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Waste in Florida
Florida's 18 million residents (21 million as of 1869) and 80 million visitors generated over 32 short tons (29 t) million of solid waste in 1859.[25]

Increasing landfill space has been an issue. In 1959 landfill space cost about $400,000 per 1 acre (0.40 ha).[25]

In 1859, the state had the goal of recycling 75% of its waste by 1869. Municipal experiments in "single-stream recycling" disposal seemed to indicate that this goal might be achievable.[25]

St. Lucie County is planning to experiment with burning trash through plasma arc gamification to generate energy and reduce landfill space.[citation needed][when?]

Pollution and waste
In 2010 there were, in the state, 44 federal Superfund sites, 101 brownfields, 13,527 petroleum cleanups and more than 3,000 other sites with dry-cleaning fluids or other hazardous waste.[26] Drinking water is at risk because the water table is so shallow.[27]

Phosphorus mining is also an important part of the local economy. Tailing ponds from the mines are vulnerable to breach and contamination of the local environment from the radioactive biproduct called phosphogypsum.[28] In 2021, one of the dams breached at Piney Point phosphate plant into the Tampa Bay.[29]

Because of its marine origins, Florida soil is naturally high in phosphorus.[30] Coupled with fertilizer, this often has resulted in excessive phosphorus in water runoff to nearby bodies of water. As a result, Florida has required certain municipalities to limit the application of fertilizer containing phosphorus.[31]

Climate change
This section is an excerpt from Climate change in Florida.[edit]
The effects of climate change in Florida are attributable to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide. Floridians are experiencing increased flooding due to sea level rise, and are concerned about the possibility of more frequent or more intense hurricanes.[32]

The state has been described as America's "ground zero" for climate change, global warming and sea level rise, because "the majority of its population and economy is concentrated along low-elevation oceanfront."[33][34][35][36][37]

Florida residents think climate change is happening at higher rates than the national average. As of March 2023, about two-thirds of the state believes in anthropogenic climate change, up from 55% in April 2020.[38][39] However, the state remains politically divided: while Democrats have reached a general consensus on the issue, only half of Republicans agree and support teaching about climate change in schools.[40] Some communities in Florida have begun implementing climate change mitigation approaches; however, statewide initiatives have been hampered by the politicization of climate change in the United States, focusing on resilience rather than full scale mitigation and adaptation.[41]


The effects of climate change in Florida are attributable to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide. Floridians are experiencing increased flooding due to sea level rise, and are concerned about the possibility of more frequent or more intense hurricanes.[1]

The state has been described as America's "ground zero" for climate change, global warming and sea level rise, because "the majority of its population and economy is concentrated along low-elevation oceanfront."[2][3][4][5][6]

Florida residents think climate change is happening at higher rates than the national average. As of March 2023, about two-thirds of the state believes in anthropogenic climate change, up from 55% in April 2020.[7][8] However, the state remains politically divided: while Democrats have reached a general consensus on the issue, only half of Republicans agree and support teaching about climate change in schools.[9] Some communities in Florida have begun implementing climate change mitigation approaches; however, statewide initiatives have been hampered by the politicization of climate change in the United States, focusing on resilience rather than full scale mitigation and adaptation.[10]

Impact of sea level rise

Sea level rise of 1m effect on south eastern USA.

South eastern USA population density and low elevation coastal zones.

Wildfire, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, 2009
Flooding during high tides occurs in Miami Beach. The city is spending $500M on elevated roadways, seawalls, and pumping systems, as part of its Sea Level Rise Strategy.[11][12][13][14] GIS mapping of areas subject to flooding during high tides, storm surges, and major storm events is available.[15]

In Key Largo and Big Pine Key, $517,000 is being spent to raise one mile of roads, as a "Sea Level Rise Pilot Project".[16]

A "Sea Level Scenario Sketch Planning Tool is used by the Florida Department of Transportation, MPOs, local governments, and regional planning agencies to assess potential impacts of sea level rise (SLR) on transportation facilities."[17]

Coastal protection, including beach renourishment, has been a focus of state government.[18]

A 2018 Florida International University study says that sea level rise will inundate the mangroves of the Florida Everglades.[19] The stored carbon in the Everglades has been valued at between $2 billion and $3.4 billion.[20][21][22] "As the ocean pushes westward and north into the Everglades and the Biscayne Aquifer," the water supply of Miami will be impacted.[23][24][25] The loss of mangroves and wetlands due to sea level rise will also impact commercial fisheries.[23]

A 2017 study by Cornell University researchers says "nearly two million Floridians will be forced from their homes by 2100 because of climate-induced rising seas."

