Outstanding Florida Waters: Protecting the State's Most Natural Waterways
Florida is defined by its relationship with water. From sprawling river systems to crystal-clear lakes, the state's aquatic landscapes are vital to its ecological health. To ensure these treasures remain pristine, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) manages a special designation known as Outstanding Florida Waters (OFW).
Under the authority of Section 403.061 (27) of the Florida Statutes, the DEP identifies specific water features that are considered worthy of special protection due to their unique natural attributes. This designation is not merely honorary; it serves as a critical regulatory tool to prevent environmental decline.
Key Facts
- Legal Basis: Established under Section 403.061 (27), Florida Statutes.
- Governing Body: Managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
- Primary Goal: To protect water bodies with exceptional natural attributes.
- Core Restriction: Prohibits new activities that would lower water quality or degrade the body of water.
- Scope: Includes rivers, lakes, and various other water features across the state.
How the OFW Designation Works
The primary purpose of the Outstanding Florida Waters designation is to maintain the existing high quality of these environments. Unlike standard water bodies, OFWs are subject to strict restrictions. Any new activity that threatens to lower the water quality or otherwise degrade the ecosystem is heavily restricted to ensure the natural integrity of the site is preserved for future generations.
Protected Areas and Designations
The OFW status is automatically applied to water bodies located within several types of protected lands. This ensures that conservation areas are supported by water quality protections.
Automatic Designations
Water bodies within the following areas are designated as Outstanding Florida Waters:
- National parks, wildlife refuges, seashores, preserves, and marine sanctuaries.
- Estuarine research reserves.
- State parks, recreation areas, preserves, and reserves.
- State ornamental gardens and botanical sites.
- Environmentally endangered lands and conservation/recreation lands programs.
- Save Our Coast program acquisitions.
- State aquatic preserves.
- National and state scenic and wild rivers.
- Selected waters within national forests.
Specifically Designated Water Bodies
Beyond protected land boundaries, the DEP has specifically designated a wide array of rivers and lakes as Outstanding Florida Waters. These include major systems such as the Suwannee, Apalachicola, and Wekiva Rivers, as well as unique features like the Florida Keys and various chain-of-lakes systems.
| Category | Examples of Designated Waters |
|---|---|
| Major Rivers | Apalachicola, Suwannee, Choctawhatchee, Ochlockonee, and Santa Fe River systems. |
| Lakes & Chains | Butler Chain of Lakes, Clermont Chain of Lakes, Orange Lake, and Lochloosa Lake. |
| Estuarine & Coastal | Florida Keys, Sarasota Bay, Lemon Bay, and Wiggins Pass estuarine systems. |
| Springs & Rivers | Rainbow River, Silver River, Weekiwachee riverine system, and Wacissa River. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the Outstanding Florida Waters designation?
The main purpose is to provide special protection to water bodies that possess exceptional natural attributes, ensuring that their water quality does not decline due to new human activities.
Which agency is responsible for these designations?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the agency authorized to designate and manage Outstanding Florida Waters.
Does this designation apply to all state parks?
Yes, all bodies of water located within state parks and recreation areas are designated as Outstanding Florida Waters.
What happens if a new project is proposed for an OFW area?
Any new activities that would lower the water quality or otherwise degrade the body of water are subject to special restrictions under the OFW designation.
Are the Florida Keys considered Outstanding Florida Waters?
Yes, the Florida Keys are among the specific water features designated as Outstanding Florida Waters by the DEP.