CHAPTER 62-302 

SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS 

62-302.200 Definitions 

62-302.300 Findings, Intent, and Antidegradation Policy for Surface Water Quality 

62-302.400 Classification of Surface Waters, Usage, Reclassification, Classified Waters 

62-302.500 Surface Waters: Minimum Criteria, General Criteria 

62-302.520 Thermal Surface Water Criteria 

62-302.530 Table: Surface Water Quality Criteria 

62-302.540 Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus Within the Everglades Protection Area 

62-302.700 Special Protection, Outstanding Florida Waters, Outstanding National Resource Waters 

62-302.800 Site Specific Alternative Criteria 

62-302.200 Definitions. 

(1) “Acute Toxicity” shall mean a concentration greater than one-third (1/3) of the amount lethal to 50% of the test organisms in 

96 hours (96 hr LC50) for a species protective of the indigenous aquatic community for a substance not identified in paragraph 62-

302.500(1)(c), F.A.C., or for mixtures of substances, including effluents. 

(2) “Annual Average Flow” is the long-term harmonic mean flow of the receiving water, or an equivalent flow based on 

generally accepted scientific procedures in waters for which such a mean cannot be calculated. For waters for which flow records 

have been kept for at least the last three years, “long-term” shall mean the period of record. For all other waters, “long-term” shall 

mean three years (unless the Department finds the data from that period not representative of present flow conditions, based on

evidence of land use or other changes affecting the flow) or the period of records sufficient to show a variation of flow of at least 

three orders of magnitude, whichever period is less. For nontidal portions of rivers and streams, the harmonic mean (Qhm) shall be 

calculated as 

 n 

 Qhm = ____________________________ 

 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + . . . + 1

 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Qn 

in which each Q is an individual flow record and n is the total number of records. In lakes and reservoirs, the annual average flow 

shall be based on the hydraulic residence time, which shall be calculated according to generally accepted scientific procedures, using 

the harmonic mean flows for the inflow sources. In tidal estuaries and coastal systems or tidal portions of rivers and streams, the 

annual average flow shall be determined using methods described in EPA publication no. 600/6-85/002b pages 142-227, 

incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-4.246(9)(k), F.A.C., or by other generally accepted scientific procedures, using the 

harmonic mean flow for any freshwater inflow. If there are insufficient data to determine the harmonic mean then the harmonic 

mean shall be estimated by methods as set forth in the EPA publication Technical Support Document for Water Quality-Based 

Toxics Control (March 1991), incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-4.246(9)(d), F.A.C., or other generally accepted scientific 

procedures. In situations with seasonably variable effluent discharge rates, hold-and-release treatment systems, and effluentdominated sites, annual average flow shall mean modeling techniques that calculate long-term average daily concentrations from 

long-term individual daily flows and concentrations in accordance with generally accepted scientific procedures. 

(3) “Background” shall mean the condition of waters in the absence of the activity or discharge under consideration, based on 

the best scientific information available to the Department. 

(4) “Chronic Toxicity”. 

(a) For a substance without an aquatic life-based criterion in Rule 62-302.530, F.A.C., and where chronic toxicity studies 

evaluating the toxicity of the substance are available, or for mixtures of substances, including effluents, chronic toxicity shall mean 

the concentration that equals or exceeds the IC25 on species protective of the indigenous aquatic community; or 

(b) For a substance without an aquatic life-based criterion in Rule 62-302.530, F.A.C., and where chronic toxicity studies 

evaluating the toxicity of the substance on species protective of the indigenous aquatic community are not available, the chronic 

toxicity of a substance shall be established as a concentration greater than one-twentieth (1/20) of the amount lethal to 50% of the 

test organisms in 96 hours (96 hr LC 50) for a species protective of the indigenous aquatic community. 

(5) “Commission” shall mean the Environmental Regulation Commission. 
(6) “Compensation Point for Photosynthetic Activity” shall mean the depth at which one percent of the light intensity at the 

surface remains unabsorbed. The light intensities at the surface and subsurface shall be measured simultaneously by irradiance 

meters such as the Kahlsico Underwater Irradiameter, Model No. 268 WA 310 or other devices having a comparable spectral 

response. 

(7) “Department” shall mean the Department of Environmental Protection. 

(8) “Designated Use” shall mean the present and future most beneficial use of a body of water as designated by the 

Environmental Regulation Commission by means of the Classification system contained in this Chapter. 

(9) “Dissolved Metal” shall mean the metal fraction that passes through a 0.45 micron filter. 

(10) “Effluent Limitation” shall mean any restriction established by the Department on quantities, rates or concentrations of 

chemical, physical, biological or other constituents which are discharged from sources into waters of the State. 

(11) “Exceptional Ecological Significance” shall mean that a water body is a part of an ecosystem of unusual value. The 

exceptional significance may be in unusual species, productivity, diversity, ecological relationships, ambient water quality, scientific 

or educational interest, or in other aspects of the ecosystem’s setting or processes. 

(12) “Exceptional Recreational Significance” shall mean unusual value as a resource for outdoor recreation activities. Outdoor 

recreation activities include, but are not limited to, fishing, boating, canoeing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving, or nature 

observation. The exceptional significance may be in the intensity of present recreational usage, in an unusual quality of recreational 

experience, or in the potential for unusual future recreational use or experience. 

(13) “Existing Uses” shall mean any actual beneficial use of the water body on or after November 28, 1975. 

(14) “IC25”or “Inhibition Concentration 25%” shall mean the concentration of toxicant that causes a 25% reduction in a 

biological response such as biomass, growth, fecundity, or reproduction in the test population when compared to the control 

population response. 

(15) “Man-induced conditions which cannot be controlled or abated” shall mean conditions that have been influenced by human 

activities, and 

(a) Would remain after removal of all point sources, 

(b) Would remain after imposition of best management practices for non-point sources, and 

(c) Cannot be restored or abated by physical alteration of the water body, or there is no reasonable relationship between the 

economic, social and environmental costs and the benefits of restoration or physical alteration. 

(16) “Natural Background” shall mean the condition of waters in the absence of man-induced alterations based on the best 

scientific information available to the Department. The establishment of natural background for an altered waterbody may be based 

upon a similar unaltered waterbody or on historical pre-alteration data. 

(17) “Nuisance Species” shall mean species of flora or fauna whose noxious characteristics or presence in sufficient number, 

biomass, or areal extent may reasonably be expected to prevent, or unreasonably interfere with, a designated use of those waters. 

(18) “Nursery Area of Indigenous Aquatic Life” shall mean any bed of the following aquatic plants, either in monoculture or 

mixed: Halodule wrightii, Halophila spp., Potamogeton spp. (pondweed), Ruppia maritima (widgeon-grass), Sagittaria spp. 

(arrowhead), Syringodium filiforme (manatee-grass), Thalassia testudinum (turtle grass), or Vallisneria spp. (eel-grass), or any area 

used by the early-life stages, larvae and post-larvae, of aquatic life during the period of rapid growth and development into the 

juvenile states. 

(19) “Outstanding Florida Waters” shall mean waters designated by the Environmental Regulation Commission as worthy of 

special protection because of their natural attributes. 

(20) “Outstanding National Resources Waters” shall mean waters designated by the Environmental Regulation Commission that 

are of such exceptional recreational or ecological significance that water quality should be maintained and protected under all

circumstances, other than temporary lowering and the lowering allowed under Section 316 of the Federal Clean Water Act. 

(21) “Pollution” shall mean the presence in the outdoor atmosphere or waters of the state of any substances, contaminants, 

noise, or man-made or man-induced alteration of the chemical, physical, biological or radiological integrity of air or water in

quantities or levels which are or may be potentially harmful or injurious to human health or welfare, animal or plant life, or property, 

including outdoor recreation. 

(22) “Predominantly Fresh Waters” shall mean surface waters in which the chloride concentration at the surface is less than 

1,500 milligrams per liter. 

(23) “Predominantly Marine Waters” shall mean surface waters in which the chloride concentration at the surface is greater than
or equal to 1,500 milligrams per liter. 

(24) “Propagation” shall mean reproduction sufficient to maintain the species’ role in its respective ecological community. 

(25) “Secretary” shall mean the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. 

(26) “Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index” shall mean: negative summation (from i = 1 to s) of (ni/N) log2 (ni/N) where s is the 

number of species in a sample, N is the total number of individuals in a sample, and ni is the total number of individuals in species i. 

(27) “Special Waters” shall mean water bodies designated in accordance with Rule 62-302.700, F.A.C., by the Environmental 

Regulation Commission for inclusion in the Special Waters Category of Outstanding Florida Waters, as contained in Rule 62-

302.700, F.A.C. A Special Water may include all or part of any water body. 

(28) “Surface Water” means water upon the surface of the earth, whether contained in bounds created naturally or artificially or 

diffused. Water from natural springs shall be classified as surface water when it exits from the spring onto the earth’s surface. 

(29) “Total Recoverable Metal” shall mean the concentration of metal in an unfiltered sample following treatment with hot 

dilute mineral acid. 

(30) “Water quality criteria” shall mean elements of State water quality standards, expressed as constituent concentrations, 

levels, or narrative statements, representing a quality of water that supports the present and future most beneficial uses. 

(31) “Water quality standards” shall mean standards composed of designated present and future most beneficial uses 

(classification of waters), the numerical and narrative criteria applied to the specific water uses or classification, the Florida 

antidegradation policy, and the moderating provisions contained in this rule and in Chapter 62-4, F.A.C., adopted pursuant to 

Chapter 403, F.S. 

(32) “Waters” shall be as defined in Section 403.031(13), F.S. 

(33) “Zone of Mixing” or “Mixing Zone” shall mean a volume of surface water containing the point or area of discharge and 

within which an opportunity for the mixture of wastes with receiving surface waters has been afforded. 

Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.087, 403.504, 403.704, 403.804, 403.805 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.031, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 

403.086, 403.087, 403.088, 403.502, 403.802 FS. History–New 5-29-90, Amended 2-13-92, Formerly 17-302.200, Amended 1-23-95, 5-15-02, 4-2-

08.

62-302.300 Findings, Intent, and Antidegradation Policy for Surface Water Quality. 

(1) Article II, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution requires abatement of water pollution and conservation and protection of 

Florida’s natural resources and scenic beauty. 

(2) Congress, in Section 101(a)(2) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, declares that achievement by July 1,

1983, of water quality sufficient for the protection and propogation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, as well as for recreation in and on 

the water, is an interim goal to be sought whenever attainable. Congress further states in Section 101(a)(3), that it is the national 

policy that the discharge of toxic pollutants in toxic amounts be prohibited. 

(3) The present and future most beneficial uses of all waters of the State have been designated by the Department by means of 

the classification system set forth in this Chapter pursuant to Section 403.061(10), F.S. Water quality standards are established by 

the Department to protect these designated uses. 

(4) Because activities outside the State sometimes cause pollution of Florida’s waters, the Department will make every 

reasonable effort to have such pollution abated. 

(5) Water quality standards apply equally to and shall be uniformly enforced in both the public and private sector. 

