Environmental issues in Florida

Florida has many important environmental issues because of its special and rich natural areas. A big part of the state is the Everglades, a huge and diverse wetland area. Keeping the Everglades healthy, along with Florida’s coastal waters and other wetlands, has been very important for the state’s history and its economy, especially for farming.

Because Florida is mostly very close to sea level, it is especially affected by changes in the world’s climate. Scientists and leaders say the state is one of the places in the United States most at risk from climate change. This makes caring for Florida’s environment a very important job for everyone who lives there or visits.

Everglades

Main article: Draining and development of the Everglades

The Everglades are tropical wetlands in southern Florida. They are very important and have special rules to protect them. There is a big project to help protect and restore the Everglades. It will cost $7.8 billion and take 30 years to finish.

Biodiversity

Florida is home to many special animals, including the Florida panther, an endangered type of cougar. There are not many of these panthers left in the wild, and some groups want to create special areas to help protect them.

Other animals, like manatees, are also facing big challenges and their numbers are not growing as they need to. Alligators were once considered endangered but are no longer on that list. Scientists have studied many species to decide if they need special protection, including animals like the bridled darter and the Florida Keys mole skink.

Invasive species

See also: List of invasive species in Florida

Florida has many plants and animals that are not from there. Some of these came from pets that people kept. These non-native plants and animals can cause problems for the natural homes of plants and animals in Florida.

About one-third of the plants in Florida are not from there, and some of these have become a big problem. Three big problems are Brazilian pepper, which has taken over large areas; melaleuca, which spreads quickly; and Australian pine, whose needles stop native plants from growing.

Florida also has many animals that are not from there. Some, like the cane toad, Gambian pouched rat, Nile monitor, and Burmese python, have hurt the homes where plants and animals live naturally. The state’s fresh waters have more fish that are not from there than anywhere else on Earth. The red imported fire ant, which came from South America, can sting and is very aggressive.

Fungus endangering some non-native palms

A harmful fungus is threatening some kinds of palm trees, like queen palms and Washingtonia palms. People using tools that haven’t been cleaned can help spread this fungus.

Waste in Florida

Florida has many people and visitors who create a lot of trash. In the past, it was hard and expensive to find space for this trash.

The state wanted to recycle most of its trash, and some places tried new ways to make this happen. One area is testing a method to turn trash into energy, which could help save space.

Pollution and waste

Florida has many pollution problems. In 2010, the state had special cleanup areas and damaged industrial sites. Old fuels and harmful chemicals also needed cleanup. Because the underground water is close to the surface, drinking water can be at risk.

Mining for phosphorus is important for the state's economy. But waste from these mines can sometimes leak and harm the environment. In 2021, a dam at a mining site broke, and waste flowed into a nearby bay. Florida has rules to control how much phosphorus can be used in fertilizers to protect its water.

Superfund brownfields Phosphorus mining phosphogypsum Piney Point phosphate plant Tampa Bay phosphorus

Climate change

Florida is seeing big changes in its weather because of climate change. As the Earth gets warmer, Florida has more extreme weather, like heavier rains and hotter temperatures. These changes affect natural places, especially wetlands like the Everglades, which are home to many plants and animals. Taking care of these areas is important for keeping Florida’s environment healthy and supporting farming and other industries.