Apply now for funding to protect and enhance Florida’s water resources
Orange County Utilities is currently working on a multi-phased program to ultimately convert over 2,000 septic tanks in 21 neighborhoods to sewer. The District has funded the first four phases for a combined 931 septic conversions.
Orange County Utilities is currently working on a multi-phased program to ultimately convert over 2,000 septic tanks in 21 neighborhoods to sewer. The District has funded the first four phases for a combined 931 septic conversions.
The District is now accepting applications on behalf of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the 2026 Cost-Share Program. The District collaborates closely with the FDEP, local governments and private sector partners to implement impactful projects benefiting the water resources within the District’s 18-county service area.
The cost-share program builds strong partnerships and harnesses collective expertise to address shared water resource challenges. Applications are being accepted for funding consideration in three key project areas: alternative water supply, water conservation and initiatives focused on enhancing springs within the District. Each application will be thoroughly reviewed, scored, ranked and presented to the Governing Board for consideration and approval. The approved list will be submitted to FDEP in May 2025 for their consideration.
Project types and eligibility criteria:
- Alternative water supply:
- Funding priority for regional projects addressing critical water needs and safeguarding Florida’s natural systems.
- Consideration factors include regional benefits, support for water bodies with adopted minimum flows and levels (MFLs), dual benefits for water supply and quality, and cost-effectiveness.
- Water conservation:
- Encouraging prevention and reduction of water usage for enhanced efficiency.
- Eligible projects encompass residential, recreational and commercial/industrial conservation efforts.
- Springs enhancement, restoration and/or protection:
- Projects focusing on measurable benefits to springs within the District.
- Criteria include nutrient reduction, quantity improvements, applicant’s commitment, readiness, proximity to priority focus areas, cost-effectiveness, alignment with restoration, prevention or recovery plans such as Basin Management Action Plans, Reasonable Assurance Plan, or MFL Recovery or Prevention Strategy, as well as whether the project integrates into a multi-year or phased implementation plan.
Applications are due no later than Jan. 31 by 5 p.m. For detailed information and application submissions, visit www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/funding/districtwide.