(6) Public interest shall not be construed to mean only those activities conducted solely to provide facilities or benefits to the 

general public. Private activities conducted for private purposes may also be in the public interest. 

(7) The Commission, recognizing the complexity of water quality management and the necessity to temper regulatory actions 

with the technological progress and the social and economic well-being of people, urges, however, that there be no compromise 

where discharges of pollutants constitute a valid hazard to human health. 

(8) The Commission requests that the Secretary seek and use the best environmental information available when making 

decisions on the effects of chronically and acutely toxic substances and carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic substances. 

Additionally, the Secretary is requested to seek and encourage innovative research and developments in waste treatment alternatives 

that might better preserve environmental quality or at the same time reduce the energy and dollar costs of operation. 

(9) The criteria set forth in this Chapter are minimum levels which are necessary to protect the designated uses of a water body. 

It is the intent of this Commission that permit applicants should not be penalized due to a low detection limit associated with any 
specific criteria. 

(10)(a) The Department’s rules that were adopted on March 1, 1979, regarding water quality standards are designed to protect 

the public health or welfare and to enhance the quality of waters of the State. They have been established taking into consideration 

the use and value of waters of the State for public water supplies, propogation of fish and wildlife, recreational purposes, and 

agricultural, industrial, and other purposes, and also taking into consideration their use and value for navigation. 

(b) Under the approach taken in the formulation of the rules adopted in this proceeding: 

1. The Department’s rules that were adopted on March 1, 1979, regarding water quality standards are based upon the best 

scientific knowledge related to the protection of the various designated uses of waters of the State; and 

2. The mixing zone, zone of discharge, site specific alternative criteria, exemption, and equitable allocation provisions are 

designed to provide an opportunity for the future consideration of factors relating to localized situations which could not adequately 

be addressed in this proceeding, including economic and social consequences, attainability, irretrievable conditions, natural 

background, and detectability. 

(c) This is an even-handed and balanced approach to attainment of water quality objectives. The Commission has specifically 

recognized that the social, economic and environmental costs may, under certain special circumstances, outweigh the social, 

economic and environmental benefits if the numerical criteria are enforced statewide. It is for that reason that the Commission has 

provided for mixing zones, zones of discharge, site specific alternative criteria, exemptions and other provisions in Chapters 62-302, 

62-4, 62-600, and 62-660, F.A.C. Furthermore, the continued availability of the moderating provisions is a vital factor providing a 

basis for the Commission’s determination that water quality standards applicable to water classes in the rule are attainable taking 

into consideration environmental, technological, social, economic and institutional factors. The companion provisions of Chapters 

62-4, 62-600, 62-660, F.A.C., approved simultaneously with these Water Quality Standards are incorporated herein by reference as a 

substantive part of the State’s comprehensive program for the control, abatement and prevention of water pollution. 

(d) Without the moderating provisions described in subparagraph (b)2. above, the Commission would not have adopted the 

revisions described in (b)1. above nor determined that they are attainable as generally applicable water quality standards. 

(11) Section 403.021, F.S., declares that the public policy of the State is to conserve the waters of the State to protect, maintain, 

and improve the quality thereof for public water supplies, for the propagation of wildlife, fish and other aquatic life, and for 

domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and other beneficial uses. It also prohibits the discharge of wastes into Florida waters 

without treatment necessary to protect those beneficial uses of the waters. 

(12) The Department shall assure that there shall be achieved the highest statutory and regulatory requirements for all new and

existing point sources, and all cost-effective and reasonable best management practices for nonpoint source control. For the purposes 

of this rule, highest statutory and regulatory requirements for new and existing point sources are those which can be achieved 

through imposition of effluent limits required under Sections 301(b) and 306 of the Federal Clean Water Act (as amended in 1987) 

and Chapter 403, F.S. For the purposes of this rule, cost-effective and reasonable best management practices for nonpoint source 

control are those nonpoint source controls authorized under Chapters 373 and 403, F.S., and Department rules. 

(13) The Department finds that excessive nutrients (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) constitute one of the most severe water 

quality problems facing the State. It shall be the Department’s policy to limit the introduction of man-induced nutrients into waters 

of the State. Particular consideration shall be given to the protection from further nutrient enrichment of waters which are presently 

high in nutrient concentrations or sensitive to further nutrient concentrations and sensitive to further nutrient loadings. Also, 

particular consideration shall be given to the protection from nutrient enrichment of those waters presently containing very low 

nutrient concentrations: less than 0.3 milligrams per liter total nitrogen or less than 0.04 milligrams per liter total phosphorus. 

(14) Existing uses and the level of water quality necessary to protect the existing uses shall be fully maintained and protected. 

Such uses may be different or more extensive than the designated use. 

(15) Pollution which causes or contributes to new violations of water quality standards or to continuation of existing violations 

is harmful to the waters of this State and shall not be allowed. Waters having water quality below the criteria established for them 

shall be protected and enhanced. However, the Department shall not strive to abate natural conditions. 

(16) If the Department finds that a new or existing discharge will reduce the quality of the receiving waters below the 

classification established for them or violate any Department rule or standard, it shall refuse to permit the discharge. 

(17) If the Department finds that a proposed new discharge or expansion of an existing discharge will not reduce the quality of

the receiving waters below the classification established for them, it shall permit the discharge if such degradation is necessary or 

desirable under federal standards and under circumstances which are clearly in the public interest, and if all other Department
requirements are met. Projects permitted under Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S., shall be considered in compliance with this subsection 

if those projects comply with the requirements of subsection 373.414(1), F.S.; also projects permitted under the grandfather 

provisions of Sections 373.414(11) through (16), F.S., or permitted under Section 373.4145, F.S., shall be considered in compliance 

with this subsection if those projects comply with the requirements of subsection 62-312.080(2), F.A.C. 

(18)(a) Except as provided in subparagraphs (b) and (c) of this paragraph, an applicant for either a general or generic permit or 

renewal of an existing permit for which no expansion of the discharge is proposed is not required to show that any degradation from 

the discharge is necessary or desirable under federal standards and under circumstances which are clearly in the public interest. 

(b) If the Department determines that the applicant has caused degradation of water quality over and above that allowed through

previous permits issued to the applicant, then the applicant shall demonstrate that this lowering of water quality is necessary or 

desirable under federal standards and under circumstances which are clearly in the public interest. These circumstances are limited 

to cases where it has been demonstrated that degradation of water quality is occurring due to the discharge. 

(c) If the new or expanded discharge was initially permitted by the Department on or after October 4, 1989, and the Department 

determines that an antidegradation analysis was not conducted, then the applicant seeking renewal of the existing permit shall 

demonstrate that degradation from the discharge is necessary or desirable under federal standards and under circumstances which are 

clearly in the public interest. 

Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.088, 403.504, 403.704, 403.804, 403.805 FS. Law Implemented 373.414, 403.021, 403.061, 

403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088, 403.101, 403.141, 403.161, 403.182, 403.502, 403.702, 403.708, 403.802 FS. History–Formerly 17-3.041, 

Amended 1-28-90, Formerly 17-3.042, 17-302.300, Amended 12-19-94, 1-23-95, 12-26-96, 5-15-02, 12-7-06. 

62-302.400 Classification of Surface Waters, Usage, Reclassification, Classified Waters. 

(1) All surface waters of the State have been classified according to designated uses as follows: 

CLASS I Potable Water Supplies 

CLASS II Shellfish Propagation or Harvesting 

CLASS III Fish Consumption; Recreation, Propagation and Maintenance of a Healthy, WellBalanced Population of Fish and Wildlife 

CLASS III-Limited Fish Consumption; Recreation or Limited Recreation; and/or Propagation and 

Maintenance of a Limited Population of Fish and Wildlife 

CLASS IV Agricultural Water Supplies 

CLASS V Navigation, Utility and Industrial Use 

(2) Classification of a waterbody according to a particular designated use or uses does not preclude use of the water for other

purposes. 

(3) The specific water quality criteria corresponding to each surface water classification are listed in Rules 62-302.500 and 62-

302.530, F.A.C. 

(4) Water quality classifications are arranged in order of the degree of protection required, with Class I water having generally 

the most stringent water quality criteria and Class V the least. However, Class I, II, and III surface waters share water quality criteria 

established to protect fish consumption, recreation and the propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of 

fish and wildlife. For manmade lakes, canals or ditches, or streams converted to canals before November 28, 1975, considered under 

subsections (5) and (11) below, the Department shall evaluate the limited aquatic life support and habitat limitations of such waters, 

recognizing the physical and hydrologic characteristics and water management uses for which they were constructed. 

(5) Class III-Limited surface waters share the same water quality criteria as Class III except for any site specific alternative 

criteria that have been established for the waterbody under Rule 62-302.800, F.A.C. Class III-Limited waters are restricted to waters 

with human-induced physical or habitat conditions that prevent attainment of Class III uses and do not include waterbodies that were 

created for mitigation purposes. “Limited recreation” means opportunities for recreation in the water are reduced due to physical 

conditions. “Limited population of fish and wildlife” means the aquatic biological community does not fully resemble that of a 

natural system in the types, tolerance and diversity of species present. Class III-Limited waters are restricted to: 

(a) Wholly artificial waterbodies that were constructed consistent with regulatory requirements under Part I or Part IV of 

Chapter 373, Part I or Part III of Chapter 378, or Part V of Chapter 403, F.S.; or 

(b) Altered waterbodies that were dredged or filled prior to November 28, 1975. For purposes of this section, “altered 

waterbodies” are those portions of natural surface waters that were dredged or filled prior to November 28, 1975, to such an extent 
that they exhibit separate and distinct hydrologic and environmental conditions from any waters to which they are connected. 

(6) Criteria applicable to a classification are designed to maintain the minimum conditions necessary to assure the suitability of 

water for the designated use of the classification. In addition, applicable criteria are generally adequate to maintain minimum

conditions required for the designated uses of less stringently regulated classifications. Therefore, unless clearly inconsistent with 

the criteria applicable, the designated uses of less stringently regulated classifications shall be deemed to be included within the 

designated uses of more stringently regulated classifications. 

(7) Any person regulated by the Department or having a substantial interest in a surface waterbody may seek reclassification of

waters of the State by filing a petition with the Department in accordance with Rule 28-103.006, F.A.C. 

(8) A petition for reclassification shall reference and be accompanied by the information necessary to support the affirmative 

findings required in this section, as described in the DEP document titled, “Process for Reclassifying the Designated Uses of Florida 

Surface Waters” (DEP-SAS-001/10), dated June 2010, incorporated by reference herein. Compies of the Process document may be 

obtained from the Department’s internet site at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water or by writing to the Florida Department of 

Environmental Protection, Standards and Assessment Section, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 6511, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400. 

(9) All reclassifications of waters of the State shall be adopted, after public notice (including notification to affected local and 

regional governments and sovereign American Indian tribes) and public hearing, only upon affirmative findings by the 

Environmental Regulation Commission that: 

(a) The proposed reclassification will establish the present and future most beneficial use of the waters; 

(b) Such a reclassification is clearly in the public interest after considering public input, including consideration of input 

submitted by local and regional governing bodies and sovereign American Indian tribes, who represent the public interest where the 

waters, and affected upstream and downstream waters, are located; 

(c) The proposed reclassification will not allow for the nonattainment of water quality standards in downstream waters; 

(d) The demonstrations required under subsections (10)-(12) below are met as applicable; and 

(e) The requirements contained in Rule 62-302.400, F.A.C., are satisfied. 