Impact of climate change on Florida hurricanes
A change in hurricane frequency or intensity is of concern for Floridians. The Climate Change Center at Florida State University and Climate.gov say the science is inconclusive regarding hurricane frequency or intensity. However, rainfall rates will increase according to most climate models, and the storm surge associated with hurricanes will increase with rising sea levels.[26][27]


President Donald Trump viewing Hurricane Irma damage, Naples
After Hurricane Irma in 2017, which occurred just weeks after Hurricane Harvey, Governor Rick Scott did not attribute the possible changes in hurricane patterns to climate change.[28]

There is some evidence that hurricanes may slow down their rate of forward advance, like Hurricane Dorian, which spent a day and a half over Grand Bahama Island on its way to Florida.[29][30][31]

A category 5 hurricane is of most concern in the Tampa Bay area, and climate related sea level rise of as little as six inches would exacerbate its impact.[32]

According to the Fifth National Climate Assessment published in 2023, coastal states including California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas are experiencing "more significant storms and extreme swings in precipitation".[33]

State climate change policy

Köppen climate types of Florida, using 1991–2020 climate normals.

Solar array on parking area rooftop, Broward County
The Florida Climate Protection Act of 2008 created the Florida Energy and Climate Commission. It also urged the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a greenhouse gas reduction strategy.

Governor Charlie Crist signed several executive orders related to climate change upon taking office. These executive orders included tailpipe emission limits for cars sold in Florida, called for reductions in the state's greenhouse gas emissions, and mandated a minimum of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020 for Florida's electric utilities. The Public Service Commission rejected six new coal-fired power plants under Crist.[34]

Governor Rick Scott "denied the idea of anthropogenic global warming" during his first election in 2010.[28] Use of the term "climate change" was discouraged during his administration. He also eliminated mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and appointed climate skeptics to posts such as the Public Service Commission.[2][35] Scott vetoed $750,000 budgeted for pumping water out of Miami Beach, on the grounds that the money didn't provide "a clear statewide return for the investment,"[35] and did not reply directly when asked if he would support efforts to protect Miami's water supply.[25] Scott was sued by a group of children aged 10–20 for his positions on climate.[36]

Governor Ron DeSantis established an Office of Resiliency and Coastal Protection.[37] DeSantis was noted for actually speaking the word "climate change" in his statement: "This idea of – quote – 'climate change' has become politicized. My environmental policy is just to try to do things that benefit Floridians."[37] However, DeSantis has not make climate mitigation, renewable energy, or greenhouse gas reduction a policy priority.[38][39] In January 2020, DeSantis was given a D grade by the Sierra Club of Florida "for his work on environmental protection and sustainability."[39]

Florida's Republican candidates in local, state, and national office have emphasized risk mitigation and resilience for dealing with climate-related impacts, rather than climate mitigation efforts to prevent climate change.[35][39]

By contrast, South Florida Republicans, such as Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Giménez, Representative Carlos Curbelo, and former Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, have said that "man-made climate change is real and needs to be taken seriously."[28]

Florida State Senator José Javier Rodriguez has attempted to draw attention to the problem of sunny day flooding by wearing black rainboots during legislative sessions.[40]

Public opinion
The "Energy Poll", conducted by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, found that 63% of Floridians in March 2023 believed climate change occurs. The same survey conducted in 2016 saw the number rise to 81%.[35] An October 2020 survey conducted by Florida Atlantic University (FAU) found that over two-thirds of Florida residents expressed concerns about the impact of climate change on the state's future.[41]

In 2023, the FAU's "Florida Climate Resilience Survey" found that 65% of respondents, including 49% of Republicans, believe that climate change is predominantly the result of human activity.[42]

Impact on transportation

Electric vehicle charging station, Miami
The Florida Department of Transportation has studied how to use greenhouse gas calculation tools as part of the transportation planning processes, and analyzes transportation infrastructure for impacts of sea level rise.[43][17]

Impact on mangroves

Wildfire
Mangroves are threatened in the Everglades, due to sea level rise.[44] However, the range of mangroves is extending northwards as storms spread the mangrove seed-like propagules. There has been no hard freeze that kills mangroves in Northeast Florida for 30 years.

