40th Environmental Permitting Summer School

This advanced course delivers a deep dive into the latest developments in the Army Corps of Engineers’ (ACOE) permitting processes under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. With a new federal administration in place, our panel will analyze any fresh guidance or policy shifts emerging from ACOE headquarters, and what they mean for practitioners. Experts will walk through the permitting process step-by-step, sharing case studies, practical strategies to streamline approvals, and key red flags to avoid. Expect an interactive, solutions-focused session designed to spark audience discussion and debate.

Absolutely the most current and reliable information available on what the 2026 Legislature passed (or considered but failed to pass) and why; assessment of Florida’s changing political landscape with respect to environmental and water policy issues; comprehensive preview of what’s expected with respect to the implementation of 2026 legislation with a look ahead to the 2027 session and beyond. This course is designed for audience participation, so come with your questions for the panelists!

Always a timely and useful course to provide updates on the most current information and activities with the Department of Environmental Protection which we feel will be of most interest to our attendees; includes review and analysis of rules and policies recently adopted or under development, including the latest updates on the Stormwater Rule, OSTDS and domestic wastewater rules, and any published reports; key/practical tips for all private/public regulated interests; course format is designed for extensive audience participation.

To prevent significant harm to the water resource due to water use, the water management districts must adopt minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for waterbodies and groundwater according to an annual priority list. A Water Reservation sets aside a volume of water for the protection of fish and wildlife or public health and safety. Reserved volumes of water are unavailable for allocation to consumptive water uses. If the waterbody does not meet or is projected not to meet, the adopted MFL, the district must adopt a recovery or prevention strategy, and coordinate with water users and other stakeholders to implement solutions to improve the status of the waterbody. This course provides an update on recent progress by each District which may highlight recently adopted MFLs or Reservations, re-evaluations or changes in waterbody status, and progress on projects and programs to address significant harm.