(10) Reclassification of waters of the State which establishes more stringent criteria than presently established by this chapter 

shall be adopted, only upon additional affirmative finding by the Environmental Regulation Commission that the proposed 

designated use is attainable, upon consideration of environmental, technological, social, economic, and institutional factors. The 

assessment of attainability shall address upstream effects of reclassification. 

(11) If rulemaking is initiated to reclassify a water to a less stringent classification, the petitioner or the Department shall 

include in the reclassification documentation appropriate and scientifically defensible water quality, biological, hydrological, and 

habitat studies and analyses, as well as environmental, technological, social, and economic studies, including costs to small 

businesses and local governments, as necessary to establish the present and future most beneficial use by demonstrating that: 

(a) No existing uses are being removed and the less stringent criteria associated with the designation will not result in the 

nonattainment of water quality standards in downstream waters; 

(b) The designated uses being removed cannot be attained by implementing effluent limits required by sections 301(b) and 306 

of the Federal Clean Water Act in conjunction with implementation of cost-effective and reasonable best management requirements

for nonpoint source pollution control; and 

(c) One or more of the following situations occur: 

1. Naturally occurring concentrations of substances prevent the attainment of the use; 

2. Natural, ephemeral, intermittent or low flow conditions or water levels prevent the attainment of the use, unless these 

conditions may be compensated for by the discharge of sufficient volume of effluent discharges without violating State water 

conservation requirements to enable uses to be met; 

3. Human caused conditions or sources of pollution prevent the attainment of the use and cannot be remedied or would cause 

more environmental damage to correct than to leave in place; 

4. Dams, diversions, or other types of hydrologic modifications preclude the attainment of the use, and it is not feasible to 

restore the waterbody to its original condition or to operate such modification in a way that would result in the attainment of the use; 

5. Physical conditions related to the natural features of the waterbody, such as the lack of a proper substrate, cover, flow, depth, 

pool, riffles, and the like, unrelated to water quality, preclude attainment of aquatic life protection uses; or 

6. Controls more stringent than those required by sections 301(b) and 306 of the Federal Clean Water Act would result in 

substantial and widespread economic and social impact. 
(12) The petition for a Class III-Limited classification shall include appropriate Site Specific Alternative Criteria proposals that 

are protective of the most beneficial use as determined by the demonstration in subsection (9) above. Site Specific Alternative

Criteria established to support the Class III-Limited designated use are restricted to numeric criteria for any or all of the following 

parameters: nutrients (including nutrient response variables), bacteria, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, specific conductance, 

transparency, turbidity, biological integrity, or pH. Site Specific Alternative Criteria for these parameters shall not be set at levels 

less stringent than water quality conditions at the time of reclassification and shall not be subject to the limitations in paragraph 62-

302.800(2)(d), F.A.C. Proposed site specific alternative criteria for other parameters must fully protect Class III uses. 

(13) Nothing contained in subsections (8) through (12) above shall be deemed to pre-empt or prohibit the regulatory 

implementation, adoption, continuation or enforcement of more stringent criteria that are established by a local government through 

a local pollution control program. 

(14) The surface waters of the State of Florida are classified as Class III – Recreation, Propagation and Maintenance of a 

Healthy, Well-Balanced Population of Fish and Wildlife, except for certain waters which are described in subsection 62-

302.400(16), F.A.C. A waterbody may also be designated as an Outstanding Florida Water or an Outstanding National Resource 

Water. Outstanding Florida Waters and Outstanding National Resource Waters are not designated use classifications. A waterbody 

may also have special standards applied to it. However, notwithstanding any provision of this section, no classification action or 

change in designated use shall result in degradation of water quality in Outstanding Florida Waters or Outstanding National 

Resource Waters. Outstanding Florida Waters and Outstanding National Resource Waters are listed in Rule 62-302.700, F.A.C. 

(15) Unless otherwise specified, the following shall apply: 

(a) The landward extent of a classification shall coincide with the landward extent of waters of the state, as defined in Rule 62-

340.600, F.A.C. 

(b) Water quality classifications shall be interpreted to include associated water bodies such as tidal creeks, coves, bays and

bayous. 

(16) Exceptions to Class III: 

(a) All secondary and tertiary canals wholly within agricultural areas are classified as Class IV and are not individually listed as 

exceptions to Class III. “Secondary and tertiary canals” shall mean any wholly artificial canal or ditch which is behind a control 

structure and which is part of a water control system that is connected to the works (set forth in Section 373.086, F.S.) of a water 

management district created under Section 373.069, F.S., and that is permitted by such water management district pursuant to 

Section 373.103, 373.413, or 373.416, F.S. Agricultural areas shall generally include lands actively used solely for the production of 

food and fiber which are zoned for agricultural use where county zoning is in effect. Agricultural areas exclude lands which are 

platted and subdivided or in a transition phase to residential use; 

(b) The following listed waterbodies are classified as Class I, Class II, Class III-Limited, or Class V: 

1. Alachua County – none. 

2. Baker County – none. 

3. Bay County 

Class I 

Bayou George and Creek – Impoundment to source. 

Bear Creek – Impoundment to source. 

Big Cedar Creek – Impoundment to source. 

Deer Point Impoundment – Dam to source. 

Econfina Creek – Upstream of Deer Point Impoundment. 

Class II 

East Bay and Tributaries – East of U.S. Highway 98 to, but excluding Wetappo Creek. 

North Bay and Tributaries – North of U.S. Highway 98 to Deer Point Dam excluding Alligator Bayou and Fanning Bayous north of 

an east-west line through Channel Marker 3. 

West Bay and Tributaries – West of North Bay (line from West Bay Point on the north to Shell Point on the South) except West Bay 

Creek (northwest of Channel Marker 27C off Goose Point), Crooked Creek (north of a line from Crooked Creek Point to Doyle 

Point), and Burnt Mill Creek (north of a line from Graze Point to Cedar Point). 

4. Bradford County – none. 

5. Brevard County. 
Class I 

St. Johns River and Tributaries – Lake Washington Dam south through and including Sawgrass Lake, Lake Hellen Blazes, to Indian 

River County Line. 

Class II Goat Creek. 

Indian River – South from a line due east of Barnes Blvd. (SR 502) to South Section Line of Section 29, T26S, R37E, Palm Shores. 

Indian River – From a line from Cape Malabar northeastward through Intracoastal Waterway marker 16, to shore, then southward to

S. Brevard County Line. 

Indian River – N. Brevard County Line south to Florida East Coast Railroad Crossing (vicinity of Jay Jay). 

Kid Creek. 

Mosquito Lagoon – North Brevard County Line south to Beach Road. 

Trout Creek. 

Indian River – The east side of the Intracoastal Waterway from SR 405 northward, to a line from the southern point of land at the 

mouth of Brock Creek to Intracoastal Waterway Channel Marker 33. 

Indian River – From SR 405 south to SR 528. 

6. Broward County – none. 

7. Calhoun County 

Class I 

Bear Creek. 

Econfina Creek. 

8. Charlotte County 

Class I 

Alligator Creek – North and South Prongs from headwaters to the water control structure downstream of SR 765-A. 

Port Charlotte Canal System – Surface waters lying upstream of, or directly connected to, Fordham Waterway upstream of Conway 

Boulevard. 

Prairie Creek – DeSoto County Line and headwaters to Shell Creek. 

Shell Creek – Headwaters to Hendrickson Dam (east of Myrtle Slough, in Section 20, T40S, R24E). 

Class II 

Lemon Bay, Placida Harbor, and Tributaries – N. Charlotte County Line south to Gasparilla Sound and bounded on the east by SR 

775. 

Charlotte Harbor, Myakka River, and Gasparilla South – Waters except Peace River upstream from the northeastern point of 

Myakka Cutoff to the boat ramp in Ponce de Leon Park in south Punta Gorda, Catfish Creek north of N. Lat. 26o50'56'', and 

Whidden Creek north of N. Lat. 26o 51'15''. 

9. Citrus County 

Class II Coastal Waters – From the southern side of the Cross Florida Barge Canal southward to the Hernando County line, with the 

exception of Crystal River (from the southern shore at the mouth of Cedar Creek to Shell Point to the westernmost tip of Fort 

Island), Salt River (portion generally east and southward along the eastern edge of the islands bordering the Salt River and Dixie 

Bay to St. Martins River), and St. Martins River from its mouth to Greenleaf Bay. 

10. Clay County – none. 

11. Collier County. 

Class II 

Cocohatchee River. 

Connecting Waterways – From Wiggins Pass south to Outer Doctors Bay. 

Dollar Bay. 

Inner and Outer Clam Bay. 

Inner and Outer Doctors Bay. 

Little Hickory Bay. 

Tidal Bays and Passes – Naples Bay and south and easterly through Rookery Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands to the Monroe 

County Line. 

Wiggins Pass. 
12. Columbia County – none. 

13. Dade County – none. 

14. DeSoto County. 

Class I 

Horse Creek – From the northern border of Section 14, T38S, R23E, southward to Peace River. 

Prairie Creek – Headwaters to Charlotte County Line. 

15. Dixie County 

Class II 

Coastal Waters – From an east-west line through Stuart Point southward to the County line, excluding the mouth of the Suwannee 

River and its passes. 

16. Duval County. 

Class II 

Ft. George River and Simpson Creeks – Ft. George Inlet north to Nassau Sound. 

Intracoastal Waterway and Tributaries – Confluence of Nassau and Amelia Rivers south to Flashing Marker 73 thence eastward 

along Ft. George River to Ft. George Inlet and includes Garden Creek. 

Nassau River and Creek – From the mouth of Nassau Sound, (a line connecting the northeasternmost point of Little Talbot Island to 

the southeasternmost tip of Amelia Island westerly to a north-south line through Seymore Point. 

Pumpkinhill Creek. 

17. Escambia County 

Class II 

Escambia Bay – Louisville and Nashville Railroad Trestle south to Pensacola Bay (Line from Emanuel Point east northeasterly to 

Garcon Point). 

Pensacola Bay – East of a line connecting Emanuel Point on the north to the south end of the Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. Highway

98). 

Santa Rosa Sound – East of a line connecting Gulf Breeze approach to Pensacola Beach (Bascule Bridge), and Sharp Point with 

exception of the Navarre Beach area from a north-south line through Channel Marker 106 to Navarre Bridge. 

18. Flagler County 

Class II 

Matanzas River (Intracoastal Waterway) – N. Flagler County Line south to an east-west line through Fl. Marker 109. 

Pellicer Creek. 

19. Franklin. 

Class II 

Alligator Harbor – East from a line from Peninsula Point north to St. James Island to mean high water. 

Apalachicola Bay – with exception of an area encompassed within a 2-mile radius from Apalachicola entrance of John Gorrie 

Memorial Bridge. 

East Bay and Tributaries – with the exception of area encompassed within 2-mile radius from Apalachicola entrance of John Gorrie 

Memorial Bridge. 

