Resiliency Florida (RF) is a leading voice in Tallahassee, helping communities in their efforts to plan and adapt for the future impacts of extreme weather and sea level rise. RF is a non-profit organization made up of public and private partners. We are dedicated to promoting the development of state and regional strategies and policy to adapt to extreme weather and sea level rise. Our mission also includes advocacy for increased investment by the state and federal government in critical infrastructure and habitats throughout Florida to mitigate impacts and develop adaptation responses.

General Policy Positions

  • SUPPORT greater incorporation of adaptation and resilience strategies throughout state government activities.
  • SUPPORT requirements for state agencies, water management districts, local governments, and regulated industries (e.g., electric utilities) to consider projected sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and potential storm surge in all infrastructure and facility-siting decisions.
  • SUPPORT closer coordination among state agencies to share data and implement solutions on climate and extreme weather preparedness, resilience, and adaptation issues.
  • SUPPORT development of a statewide climate action plan that includes greenhouse gas emissions reduction, adaptation, and resilience measures.
  • OPPOSE preemption of local environmental policies and regulations pertaining to energy, climate, or resilience issues and any infringement on local home rule authority to plan for and adapt to future climate conditions.

Looking ahead Resiliency Florida will work to build upon the significant progress made this year.  Issues that have already been identified for future sessions include: Increasing the funding for the Florida Resilient Coastal Initiative, amendments to the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) statutes to strengthen consumer protection and potentially expand the use of this financing mechanism to include domestic and commercial property hardening, and the use of reclaimed water for the protection of coastal wellfields.

Resiliency Florida would like to thank all the members who provided input during the legislative session and looks forward to working with the Technical Advisory Committee this summer and fall to identify other statutory changes that will promote community resiliency throughout the State.

The 2024-2025 Statewide Resilience Plan Currently in Effect

One Water

By 2035, Florida will need an additional 1.1 billion gallons of fresh water daily. Developing alternative, sustainable water sources is crucial to meet this demand and support the state’s economy and tourism. The One Water Commission will collaborate with water management districts and FDEP to pioneer sustainable solutions and enhance water quality.

Our Members and Advisors are primary trustees for many of Florida’s most critical interests, including:
– Essential utility services that support human life;
– Economic viability of our industries;
– Water availability for our agriculture;
– Smart growth and sustainability of our communities;
– Biodiversity, habitat, and ecosystem health;
– Ecology of our land and waters;
– Understanding the relationship between water and public health;
– Land conservation and development; and
– Water resource management.

Florida’s continuing robust growth has resulted in significant stress on the state’s water resources. This situation poses a significant challenge and presents a unique opportunity to pioneer more sustainable water solutions that will ensure long- term resource preservation. Without proactive strategies, Florida faces projected water shortages, environmental degradation, and diminished community resilience. Current water management approaches are often siloed and
inadequately address the complex challenges posed to multiple interrelated water resources within a region. 

The Florida One Water Commission is a broad-based stakeholder group that champions integrated water resource management through:
– Promoting the Benefits of One Water
– Securing Sustainable Water Resource Funding
– Providing Increased Regulatory Flexibility
– Establishing Policies to Facilitate Implementation
– Together, we are transforming water challenges into opportunities, ensuring a water-secure future for Florida’s ecosystems, economy, and communities.

Learn more at: Florida One Water Commission