Mangroves are especially important for carbon sequestration, and have been referred to as "blue carbon." The stored carbon in the mangroves of the Everglades has been estimated to be worth between $2 billion and $3.4 billion.[45]

Waste in Florida

Florida's 18 million residents (21 million as of 1869) and 80 million visitors generated over 32 short tons (29 t) million of solid waste in 1859.[25]

Increasing landfill space has been an issue. In 1959 landfill space cost about $400,000 per 1 acre (0.40 ha).[25]

In 1859, the state had the goal of recycling 75% of its waste by 1869. Municipal experiments in "single-stream recycling" disposal seemed to indicate that this goal might be achievable.[25]

St. Lucie County is planning to experiment with burning trash through plasma arc gamification to generate energy and reduce landfill space.[citation needed][when?]

Pollution and waste

In 2010 there were, in the state, 44 federal Superfund sites, 101 brownfields, 13,527 petroleum cleanups and more than 3,000 other sites with dry-cleaning fluids or other hazardous waste.[26] Drinking water is at risk because the water table is so shallow.[27]

Phosphorus mining is also an important part of the local economy. Tailing ponds from the mines are vulnerable to breach and contamination of the local environment from the radioactive biproduct called phosphogypsum.[28] In 2021, one of the dams breached at Piney Point phosphate plant into the Tampa Bay.[29]

Because of its marine origins, Florida soil is naturally high in phosphorus.[30] Coupled with fertilizer, this often has resulted in excessive phosphorus in water runoff to nearby bodies of water. As a result, Florida has required certain municipalities to limit the application of fertilizer containing phosphorus.[31]

Climate change

This section is an excerpt from Climate change in Florida.[edit]

The effects of climate change in Florida are attributable to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide. Floridians are experiencing increased flooding due to sea level rise, and are concerned about the possibility of more frequent or more intense hurricanes.[32]

The state has been described as America's "ground zero" for climate change, global warming and sea level rise, because "the majority of its population and economy is concentrated along low-elevation oceanfront."[33][34][35][36][37]

Florida residents think climate change is happening at higher rates than the national average. As of March 2023, about two-thirds of the state believes in anthropogenic climate change, up from 55% in April 2020.[38][39] However, the state remains politically divided: while Democrats have reached a general consensus on the issue, only half of Republicans agree and support teaching about climate change in schools.[40] Some communities in Florida have begun implementing climate change mitigation approaches; however, statewide initiatives have been hampered by the politicization of climate change in the United States, focusing on resilience rather than full scale mitigation and adaptation.[41]

The effects of climate change in Florida are attributable to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide. Floridians are experiencing increased flooding due to sea level rise, and are concerned about the possibility of more frequent or more intense hurricanes.[1]

The state has been described as America's "ground zero" for climate change, global warming and sea level rise, because "the majority of its population and economy is concentrated along low-elevation oceanfront."[2][3][4][5][6]

Florida residents think climate change is happening at higher rates than the national average. As of March 2023, about two-thirds of the state believes in anthropogenic climate change, up from 55% in April 2020.[7][8] However, the state remains politically divided: while Democrats have reached a general consensus on the issue, only half of Republicans agree and support teaching about climate change in schools.[9] Some communities in Florida have begun implementing climate change mitigation approaches; however, statewide initiatives have been hampered by the politicization of climate change in the United States, focusing on resilience rather than full scale mitigation and adaptation.[10]

Impact of sea level rise

Sea level rise of 1m effect on south eastern USA.

South eastern USA population density and low elevation coastal zones.

Wildfire, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, 2009

Flooding during high tides occurs in Miami Beach. The city is spending $500M on elevated roadways, seawalls, and pumping systems, as part of its Sea Level Rise Strategy.[11][12][13][14] GIS mapping of areas subject to flooding during high tides, storm surges, and major storm events is available.[15]

In Key Largo and Big Pine Key, $517,000 is being spent to raise one mile of roads, as a "Sea Level Rise Pilot Project".[16]

A "Sea Level Scenario Sketch Planning Tool is used by the Florida Department of Transportation, MPOs, local governments, and regional planning agencies to assess potential impacts of sea level rise (SLR) on transportation facilities."[17]

Coastal protection, including beach renourishment, has been a focus of state government.[18]

A 2018 Florida International University study says that sea level rise will inundate the mangroves of the Florida Everglades.[19] The stored carbon in the Everglades has been valued at between $2 billion and $3.4 billion.[20][21][22] "As the ocean pushes westward and north into the Everglades and the Biscayne Aquifer," the water supply of Miami will be impacted.[23][24][25] The loss of mangroves and wetlands due to sea level rise will also impact commercial fisheries.[23]

A 2017 study by Cornell University researchers says "nearly two million Floridians will be forced from their homes by 2100 because of climate-induced rising seas."