Gulf of Mexico – North of a line from Peninsula Point on Alligator Point to the southeastern tip of Dog Island and bounded on the 

east by Alligator Harbor and west by St. George Sound. 

Ochlockonee Bay – From the confluence of Sopchoppy and Ochlockonee Rivers eastward to a line through the two flashing beacons 

marking the end of the main channel and south channel, to the shoreline south of Bald Point north to the county line. 

St. George Sound – Gulf of Mexico westerly to Apalachicola Bay. 

St. Vincent Sound – Apalachicola Bay to Indian Pass. 

20. Gadsden County 

Class I 

Holman Branch – SR 270-A to source. 

Mosquito Creek – U.S. Highway 90 north to Florida State Line. 

Quincy Creek – SR 65 to source. 

21. Gilchrist County – none. 
22. Glades County. 

Class I 

Lake Okeechobee. 

23. Gulf County. 

Class II 

Indian Lagoon – West of Indian Pass and St. Vincent Sound. 

St. Joseph Bay – South of a line from St. Joseph Point due east, excluding an area that is both within an arc 2.9 miles from the center 

of the mouth of Gulf County Canal and east of a line from St. Joseph Point to the northwest corner of section 13, T8S, R11W. 

24. Hamilton County – none. 

25. Hardee County – none. 

26. Hendry County. 

Class I 

Lake Okeechobee. 

27. Hernando County – none. 

28. Highlands County – none. 

29. Hillsborough County. 

Class I 

Cow House Creek – Hillsborough River to source. 

Hillsborough River – City of Tampa Water Treatment Plant Dam to Flint Creek. 

Class II 

Old Tampa Bay – Waters within Hillsborough County between SR 60 (Courtney Campbell Parkway), and Interstate 275 (Howard 

Frankland Bridge), to the line of mean high water. 

Old Tampa Bay and Mobbly Bay – Beginning at the intersection of the north shore of SR 60 (Courtney Campbell Parkway) and 

Longitude 82o35'45'' west, thence due north to the line of mean high water, thence westward along the line of mean high water, 

(except Rocky and Double Branch Creeks which are included only to SR 580), and up Channel A to a line connecting the lines of 

mean high water on the outer sides of the canal banks, to the county line, thence southerly along the county line to SR 60, thence 

along the north shore of SR 60 to the point of beginning. 

Tampa Bay – Beginning at Gadsden Point, thence along a line connecting Gadsden Point and the intersection of Gadsden Point Cut 

and Cut “A” to a point one-half nautical mile inside said intersection, thence westward along a line one-half nautical mile inside and 

parallel to Gadsden Point Cut, Cut “G”, Cut “J”, Cut “J2”, and Cut “K”, to the line of mean high water, thence along the line of 

mean high water to the point of beginning. 

Tampa Bay – Beginning at the intersection of the Hillsborough County Line and the line of mean high water, thence to the rear 

range marker of Cut “D”, thence northerly along the line of Cut “D” range to a point one-half nautical mile inside the southern

boundary of Cut “C”, thence along a line one-half mile inside and parallel to Cut “C”, Cut “D”, and Cut “E” to a point with Latitude 

27o45'40'' north and Longitude 82o30'40'' west, thence to a point Latitude 27o47' north and Longitude 82o27' west, thence on a true 

bearing of 140o to the line of mean high water, thence along the line of mean high water southward to the western tip of Mangrove 

Point, thence to the northwestern tip of Tropical Island, thence eastward along the line of mean high water to the eastern tip of Goat 

Island, thence due south to the line of mean high water, thence generally southward along the line of mean high water to the point of 

beginning. 

Tampa Bay – Hillsborough County portion west of the Sunshine Skyway (excluding Tampa Harbor Channel) up to the line of mean 

high water. 

30. Holmes County – none. 

31. Indian River County. 

Class I 

St. Johns River and Tributaries – Brevard County Line south through and including Blue Cypress Lake to SR 60. 

Class II Indian River – Indian River County Line south to SR 510 east of the Intracoastal Waterway channel centerline. 

Indian River – SR 510 south to an east-west line from the north side of the North Relief Canal. 

Indian River – From an east-west line through the northernmost point of Round Island south to county line and east of Intracoastal 

Waterway centerline. 
32. Jackson County. 

Class I 

Econfina Creek – Bay County to source. 

33. Jefferson County 

Class II 

Coastal Waters – Within the county, excluding the mouth of Aucilla River. 

34. Lafayette County – none. 

35. Lake County – none. 

36. Lee County. 

Class I 

Caloosahatchee River – E. Lee County Line to South Florida Water Management District Structure 79. 

Class II 

Charlotte Harbor. 

Matanzas Pass, Hurricane Bay, and Hell Peckish (Peckney) Bay – From San Carlos Bay to a line from Estero Island through the 

southernmost tip of the unnamed island south of Julies Island, northeastward to the southernmost point of land in section 27, T46S, 

R24E. 

Matlacha Pass – Charlotte Harbor to San Carlos Bay. 

Pine Island Sound – Charlotte Harbor to San Carlos Bay. 

San Carlos Bay – From a line from point Ybel to Bodwitch Point northward to a line from the eastern point at the mouth of Punta

Blanca Creek, southeast through the southern point of Big Shell Island to the mainland and westward to Pine Island Sound. 

37. Leon County – none. 

38. Levy County. 

Class II 

Coastal Waters and Tidal Creeks – Within the county excluding: 

a. The mouth of the Suwannee River, and its passes; 

b. Alligator Pass to a line connecting the seawardmost points of the islands connecting Alligator Pass with the Gulf; 

c. Cedar Key area – from SR 24 bridge at the northernmost point of Rye Key, southwestward to the northernmost point of 

Gomez Key, then southward to the westernmost point of Seahorse Key, then along the southern shoreline of Seahorse Key to its 

easternmost point, then northeastward to the southernmost point of Atsena Otie Key, then northward along the eastern shoreline of 

Atsena Otie Key to its northeasternmost point, then northward to the southernmost point of Dog Island, northwestward to the 

westernmost point of Scale Key, northwestward to the boundary marker piling, then northward to the point of beginning; 

d. The mouth of the Withlacoochee River. 

39. Liberty County – none. 

40. Madison County – none. 

41. Manatee County. 

Class I 

Manatee River – From Rye Bridge Road to the sources thereof, including but not limited to the following tributaries: the East Fork 

of the Manatee River, the North Fork of the Manatee River, Boggy Creek, Gilley Creek, Poley Branch, Corbit Branch, Little Deep 

Branch, Fisher Branch, Ft. Crawford Creek, Webb Branch, Clearwater Branch, Craig Branch, and Guthrey Branch. 

Lake Evers (Ward Lake) and Braden River – City of Bradenton Water Treatment Dam to SR 675, excluding upland cut irrigation or 

drainage ditches and including the following tributaries: 

 Tributary Upstream Limit(s) 

 a. Rattlesnake Slough Lockwood Ridge Road in Section 28, Township 35 

 South, Range 18 East. 

 b. Cedar Creek 

 West Branch Whitfield Avenue in Section 27, Township 35 South, 

 Range 18 East. 

 Central Branch Country Club Way in Section 34, Township 35 South, 

 Range 18 East. 
 East Branch To a point where an east-west line lying 1200 feet south 

 of the section line between Sections 23 and 26 

 (Township 35 South, Range 18 East) crosses the 

 tributary. 

 c. Cooper Creek 

 West Branch 

 (Foley Branch)South Boundary of Section 1, Township 36 South, 

 Range 18 East. 

 East Branch East Boundary of Section 31, Township 35 South, 

 Range 19 East. 

 d. Nonsense Creek To a point where an east-west line lying 800 feet North 

 of the section line between Sections 14 and 23 

 (Township 35 South, Range 18 East) crosses the creek. 

 e. Hickory Hamock To a point where an east-west line lying 1000 feet 

 South of the section line between Sections 17 and 20 

 (Township 35 South, Range 19 East) crosses the creek. 

 f. Wolf Slough East Boundary of Section 16, Township 35 South, 

 Range 19 East. 

 g. Unnamed Tributary 1 To a point where an east-west line lying 2300 feet south 

 of the section line between Sections 21 and 28 

 (Township 35 South, Range 19 East) crosses the 

 tributary. 

 h. Unnamed Tributary 2 East Boundary of Section 14, Township 35 South, 

 Range 19 East. 

 i. Unnamed Tributary 3 West Boundary of Section 25, Township 35 South, 

 Range 19 East. 

 j. Unnamed Tributary 4 To a point where a north-south line lying 200 feet East 

 of the section line between Sections 23 and 24 

 (Township 35 South, Range 19 East) crosses the 

 tributary. 

Class II 

Gulf and Coastal Waters of Tampa Bay – (Including, but not limited to Terra Ceia Bay, Perico Bayou, Palma Sola Bay, and Sarasota 

Bay), excluding waters northward of a line from the southern shore of the mouth of Little Redfish Creek northwesterly through the 

red marker (approximately one nautical mile away) to the county line; Manatee River upstream of a line from Emerson Pt. to Mead

Pt. 

Gulf Waters – North of 27o31' N. Lat. 

42. Marion County – none. 

43. Martin County. 

Class I 

Lake Okeechobee. 

Class II 

Great Pocket – St. Lucie River to Peck’s Lake. 

Indian River – N. Martin County Line south to the mouth of St. Lucie Inlet, east of the Intracoastal Waterway Channel centerline. 

Loxahatchee River – West of the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge including Southwest, Northwest, and North Forks. 

44. Monroe County. 

Class II 

Monroe County Coastline – From Collier and Dade County Lines southward to and including that part of Florida Bay within 

Everglades National Park. 

45. Nassau County. 
Class II 

Alligator Creek. 

Nassau River and Creek – From the mouth of Nassau Sound (a line connecting the northeasternmost point of Little Talbot Island to 

the southeasternmost point of Amelia Island) westerly to Seymore Point. 

South Amelia River – Nassau River north to a line from the northern shore of the mouth of Alligator Creek to the northernmost 

shore of Harrison Creek. 

Waters between South Amelia River and Alligator Creek. 

46. Okaloosa County. 

Class II 

Choctahatchee Bay and Tributaries – From a line from White Point southwesterly through Fl. Light Marker 2 of the Intracoastal 

Waterway, eastward to the county line, including East Pass. 

Rocky Bayou – Choctahatchee Bay (from a line extending due east from Shirk Point) to Rocky Creek. 

Santa Rosa Sound – From a north-south line through Manatee Point west to the Santa Rose County Line. 

47. Okeechobee County. 

Class I 

Lake Okeechobee. 

48. Orange County – none. 

49. Osceola County – none. 

50. Palm Beach County. 

Class I 

Canal C-18 (freshwater portion). 

City of West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area. 

Clear Lake, Lake Mangonia, and the waterway connecting them. 

Lake Okeechobee. 

M-Canal – L-8 to Lake Mangonia. 

Class II 

Canal C-18 – Salinity barrier to Loxahatchee River. 

Loxahatchee River – Upstream of Florida East Coast railroad bridge including Southwest, Northwest, and North Forks. 

