Each year, the Environmental Permitting Summer School (EPSS) brings together environmental professionals from across Florida to discuss emerging issues, regulatory updates, and the future of environmental permitting. This year’s conference, held July 22–24, 2026, in Marco Island, marked the 40th anniversary of the event and featured presentations from consultants, engineers, regulators, attorneys, legislators, and environmental scientists representing a wide range of disciplines. Conference details were outlined in the official program and on the event website.
Members of the Water & Air Research team attended several technical sessions focused on environmental resource permitting, stormwater regulations, contaminant standards, remediation strategies, and evolving state and federal policies. While the conference covered a broad range of environmental topics, one subject consistently remained at the forefront of discussions: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS continue to reshape the regulatory landscape throughout Florida and across the southeastern United States. Recent legislation governing the use, disposal, monitoring, and remediation of PFAS has created new compliance requirements for municipalities, utilities, industries, and other organizations responsible for managing water resources.
Several presentations led by representatives from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) provided attendees with valuable insight into both current PFAS regulations and anticipated policy changes that may affect environmental compliance in 2027 and beyond. These discussions offered an important opportunity to better understand how regulations are developing and what organizations should be doing now to prepare for future requirements.
At Water & Air, we’re already helping clients develop strategies to assess and manage PFAS within their water systems. Because regulations surrounding these emerging contaminants continue to evolve, staying informed is essential. Conferences like EPSS provide an opportunity to hear directly from the regulators and legislators responsible for developing these policies, allowing us to anticipate changes rather than simply reacting to them.
An equally valuable aspect of the conference was the opportunity for attendees to provide feedback on proposed regulations. Through discussions with regulators, technical experts, and legal professionals, participants were able to share practical concerns and offer perspectives based on real-world project experience. This collaborative approach helps ensure that future regulations are both scientifically informed and practically implementable.
Florida continues to serve as a leader in developing PFAS regulations, with many southeastern states looking to the state as a model for addressing these contaminants. By remaining actively engaged in these conversations, Water & Air can continue providing clients with the most current information, helping them navigate changing requirements, reduce compliance risks, and make informed decisions about their environmental programs.
As environmental regulations continue to evolve, participating in professional conferences such as the Environmental Permitting Summer School remains an important part of our commitment to staying informed, strengthening industry partnerships, and delivering science-based solutions that help our clients prepare for the challenges ahead.
The 40th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School was held July 22–24, 2026, in Marco Island, Florida. Additional information is available on Florida Environmental Network’s website.