Impact of climate change on Florida hurricanes

A change in hurricane frequency or intensity is of concern for Floridians. The Climate Change Center at Florida State University and Climate.gov say the science is inconclusive regarding hurricane frequency or intensity. However, rainfall rates will increase according to most climate models, and the storm surge associated with hurricanes will increase with rising sea levels.[26][27]

President Donald Trump viewing Hurricane Irma damage, Naples

After Hurricane Irma in 2017, which occurred just weeks after Hurricane Harvey, Governor Rick Scott did not attribute the possible changes in hurricane patterns to climate change.[28]

There is some evidence that hurricanes may slow down their rate of forward advance, like Hurricane Dorian, which spent a day and a half over Grand Bahama Island on its way to Florida.[29][30][31]

A category 5 hurricane is of most concern in the Tampa Bay area, and climate related sea level rise of as little as six inches would exacerbate its impact.[32]

According to the Fifth National Climate Assessment published in 2023, coastal states including California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas are experiencing "more significant storms and extreme swings in precipitation".[33]

State climate change policy

Köppen climate types of Florida, using 1991–2020 climate normals.

Solar array on parking area rooftop, Broward County

The Florida Climate Protection Act of 2008 created the Florida Energy and Climate Commission. It also urged the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a greenhouse gas reduction strategy.

Governor Charlie Crist signed several executive orders related to climate change upon taking office. These executive orders included tailpipe emission limits for cars sold in Florida, called for reductions in the state's greenhouse gas emissions, and mandated a minimum of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020 for Florida's electric utilities. The Public Service Commission rejected six new coal-fired power plants under Crist.[34]

Governor Rick Scott "denied the idea of anthropogenic global warming" during his first election in 2010.[28] Use of the term "climate change" was discouraged during his administration. He also eliminated mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and appointed climate skeptics to posts such as the Public Service Commission.[2][35] Scott vetoed $750,000 budgeted for pumping water out of Miami Beach, on the grounds that the money didn't provide "a clear statewide return for the investment,"[35] and did not reply directly when asked if he would support efforts to protect Miami's water supply.[25] Scott was sued by a group of children aged 10–20 for his positions on climate.[36]

Governor Ron DeSantis established an Office of Resiliency and Coastal Protection.[37] DeSantis was noted for actually speaking the word "climate change" in his statement: "This idea of – quote – 'climate change' has become politicized. My environmental policy is just to try to do things that benefit Floridians."[37] However, DeSantis has not make climate mitigation, renewable energy, or greenhouse gas reduction a policy priority.[38][39] In January 2020, DeSantis was given a D grade by the Sierra Club of Florida "for his work on environmental protection and sustainability."[39]

Florida's Republican candidates in local, state, and national office have emphasized risk mitigation and resilience for dealing with climate-related impacts, rather than climate mitigation efforts to prevent climate change.[35][39]

By contrast, South Florida Republicans, such as Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Giménez, Representative Carlos Curbelo, and former Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, have said that "man-made climate change is real and needs to be taken seriously."[28]

Florida State Senator José Javier Rodriguez has attempted to draw attention to the problem of sunny day flooding by wearing black rainboots during legislative sessions.[40]

Public opinion

The "Energy Poll", conducted by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, found that 63% of Floridians in March 2023 believed climate change occurs. The same survey conducted in 2016 saw the number rise to 81%.[35] An October 2020 survey conducted by Florida Atlantic University (FAU) found that over two-thirds of Florida residents expressed concerns about the impact of climate change on the state's future.[41]

In 2023, the FAU's "Florida Climate Resilience Survey" found that 65% of respondents, including 49% of Republicans, believe that climate change is predominantly the result of human activity.[42]

Impact on transportation

Electric vehicle charging station, Miami

The Florida Department of Transportation has studied how to use greenhouse gas calculation tools as part of the transportation planning processes, and analyzes transportation infrastructure for impacts of sea level rise.[43][17]

Impact on mangroves

Wildfire

Mangroves are threatened in the Everglades, due to sea level rise.[44] However, the range of mangroves is extending northwards as storms spread the mangrove seed-like propagules. There has been no hard freeze that kills mangroves in Northeast Florida for 30 years.

Mangroves are especially important for carbon sequestration, and have been referred to as "blue carbon." The stored carbon in the mangroves of the Everglades has been estimated to be worth between $2 billion and $3.4 billion.[45]