51. Pasco County – none. 

52. Pinellas County. 

Class II 

Old Tampa Bay, Mobbly Bay and Tampa Bay – South and westward to Sunshine Skyway (SR 55), except Safety Harbor north of an 

east-west line through Phillipi Point. 

Tampa Bay and Gulf waters – West of Sunshine Skyway (SR 55), excluding waters north of SR 682 and waters that are both west of 

Pinellas Bayway and north of an east-west line through the southernmost point of Pine Key. 

53. Polk County – none. 

54. Putnam County – none. 

55. St. Johns County. 

Class II 

Guano River and Tributaries – From Guano Lake Dam south to Tolomato River. 

Matanzas River, Intracoastal Waterway and Tributaries, excluding Treasure Beach Canal System – From Intracoastal Waterway 

Marker number 29, south to Flagler County Line. 

Pellicer Creek. 

Salt Run – Waters south of an east-west line connecting Lighthouse Park boat ramp with Conch Island. 

Tolomato River (North River) and Tributaries – From a line connecting Spanish Landing to Booth Landing, south to an east-west 

line through Intracoastal Waterway Marker number 55. 

56. St. Lucie County. 
Class II 

Indian River – From Middle Point south to S. St. Lucie County Line, east of Intracoastal Waterway Channel centerline. 

Indian River – N. St. Lucie County Line south to an east-west line through the southern point of Fishhouse Cove. 

57. Santa Rosa County. 

Class II 

Blackwater Bay – From a line connecting Robinson’s Point to Broad River south to East Bay (line due west from Escribano Point).

East Bay and Tributaries – Blackwater Bay (line due west from Escribano Point) southerly to Pensacola Bay (line from Garcon 

Point on the north to Redfish Point on the south). 

Escambia Bay – Louisville and Nashville Railroad Trestle south to Pensacola Bay (Line from Emanuel Point east northeasterly to 

Garcon Point). 

Pensacola Bay – East of a line connecting Emanuel Point on the north to the south end of the Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. Highway

98). 

Santa Rosa Sound – From a line connecting Gulf Breeze approach to Pensacola Beach, (Bascule Bridge), and Sharp Point, east to 

Santa Rosa/Okaloosa County line with exception of the Navarre Beach area from a north-south line through Channel Marker 106 

eastward to Navarre Beach Toll Road. 

58. Sarasota County. 

Class I 

Big Slough Canal – South to U.S. 41. 

Cooper Creek (Foley Branch) upstream to the South boundary of Section 1, Township 36 South, Range 18 East. 

Myakka River – From the Manatee County line southwesterly through Upper and Lower Myakka Lakes to Manhattan Farms (north 

line of Section 6 T39S, R20E). 

Class II 

Lemon Bay – From a line eastward from the northern shore of the mouth of Forked Creek south to Charlotte County Line. 

Myakka River – From the western line of section 35, T39S, R20E south to Charlotte County Line. 

Sarasota Bay – West of the Intracoastal Waterway Channel centerline. 

59. Seminole County – none. 

60. Sumter County – none. 

61. Suwannee County – none. 

62. Taylor County. 

Class V 

Fenholloway River. Repealed effective December 31, 1997. 

63. Union County – none. 

64. Volusia County 

Class II 

Indian River North, Indian River Lagoon, and Mosquito Lagoon from an east-west line through Intracoastal Waterway Channel 

Marker 57 south to S. Volusia County Line. 

Indian River – North of County Line. 

65. Wakulla County. 

Class II 

Coastal Waters and Tributaries – From Jefferson County Line westward with the exception of Spring Creek and the portion of King

Bay (Dickerson Bay) west and north of a line from the westernmost tip of Porter Island south to Hungry Point, and Walker Creek 

north of a line from Live Oak Point southwest across the Creek to the closest tip of Shell Point. 

66. Walton County. 

Class II 

Choctawhatchee Bay and Tributaries – Except waters north of a line from Alaqua Point to Wheeler Point. 

67. Washington County. 

Class I 

Econfina Creek. 

Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.088, 403.504, 403.704, 403.804 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 
403.141, 403.161, 403.182, 403.502, 403.504, 403.702, 403.708 FS. History–Formerly 28-5.06, 17-3.06, Amended and Renumbered 3-1-79, 

Amended 1-1-83, 2-1-83, Formerly 17-3.081, Amended 4-25-93, Formerly 17-302.400, Amended 12-26-96, 8-24-00, 12-7-06, 8-5-10. 

62-302.500 Surface Waters: Minimum Criteria, General Criteria. 

(1) Minimum Criteria. All surface waters of the State shall at all places and at all times be free from: 

(a) Domestic, industrial, agricultural, or other man-induced non-thermal components of discharges which, alone or in 

combination with other substances or in combination with other components of discharges (whether thermal or non-thermal): 

1. Settle to form putrescent deposits or otherwise create a nuisance; or 

2. Float as debris, scum, oil, or other matter in such amounts as to form nuisances; or 

3. Produce color, odor, taste, turbidity, or other conditions in such degree as to create a nuisance; or 

4. Are acutely toxic; or 

5. Are present in concentrations which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic to human beings or to significant, locally 

occurring, wildlife or aquatic species, unless specific standards are established for such components in subsection 62-302.500(2) or 

Rule 62-302.530, F.A.C.; or 

6. Pose a serious danger to the public health, safety, or welfare. 

(b) Thermal components of discharges which, alone, or in combination with other discharges or components of discharges 

(whether thermal or non-thermal): 

1. Produce conditions so as to create a nuisance; or 

2. Do not comply with applicable provisions of Rule 62-302.520, F.A.C. 

(c) Silver in concentrations above 2.3 micrograms/liter in predominently marine waters. 

(2) General Criteria. 

(a) The criteria of surface water quality provided in subsection 62-302.500(2) and Rule 62-302.530, F.A.C., shall apply to all 

surface waters outside zones of mixing except: 

1. Where inconsistent with the limitations of Section 403.061(7), F.S.; or 

2. Where relief from such criteria has been granted pursuant to other applicable rules of the Department. 

(b) The Department may establish a Technical Advisory Committee on request or on its own initiative, to review and advise the 

Department about the sufficiency and validity of data or methodologies and the need for revision of numerical surface water quality 

criteria established in this rule chapter. The committee shall be appointed by the Secretary and consist of professionals 

knowledgeable about the specific criteria to be reviewed. The committee shall be chaired by a representative of the Department and 

shall meet at the call of the chair. Any findings, conclusions, or recommendations of the commmittee shall be conveyed to the 

Secretary and to the chair of the Commission but shall not bind the Department. 

(c) Effluent limits may be established for pollutants for which analytical detection limits are higher than the established water 

quality criteria based upon computation of concentrations in the receiving waters. Effluent limits will be established on site-specific 

conditions in the context of a Department permit. Monitoring reports and permit applications shall specify the detection limits and 

indicate non-detectable results in such cases. Unless otherwise specified, such non-detectable results shall be accepted as 

demonstrating compliance for that pollutant as long as specified effluent limits are met. 

(d) Criteria for metals in Rule 62-302.530 and paragraph 62-302.500(1)(c), F.A.C., are measured as total recoverable metal. 

However, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, silver, and zinc may be applied as dissolved metals when, as part of a permit

application, a dissolved metals translator has been established according to the procedures described in the document, “Guidance for 

Establishing a Metals Translator”, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, December 17, 2001. 

(e) A violation of any surface water quality criterion as set forth in this chapter constitutes pollution. For certain pollutants, 

numeric criteria have been established to protect human health from an unacceptable risk of additional cancer caused by the 

consumption of water or aquatic organisms. These numeric criteria are based on annual average flow conditions. However, this 

allowable annual average does not relieve any activity from complying with subsection 62-302.500(1), Rule 62-302.530, F.A.C., or 

any other provision of water quality standards. 

(f) Notwithstanding the specific numerical criteria applicable to individual classes of water, dissolved oxygen levels that are

attributable to natural background conditions or man-induced conditions which cannot be controlled or abated may be established as 

alternative dissolved oxygen criteria for a water body or portion of a water body. Alternative dissolved oxygen criteria may be

established by the Secretary or a Director of District Management in conjunction with the issuance of a permit or other Department 
action only after public notice and opportunity for public hearing. The determination of alternative criteria shall be based on

consideration of the factors described in subparagraphs 62-302.800(1)(a)1.-4., F.A.C. Alternative criteria shall not result in a 

lowering of dissolved oxygen levels in the water body, water body segment or any adjacent waters, and shall not violate the 

minimum criteria specified in subsection 62-302.500(1), F.A.C. Daily and seasonal fluctuations in dissolved oxygen levels shall be 

maintained. 

Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.504, 403.704, 403.804 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 403.141, 

403.161, 403.182, 403.502, 403.702, 403.708 FS. History–Formerly 28-5.02, 17-3.02, Amended 10-28-78, Amended and Renumbered 3-1-79, 

Amended 1-1-83, 10-4-89, Formerly 17-3.051, Amended 4-25-93, Formerly 17-302.500, Amended 1-15-96, 12-26-96, 5-15-02, 12-7-06. 

62-302.520 Thermal Surface Water Criteria. 

All discharges or proposed discharges of heated water into receiving bodies of water (RBW) which are controlled by the State shall 

be subjected to a thorough study to assess the consequences of the discharge upon the environment. The State shall be divided into 

two general climatological zones: Peninsular Florida, which varies from tropical in nature to temperate but is modified by the 

peninsular configuration and is the area south of latitude 30o N (excluding Gulf and Franklin Counties): and Northern Florida which 

is temperate and continental and is the area above latitude 30o N plus the portions of Gulf and Franklin Counties which lie below 30o 

N. 

(1) Heated water discharges existing on July 1, 1972: 

(a) Shall not increase the temperature of the RBW so as to cause substantial damage or harm to the aquatic life or vegetation 

therein or interfere with beneficial uses assigned to the RBW, 

(b) Shall be monitored by the discharger to ensure compliance with this rule, and 

(c) If the Department, pursuant to notice and opportunity for hearing, finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a discharge 

has caused substantial damage, it may require conversion of such discharge to offstream cooling or approved alternate methods. In 

making determinations regarding such conversions, the Department may consider: 

1. The nature and extent of the existing damage; 

2. The projected lifetime of the existing discharge; 

3. Any adverse economic and environmental (including non-water quality) impacts which would result from such conversion; 

and 

4. Such other factors as may be appropriate. 

(2) Heated water sources proposed for future discharges into RBW controlled by the State shall not increase the water 

temperature by more than the monthly temperature limits prescribed for the particular type and location of the RBW. New sources

shall include all expansions, modifications, alterations, replacements, or repairs which result in an increased output of ten percent 

(10%) or more of the level of energy production which existed on the date this rule became effective. Water temperatures shall be 

measured by procedures approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In all cases where a temperature 

rise above ambient is allowed and a maximum RBW temperature is also prescribed, the lower of the two limitations shall be the 

control temperature. 

(3) Definitions. 

(a) Ambient (natural) temperature of a RBW shall mean the existing temperature of the receiving water at a location which is 

unaffected by man-made thermal discharges and a location which is also of a depth and exposure to winds and currents which typify 

the most environmentally stable portions of the RBW. 

