Nonpoint Source Management Grant Program

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection administers the Nonpoint Source Management Grant Program to support projects that reduce pollution from nonpoint sources, particularly projects addressing impaired waterbodies and restoration goals associated with total maximum daily loads and approved restoration plans. The program combines state funding through the State Water-quality Assistance Grant, commonly referred to as SWAG, and federal funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act. Applicants use the same proposal process for both funding sources, and the Department determines whether a selected project will receive state or federal funding. Approximately $5 million in state funding is appropriated annually through the Florida Legislature for SWAG projects, while approximately $3 million in federal Section 319(h) funding is available through the EPA. There are no established minimum or maximum funding request caps per project, although overall funding is limited. State funding is intended for shovel-ready capital improvement construction projects that treat waters not attaining standards. At least 50 percent of the state's federal grant funds must support projects implementing adopted EPA-approved nine-element Watershed Based Plans, such as Basin Management Action Plans or Reasonable Assurance Plans. Eligible project examples include demonstration and evaluation of best management practices, nonpoint source pollution reduction in priority watersheds, green stormwater infrastructure and low impact development, groundwater protection, agricultural BMPs, hydrologic restoration, BMP research, and monitoring of installed nonpoint source BMPs. Federal funding can also support eligible public education programs and certain septic-to-sewer activities. Impact fees are not eligible costs. Applicants may be governmental entities, public universities or colleges, or nonprofit organizations. Project proposals are evaluated within general categories including Stormwater Treatment, Agricultural BMP, Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, Water Quality Monitoring Only, Nonpoint Source Education Only, Hydrologic Restoration, BMP Research, and Other Water Quality. Applicants with projects that do not clearly fall within the listed examples or categories are directed to contact the Grant Coordinator to discuss eligibility. Applicants whose projects may qualify under multiple grant programs should submit separate applications for each eligible grant program through the Protecting Florida Together grants portal. Match requirements depend on the funding source assigned by the Department. State-funded SWAG projects do not require a local match, although a local commitment to accomplish the project receives additional credit during evaluation. Federal Section 319(h) projects generally require a minimum 40 percent non-Federal match, meaning federal Section 319(h) funding generally should not exceed 60 percent of the total eligible project cost. Eligible match may include the same types of eligible grant-funded activities, as well as planning, engineering, design, and certain project-related in-kind services. A Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan may be used as match. Other federal funding and federally funded in-kind services generally cannot count as match. Federal Section 319(h) funds cannot support projects that EPA considers point sources, projects required under an MS4 permit, or other activities that do not satisfy the applicable nonpoint-source requirements. Federal projects also require an evaluation of project effectiveness, which may include water quality monitoring for structural projects or measurement of behavior change and knowledge gained for nonstructural educational projects. Applications are submitted through a project proposal request in the Protecting Florida Together grants portal. For the 2026 cycle, the portal opens July 1, 2026 and closes September 1, 2026. Applicants are instructed to identify all project components being requested under both grant and match funds so the full project can be evaluated. The Department anticipates reviewing and evaluating proposals each fall, generally during September and October, and applicants may be contacted for additional information or responses to evaluation questions. After evaluation, applicants receive notification that the project was selected for state funding, selected for federal funding and advancement to EPA, or not selected for the current cycle. Federal selections require subsequent EPA approval before the grant agreement process begins. State funding becomes available after July 1 and following legislative appropriation and award. State grant periods are generally about three years, with extensions possible when adequately justified. Federal projects have a longer lead time because the State must apply for the federal grant for the following federal fiscal year; the FAQ states that funding generally becomes available about 1-1/2 years after submission. Federal projects are generally expected to be completed within approximately three years of award and cannot be extended beyond the EPA deadline. The example timeline shows proposals due September 1, 2026, state awards announced in fall 2026, state agreements executed in spring 2027, and state project completion in spring 2030. For federal awards, advancement is announced in fall 2026, EPA approval is anticipated in fall 2027, and project completion is shown as June 30, 2032. The FAQ directs applicants with questions to the Grant Coordinator and indicates that interested parties may subscribe through the Protecting Florida Together website for future funding announcements.

For State funding, present a shovel-ready capital improvement project treating waters not attaining standards and document local commitment where available because it can earn additional evaluation credit. For Federal Section 319(h) funding, demonstrate that the project is a qualifying nonpoint-source activity, is not required by an MS4 permit, and includes an approach to evaluate project effectiveness. Where applicable, align the project with an adopted EPA-approved nine-element Watershed Based Plan.