention Strategy, as well as whether the project integrates into a multi-year or phased implementation plan.

Applications are due no later than Feb. 16 by 5 p.m. For detailed information and application submissions, visit www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/funding/districtwide. 

About the St. Johns River Water Management District

St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the District and the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida managing groundwater and surface water supplies in the state. The District encompasses all or part of 18 northeast and east-central Florida counties. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff are also available to serve the public at Apopka, Jacksonville, and Palm Bay service centers.