(b) Coastal waters shall be all waters in the State which are not classified as fresh waters or as open waters. 

(c) A cooling pond is a body of water enclosed by natural or constructed restraints which has been approved by the Florida DEP 

for purposes of controlling heat dissipation from thermal discharges. 

(d) An existing heat source is any thermal discharge (a) which is presently taking place, or (b) which is under construction or for 

which a construction or operation permit has been issued prior to the effective date of this rule. 

(e) Fresh waters shall be all waters of the State which are contained in lakes and ponds, or are in flowing streams above the zone 

in which tidal actions influence the salinity of the water and where the concentration of chloride ions is normally less than 1500 

milligrams per liter. 

(f) Open water shall be all waters in the State extending seaward from the most seaward 18-foot depth contour line (threefathom bottom depth contour) which is offshore from any island; exposed or submerged bar or reef; or mouth of any embayment or 
estuary which is narrowed by headlands. Contour lines shall be determined from Coast and Geodetic Survey Charts. 

(g) The point of discharge (POD) for a heated water discharge shall be primarily that point at which the effluent physically 

leaves its carrying conduit (open or closed), and discharges into the waters of the state, or, in the event it is not practicable to 

measure temperature at the end of the discharge conduit, a specific point designated by the Florida DEP for that particular thermal 

discharge. 

(h) Heated water discharges are the effluents from commercial or industrial activities or processes in which water is used for the 

purpose of transporting waste heat, and which constitute heat sources of one million British Thermal Units per hour (1,000,000 

BTU/HR.), or greater. 

(i) Blowdown shall mean the minimum discharge of recirculating cooling water for the purpose of discharging materials 

contained in the water, the further buildup of which could cause concentrations in amounts exceeding limits established by best

engineering practice. 

(j) Recirculating cooling water shall mean water which is used for the purpose of removing waste heat and then passed through 

a cooling system for the purpose of removing such heat from the water and then, except for blowdown, is used again to remove 

waste heat. 

(4) Monthly and Maximum Temperature Limits. 

(a) Fresh Waters – Heated water with a temperature at the POD more than 5o F higher than the ambient (natural) temperature of 

any stream shall not be discharged into such stream. At all times under all conditions of stream flow the discharge temperature shall 

be controlled so that at least two-thirds (2/3) of the width of the stream’s surface remains at ambient (natural) temperature. Further, 

no more than one-fourth (1/4) of the cross-section of the stream at a traverse perpendicular to the flow shall be heated by the

discharge. Heated water with a temperature at the POD more than 3o F higher than the ambient (natural) temperature of any lake or 

reservoir shall not be discharged into such lake or reservoir. Further, no heated water with a temperature above 90o F shall be

discharged into any fresh waters in Northern Florida regardless of the ambient temperature of the RBW. In Peninsular Florida, 

heated waters above 92o F shall not be discharged into fresh waters. 

(b) Coastal Waters – Heated water with a temperature at the POD more than 2o F higher than the ambient (natural) temperature 

of the RBW shall not be discharged into coastal waters in any zone during the months of June, July, August, and September. During 

the remainder of the year, heated water with a temperature at the POD more than 4o F higher than the ambient (natural) temperature 

of the RBW shall not be discharged into coastal waters in any zone. In addition, during June, July, August, and September, no 

heated water with a temperature above 92o F shall be discharged into coastal waters. Further, no heated water with a temperature 

above 90o F shall be discharged into coastal waters during the period October thru May. 

(c) Open Waters – Heated water with a temperature at the POD up to 17o F above ambient (natural) temperature of the RBW 

may be discharged from an open or closed conduit into open waters under the following restraints: The surface temperature of the 

RBW shall not be raised to more than 97o F and the POD must be sufficient distance offshore to ensure that the adjacent coastal

waters are not heated beyond the temperatures permitted in such waters. 

(d) Cooling Ponds – The temperature for heated water discharged from a cooling pond shall be measured at the POD from the 

pond, and the temperature limitation shall be that specified for the RBW. 

(5) General. 

(a) Daily and seasonal temperature variations that were normal to the RBW before the addition of heat from other than natural 

causes shall be maintained. 

(b) Recapitulation of temperature limitations prescribed above: 

 COASTAL 

 ZONE STREAMS LAKES SUMMER REMAINDER OPEN 

 NORTH. 90o F Max. 90o F Max. 92o F Max. 90o F Max. 97o F Max. 

 AM + 5o F AM + 3o F AM + 2o F AM + 4o F AM + 17o F 

 PENIN. 92o F Max. 92o F Max. 92o F Max. 90o F Max. 97o F Max. 

 AM + 5o F AM + 3o F AM + 2o F AM + 4o F AM + 17o F 

(6) Upon application on a case-by-case basis, the Department may establish a zone of mixing beyond the POD to afford a 

reasonable opportunity for dilution and mixture of heated water discharges with the RBW, in the following manner: 

(a) Zones of mixing for thermal discharges from non-recirculated cooling water systems and process water systems of new 

sources shall be allowed if supported by a demonstration, as provided in Section 316(a), Public Law 92-500 and regulations 
promulgated thereunder, including 40 C.F.R. Part 122, by an applicant that the proposed mixing zone will assure the protection and 

propagation of a balanced, indigenous population of shellfish, fish and wildlife in and on the body of water into which the discharge 

is to be made and such demonstration has not been rebutted. It is the intent of the Commission that to the extent practicable, 

proceedings under this provision should be conducted jointly with proceedings before the federal government under Section 316(a), 

Public Law 92-500. 

(b) Zones of mixing for blowdown discharges from recirculated cooling water systems, and for discharges from nonrecirculated cooling water systems of existing sources, shall be established on the basis of the physical and biological characteristics 

of the RBW. 

(c) When a zone of mixing is established pursuant to this subsection 62-302.520(6), F.A.C., any otherwise applicable 

temperature limitations contained in Rule 62-302.520, F.A.C., shall be met at its boundary; however, the Department may also 

establish maximum numerical temperature limits to be measured at the POD and to be used in lieu of the general temperature limits 

in Rule 62-302.520, F.A.C., to determine compliance by the discharge with the established mixing zone and the temperature limits 

in Rule 62-302.520, F.A.C. 

Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.504, 403.704, 403.804 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 403.141, 

403.161, 403.182, 403.502, 403.702, 403.708 FS. History–Formerly 28-5.02, 17-3.02, Amended 10-28-70, Amended and Renumbered 3-1-79, 

Formerly 17-3.05, 17-3.050, 17-302.520. 

62-302.530 Table: Surface Water Quality Criteria. 

The following table contains both numeric and narrative surface water quality criteria to be applied except within zones of mixing. 

The left-hand column of the Table is a list of constituents for which a surface water criterion exists. The headings for the water 

quality classifications are found at the top of the Table, and the classification descriptions for the headings are specified in 

subsection 62-302.400(1), F.A.C. Applicable criteria lie within the Table. The individual criteria should be read in conjunction with 

other provisions in water quality standards, including Rule 62-302.500, F.A.C. The criteria contained in Rule 62-302.500, F.A.C., 

also apply to all waters unless alternative or more stringent criteria are specified in Rule 62-302.530, F.A.C. Unless otherwise stated, 

all criteria express the maximum not to be exceeded at any time. In some cases, there are separate or additional limits, which apply 

independently of the maximum not to be exceeded at any time. For example, annual average (denoted as “annual avg.” in the Table) 

means the maximum concentration at average annual flow conditions (see subsection 62-302.200(2), F.A.C.). In applying the water

quality standards, the Department shall take into account the variability occurring in nature and shall recognize the statistical 

variability inherent in sampling and testing procedures. The Department’s assessment methodology, set forth in Chapter 62-303, 

F.A.C., accounts for such natural and statistical variability when used to assess ambient waters pursuant to sections 305(b) and 

303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act. 

Criteria for Surface Water Quality Classifications 

 Class III and Class III-Limited 

(see Note 4) 

 

Parameter Units 

Class I Class II 

Predominantly 

Fresh Waters 

Predominantly 

Marine Waters 

Class IV Class V 

(1) Alkalinity Milligrams/L as 

CaCO3

Shall not be 

depressed below 

20 

 Shall not be 

depressed below 

20 

 < 600 

(2) Aluminum Milligrams/L < 1.5 < 1.5 

(3) Ammonia 

 (un-ionized) 

Milligrams/L as 

NH3

< 0.02 < 0.02 

(4) Antimony Micrograms/L < 14.0 < 4,300 < 4,300 < 4,300 

(5)(a) Arsenic 

 (total) 

Micrograms/L ≤ 10 < 50 < 50 < 50 < 50 < 50 
(5)(b) Arsenic 

 (trivalent) 

Micrograms/L 

measured as total 

recoverable 

Arsenic 

 < 36 < 36 

(6) Bacteriological 

Quality (Fecal7 

Coliform Bacteria) 

Number per 100 

ml (Most Probable 

Number (MPN) or 

Membrane Filter 

(MF)) 

MPN or MF 

counts shall not 

exceed a monthly 

average of 200, 

nor exceed 400 in 

10% of the 

samples, nor 

exceed 800 on any 

one day. Monthly 

averages shall be 

expressed as 

geometric means 

based on a 

minimum of 5 

samples taken over 

a 30 day period. 

MPN shall not 

exceed a median 

value of 14 with 

not more than 10% 

of the samples 

exceeding 43, nor 

exceed 800 on any 

one day. 

MPN or MF 

counts shall not 

exceed a monthly 

average of 200, 

nor exceed 400 in 

10% of the 

samples, nor 

exceed 800 on any 

one day. Monthly 

averages shall be 

expressed as 

geometric means 

based on a 

minimum of 10 

samples taken over 

a 30 day period. 

MPN or MF 

counts shall not 

exceed a monthly 

average of 200, 

nor exceed 400 in 

10% of the 

samples, nor 

exceed 800 on any 

one day. Monthly 

averages shall be 

expressed as 

geometric means 

based on a 

minimum of 10 

samples taken over 

a 30 day period. 

 

(7) Barium Milligrams/L < 1 

(8) Benzene Micrograms/L < 1.18 < 71.28 annual 

avg. 

< 71.28 annual 

avg. 

< 71.28 annual 

avg. 

 

(9) Beryllium Micrograms/L < 0.0077 annual 

avg. 

< 0.13 annual avg. < 0.13 annual avg. < 0.13 annual avg. < 100 in waters 

with a hardness in 

mg/L of CaCO3 of 

less than 250 and 

shall not exceed 

500 in harder 

waters 
(10) Biological 

Integrity 

Per cent reduction 

of ShannonWeaver Diversity 

Index 

The Index for 

benthic 

macroinvertebrates 

shall not be 

reduced to less 

than 75% of 

background levels 

as measured using 

organisms retained 

by a U. S. 

Standard No. 30 

sieve and collected 

and composited 

from a minimum 

of three HesterDendy type 

artificial substrate 

samplers of 0.10 to 

0.15 m2 area each, 

incubated for a 

period of four 

weeks. 

The Index for 

benthic 

macroinvertebrates 

shall not be 

reduced to less 

than 75% of 

established 

background levels 

as measured using 

organisms retained 

by a U. S. 

Standard No. 30 

sieve and collected 

and composited 

from a minimum 

of three natural 

substrate samples, 

taken with Ponar 

type samplers with 

minimum 

sampling area of 

225 cm2. 

The Index for 

benthic 

macroinvertebrates 

shall not be 

reduced to less 

than 75% of 

established 

background levels 

as measured using 

organisms retained 

by a U. S. 

Standard No. 30 

sieve and collected 

and composited 

from a minimum 

of three HesterDendy type 

artificial substrate 

samplers of 0.10 to 

0.15 m2 area each, 

incubated for a 

period of four 

weeks. 

The Index for 

benthic 

macroinvertebrates 

shall not be 

reduced to less 

than 75% of 

established 

background levels 

as measured using 

organisms retained 

by a U. S. 

Standard No. 30 

sieve and collected 

and composited 

from a minimum 

of three natural 

substrate samples, 

taken with Ponar 

type samplers with 

minimum 

sampling area of 

225 cm2. 

 

(11) BOD 

(Biochemical Oxygen 

Demand) 

 Shall not be increased to exceed values which would cause dissolved oxygen to be depressed below 

the limit established for each class and, in no case, shall it be great enough to produce nuisance 

conditions. 

(12) Boron Milligrams/L < 0.75 

(13) Bromates Milligrams/L < 100 < 100 

(14) Bromine (free 

molecular) 

Milligrams/L < 0.1 < 0.1 

(15) Cadmium Micrograms/L 

See Notes (1) and 

(3). 

 Cd <

e(0.7409[lnH]-4.719); 

< 8.8 Cd <

e(0.7409[lnH]-4.719);

< 8.8 

(16) Carbon 

tetrachloride 

Micrograms/L < 0.25 annual avg.; 

 3.0 max 

< 4.42 annual 

avg. 

< 4.42 annual avg. < 4.42 annual avg. 

(17) Chlorides Milligrams/L < 250 Not increased 

more than 10% 

above normal 

background. 

Normal daily 

and seasonal 

fluctuations 

shall be 

maintained. 

 Not increased 

more than 10% 

above normal 

background. 

Normal daily and 

seasonal fluctuations shall be 

maintained. 

 In predominantly 

marine waters, not 

increased more 

than 10% above 

normal background. Normal 

daily and seasonal 

fluctuations shall 

be maintained. 

(18) Chlorine (total 

residual) 

Milligrams/L < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 
(19)(a) Chromium 

(trivalent) 

Micrograms/L 

measured as total 

recoverable 

Chromium 

See Notes (1) and 

(3). 

Cr (III) 

e(0.819[lnH]+0.6848) 

 Cr (III) 

e(0.819[lnH]+0.6848) 

 Cr (III) 

e(0.819[lnH]+0.6848) 

In predominantly 

fresh waters, 

e(0.819[lnH]+0.6848) 

(19)(b) Chromium 

 (hexavalent) 

Micrograms/L 

See Note (3) 

< 11 < 50 < 11 < 50 < 11 In predominantly 

fresh waters, < 11. 

In predominantly 

marine waters, 

< 50 

(20) Chronic Toxicity 

(see definition in 

Section 62-302.200(4), 

F.A.C. and also see 

below, “Substances in 

concentrations 

which...”) 

 

(21) Color, etc. (see 

also Minimum Criteria, 

Odor, Phenols, etc.) 

Color, odor, and 

taste producing 

substances and 

other deleterious 

substances, 

including other 

chemical 

compounds 

attributable to 

domestic wastes, 

industrial wastes, 

and other wastes 

 Only such amounts 

as will not render 

the waters 

unsuitable for 

agricultural irrigation, livestock 

watering, 

industrial cooling, 

industrial process 

water supply 

purposes, or fish 

survival. 

(22) Conductance, 

Specific 

Micromhos/cm Shall not be increased 

more than 50% above 

background or to 

1275, whichever is 

greater. 

 Shall not be 

increased more 

than 50% above 

background or to 

1275, whichever is 

greater. 

 Shall not be 

increased more 

than 50% above 

background or to 

1275, whichever is 

greater. 

Shall not exceed 

4,000 

(23) Copper Micrograms/L 

See Notes (1) and 

(3). 

 Cu  e(0.8545[lnH]-1.702)  3.7 Cu  

e(0.8545[lnH]-1.702) 

 3.7 < 500 < 500 

(24) Cyanide Micrograms/L < 5.2 < 1.0 < 5.2 < 1.0 < 5.0 < 5.0 

(25) Definitions (see 

Section 62-302.200, 

F.A.C.) 

 

(26) Detergents Milligrams/L < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 

(27) 1,1-

Dichloroethylene (1,1-

dichloroethene) 

Micrograms/L < 0.057 annual avg.; 

 < 7.0 max 

< 3.2 annual 

avg. 

< 3.2 annual avg. < 3.2 annual avg. 

(28) Dichloromethane 

(methylene chloride) 

Micrograms/L < 4.65 annual avg. < 1,580 annual 

avg. 

< 1,580 annual 

avg. 

< 1,580 annual 

avg. 

 
(29) 2,4-Dinitrotoluene Micrograms/L < 0.11 annual avg. < 9.1 annual 

avg. 

< 9.1 annual avg. < 9.1 annual avg. 

(30) Dissolved Oxygen Milligrams/L Shall not be less than 

5.0. Normal daily and 

seasonal fluctuations 

above this level shall 

be maintained. 

Shall not 

average less 

than 5.0 in a 

24-hour period 

and shall never 

be less than 

4.0. Normal 

daily and 

seasonal 

fluctuations 

above these 

levels shall be 

maintained. 

Shall not be less 

than 5.0. Normal 

daily and seasonal 

fluctuations above 

these levels shall 

be maintained. 

Shall not average 

less than 5.0 in a 

24-hour period and 

shall never be less 

than 4.0. Normal 

daily and seasonal 

fluctuations above 

these levels shall 

be maintained. 

Shall not average 

less than 4.0 in a 

24-hour period and 

shall never be less 

than 3.0. 

Shall not be less 

than 0.3, fifty 

percent of the 

time on an annual 

basis for flows 

greater than or 

equal to 250 cubic 

feet per second 

and shall never be 

less than 0.1. 

Normal daily and 

seasonal 

fluctuations above 

these levels shall 

be maintained. 

(31) Dissolved Solids Milligrams/L < 500 as a monthly 

avg.; < 1,000 max 

 

(32) Fluorides Milligrams/L < 1.5 < 1.5 < 10.0 < 5.0 < 10.0 < 10.0 

(33) “Free Froms” (see 

Minimum Criteria in 

Section 62-302.500, 

F.A.C.) 

 

(34) “General Criteria” 

(see Section 62-

302.500, F.A.C. and 

individual criteria) 

(35)(a) Halomethanes 

(Total trihalomethanes) 

(total of bromoform, 

chlorodibromomethane, 

dichlorobromomethane, and chloroform). 

Individual 

halomethanes shall not 

exceed (b)1. to (b)5. 

below. 

Micrograms/L < 80 

(35)(b)1. 

Halomethanes 

(individual): 

Bromoform 

Micrograms/L < 4.3 annual avg. < 360 annual 

avg. 

< 360 annual avg. < 360 annual avg. 

(35)(b)2. 

Halomethanes 

(individual): 

Chlorodibromomethane 

Micrograms/L < 0.41 annual avg. < 34 annual 

avg. 

< 34 annual avg. < 34 annual avg. 
(35)(b)3. 

Halomethanes 

(individual): 

Chloroform 

Micrograms/L < 5.67 annual avg. < 470.8 annual 

avg. 

< 470.8 annual 

avg. 

< 470.8 annual 

avg. 

 

(35)(b)4. 

Halomethanes 

(individual): 

Chloromethane 

(methyl chloride) 

Micrograms/L < 5.67 annual avg. < 470.8 annual 

avg. 

< 470.8 annual 

avg. 

< 470.8 annual 

avg. 

 

(35)(b)5. 

Halomethanes 

(individual): 

Dichlorobromomethane

Micrograms/L < 0.27 annual avg. < 22 annual 

avg. 

< 22 annual avg. < 22 annual avg. 

(36) 

Hexachlorobutadiene 

Micrograms/L < 0.45 annual avg. < 49.7 annual 

avg. 

< 49.7 annual avg. < 49.7 annual avg. 

(37) Imbalance (see 

Nutrients) 

 

(38) Iron Milligrams/L < 1.0 < 0.3 < 1.0 < 0.3 < 1.0 

(39) Lead Micrograms/L 

See Notes (1) and 

(3). 

Pb < 

 e(1.273[lnH]- 

 4.705); 

 8.5 Pb < 

 e(1.273 [lnH] - 

 4.705); 

 8.5 < 50 < 50 

(40) Manganese Milligrams/L < 0.1 

(41) Mercury Micrograms/L 0.012 0.025 0.012 0.025 < 0.2 < 0.2 

(42) Minimum Criteria 

(see Section 62-

302.500, F.A.C.) 

 

(43) Mixing Zones 

(See Section 62-4.244, 

F.A.C.) 

(44) Nickel Micrograms/L 

See Notes (1) and 

(3). 

Ni  e(0.846[lnH]+0.0584) < 8.3 Ni 

e(0.846[lnH]+0.0584) 

< 8.3 < 100 

(45) Nitrate Milligrams/L as N < 10 or that 

concentration that 

exceeds the nutrient 

criteria 

 

(46) Nuisance Species Substances in concentrations which result in the dominance of nuisance species: none shall be present. 

(47)(a) Nutrients The discharge of nutrients shall continue to be limited as needed to prevent violations of other standards 

contained in this chapter. Man-induced nutrient enrichment (total nitrogen or total phosphorus) shall be 

considered degradation in relation to the provisions of Rules 62-302.300, 62-302.700, and 62-4.242, F.A.C. 

(47)(b) Nutrients In no case shall nutrient concentrations of a body of water be altered so 

as to cause an imbalance in natural populations of aquatic flora or fauna. 

 
(48) Odor (also see 

Color, Minimum 

Criteria, Phenolic 

Compounds, etc.) 

Threshold odor 

number 

 Shall not exceed 

24 at 60 degrees C 

as a daily average. 

 Odor producing 

substances: only 

in such amounts 

as will not 

unreasonably 

interfere with use 

of the water for 

the designated 

purpose of this 

classification. 

(49)(a) Oils and 

Greases 

Milligrams/L Dissolved or 

emulsified oils and 

greases shall not 

exceed 5.0 

Dissolved or 

emulsified oils and 

greases shall not 

exceed 5.0 

Dissolved or 

emulsified oils and 

greases shall not 

exceed 5.0 

Dissolved or 

emulsified oils and 

greases shall not 

exceed 5.0 

Dissolved or 

emulsified oils and 

greases shall not 

exceed 5.0 

Dissolved or 

emulsified oils 

and greases shall 

not exceed 10.0 

(49)(b) Oils and 

Greases 

 No undissolved oil, or visible oil defined as iridescence, shall be present so as to cause taste or odor, or 

otherwise interfere with the beneficial use of waters. 

(50) Pesticides and 

Herbicides 

 

(50)(a) 2,4,5-TP Micrograms/L < 10 

(50)(b) 2-4-D Micrograms/L < 100 

(50)(c) Aldrin Micrograms/L < .00013 annual 

avg.; 

3.0 max 

< .00014 annual 

avg.; 

1.3 max 

< .00014 annual 

avg.; 

3.0 max 

< .00014 annual 

avg.; 

1.3 max 

 

(50)(d) Betahexachlorocyclohexane 

(b-BHC) 

Micrograms/L < 0.014 annual 

avg. 

< 0.046 annual 

avg. 

< 0.046 annual 

avg. 

< 0.046 annual 

avg. 

 

(50)(e) Chlordane Micrograms/L < 0.00058 annual 

avg.; 

0.0043 max 

< 0.00059 annual 

avg.; 

0.004 max 

< 0.00059 annual 

avg.; 

0.0043 max 

< 0.00059 annual 

avg.; 

 0.004 max 

 

(50)(f) DDT Micrograms/L < 0.00059 annual 

avg.; 

0.001 max 

< 0.00059 annual 

avg.; 

 0.001 max 

< 0.00059 annual 

avg.; 

 0.001 max 

< 0.00059 annual 

avg.; 

 0.001 max 

 

(50)(g) Demeton Micrograms/L < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 

(50)(h) Dieldrin Micrograms/L < 0.00014 annual 

avg.; 

 0.0019 max 

< 0.00014 annual 

avg.; 

 0.0019 max 

< 0.00014 annual 

avg.; 

 0.0019 max 

< 0.00014 annual 

avg.; 

 0.0019 max 

 

(50)(i) Endosulfan Micrograms/L < 0.056 < 0.0087 < 0.056 < 0.0087 

(50)(j) Endrin Micrograms/L < 0.0023 < 0.0023 < 0.0023 < 0.0023 

(50)(k) Guthion Micrograms/L < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 

(50)(l) Heptachlor Micrograms/L < 0.00021 annual 

avg.; 0.0038 max 

< 0.00021 annual 

avg.; 0.0036 max 

< 0.00021 annual 

avg.; 0.0038 max 

< 0.00021 annual 

avg.; 0.0036 max 

 

(50)(m) Lindane (gbenzene hexachloride) Micrograms/L < 0.019 annual 

avg.; 

 0.08 max 

< 0.063 annual 

avg.; 

 0.16 max 

< 0.063 annual 

avg.; 

 0.08 max 

 < 0.063. annual 

avg.; 

 0.16 max 

 

(50)(n) Malathion Micrograms/L < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 

(50)(o) Methoxychlor Micrograms/L < 0.03 < 0.03 < 0.03 < 0.03 

(50)(p) Mirex Micrograms/L < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 

(50)(q) Parathion Micrograms/L < 0.04 < 0.04 < 0.04 < 0.04 
(50)(r) Toxaphene Micrograms/L < 0.0002 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 

(51)(a) pH (Class I and 

Class IV Waters) 

Standard Units Shall not vary more than one unit above or below natural background provided that the pH is not lowered to less than 6 

units or raised above 8.5 units. If natural background is less than 6 units, the pH shall not vary below natural background 

or vary more than one unit above natural background. If natural background is higher than 8.5 units, the pH shall not 

vary above natural background or vary more than one unit below background. 

(51)(b) pH (Class II 

Waters) 

Standard Units Shall not vary more than one unit above or below natural background of coastal waters as defined in paragraph 62-

302.520(3)(b), F.A.C., or more than two-tenths unit above or below natural background of open waters as defined in 

paragraph 62-302.520(3)(f), F.A.C., provided that the pH is not lowered to less than 6.5 units or raised above 8.5 units. 

If natural background is less than 6.5 units, the pH shall not vary below natural background or vary more than one unit 

above natural background for coastal waters or more than two-tenths unit above natural background for open waters. If 

natural background is higher than 8.5 units, the pH shall not vary above natural background or vary more than one unit 

below natural background of coastal waters or more than two-tenths unit below natural background of open waters. 

(51)(c) pH (Class III 

Waters) 

Standard Units Shall not vary more than one unit above or below natural background of predominantly fresh waters and coastal waters 

as defined in paragraph 62-302.520(3)(b), F.A.C. or more than two-tenths unit above or below natural background of 

open waters as defined in paragraph 62-302.520(3)(f), F.A.C., provided that the pH is not lowered to less than 6 units in 

predominantly fresh waters, or less than 6.5 units in predominantly marine waters, or raised above 8.5 units. If natural 

background is less than 6 units, in predominantly fresh waters or 6.5 units in predominantly marine waters, the pH shall 

not vary below natural background or vary more than one unit above natural background of predominantly fresh waters 

and coastal waters, or more than two-tenths unit above natural background of open waters. If natural background is 

higher than 8.5 units, the pH shall not vary above natural background or vary more than one unit below natural 

background of predominantly fresh waters and coastal waters, or more than two-tenths unit below natural background of 

open waters. 

(51)(d) pH (Class V 

Waters) 

Standard Units Not lower than 5.0 nor greater than 9.5 except certain swamp waters which may be as low as 4.5. 

(52)(a) Phenolic 

Compounds: Total 

 Phenolic compounds other than those produced by the natural decay of plant material, listed or unlisted, shall not taint 

the flesh of edible fish or shellfish or produce objectionable taste or odor in a drinking water supply. 

(52)(b) Total 

Chlorinated Phenols 

and Chlorinated 

Cresols 

Micrograms/L 1. The total of all chlorinated phenols, and chlorinated cresols, except as set forth in (c)1. to (c)4. 

below, shall not exceed 1.0 unless higher values are shown not to be chronically toxic. Such higher 

values shall be approved in writing by the Secretary. 

2. The compounds listed in (c)1. to (c)6. below shall not exceed the limits specified for each 

compound. 

1. The total of the 

following 

Phenolic 

compounds shall 

not exceed 50: 

a) Chlorinated 

phenols; 

b) Chlorinated 

cresols; and 

c) 2,4-

dinitrophenol. 

(52)(c) 1. Phenolic 

Compound: 2-

chlorophenol 

Micrograms/L < 120 < 400 

See Note (2). 

 < 400 

See Note (2). 

 < 400 

See Note (2). 

 < 400 

See Note (2). 

(52)(c) 2. Phenolic 

Compound: 2,4-

dichlorophenol 

Micrograms/L < 93 

See Note (2). 

< 790 

See Note (2). 

< 790 

See Note (2). 

< 790 

See Note (2). 

< 790 

See Note (2). 

(52)(c) 3. Phenolic 

Compound: 

Pentachlorophenol 

Micrograms/L < 30 max; 

< 0.28 annual avg; 

< e(1.005[pH]-

5.29)

< 7.9 < 30 max; 

< 8.2 annual avg; 

< e(1.005[pH]-

5.29)

< 7.9 < 30 
(52)(c) 4. Phenolic 

Compound: 2,4,6-

trichlorophenol 

Micrograms/L < 2.1 annual avg. < 6.5 annual avg. < 6.5 annual avg. < 6.5 annual avg. < 6.5 annual avg. 

(52)(c) 5. Phenolic 

Compound: 2,4-

dinitrophenol 

Milligrams/L < 0.0697 

See Note (2). 

< 14.26 

See Note (2). 

< 14.26 

See Note (2). 

< 14.26 

See Note (2). 

< 14.26 

See Note (2). 

(52)(c) 6. Phenolic 

Compound: Phenol 

Milligrams/L < 0.3 < 0.3 < 0.3 < 0.3 < 0.3 < 0.3 

(53) Phosphorus 

(Elemental) 

Micrograms/L < 0.1 < 0.1 

(54) Phthalate Esters Micrograms/L < 3.0 < 3.0 

(55) Polychlorinated 

Biphenyls (PCBs) 

Micrograms/L < 0.000044 annual 

avg.; 0.014 max 

< 0.000045 annual 

avg.; 0.03 max 

< 0.000045 annual 

avg.; 0.014 max 

< 0.000045 annual 

avg.; 0.03 max 

 

(56)(a) Polycyclic 

Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons (PAHs). 

Total of: 

Acenaphthylene; 

Benzo(a)anthracene; 

Benzo(a)pyrene; 

Benzo(b)fluoran-thene; 

Benzo-(ghi)perylene; 

Benzo(k)fluoranthene; 

Chrysene; Dibenzo-

(a,h)anthracene; 

Indeno(1,2,3-

cd)pyrene; and 

Phenanthrene 

Micrograms/L < 0.0028 annual 

avg. 

< 0.031 annual 

avg. 

< 0.031annual avg. < 0.031 annual 

avg. 

 

(56)(b)1. (Individual 

PAHs): Acenaphthene 

Milligrams/L < 1.2 

See Note (2). 

< 2.7 

See Note (2). 

< 2.7 

See Note (2). 

< 2.7 

See Note (2). 

 

(56)(b)2. (Individual 

PAHs): Anthracene 

Milligrams/L < 9.6 

See Note (2). 

< 110 

See Note (2). 

< 110 

See Note (2). 

< 110 

See Note (2). 

 

(56)(b)3. (Individual 

PAHs): Fluoranthene 

Milligrams/L < 0.3 

See Note (2). 

< 0.370 

See Note (2). 

< 0.370 

See Note (2). 

< 0.370 

See Note (2). 

 

(56)(b)4. (Individual 

PAHs): Fluorene 

Milligrams/L < 1.3 

See Note (2). 

< 14 

See Note (2). 

< 14 

See Note (2). 

< 14 

See Note (2). 

 

(56)(b)5. (Individual 

PAHs): Pyrene 

Milligrams/L < 0.96 

See Note (2). 

< 11 

See Note (2). 

< 11 

See Note (2). 

< 11 

See Note (2). 

 

(57)(a) Radioactive 

substances (Combined 

radium 226 and 228) 

Picocuries/L < 5 < 5 < 5 < 5 < 5 < 5 

(57)(b) Radioactive 

substances (Gross 

alpha particle activity 

including radium 226, 

but excluding radon 

and uranium) 

Picocuries/L < 15 < 15 < 15 < 15 < 15 < 15 

(58) Selenium Micrograms/L < 5.0 < 71 < 5.0 < 71 
(59) Silver Micrograms/L 

See Note (3). 

< 0.07 See Minimum 

criteria in Section 

62-302.500(1)(c) 

< 0.07 See Minimum 

criteria in Section 

62-302.500(1)(c) 

 

(60) Specific 

Conductance (see 

Conductance, Specific, 

above) 

 

(61) Substances in 

concentrations which 

injure, are chronically 

toxic to, or produce 

adverse physiological 

or behavioral response 

in humans, plants, or 

animals 

None shall be present. 

(62) 1,1,2,2-

Tetrachloroethane 

Micrograms/L < 0.17 annual avg. < 10.8 annual avg. < 10.8 annual avg. < 10.8 annual avg. 

(63) 

Tetrachloroethylene 

(1,1,2,2-

tetrachloroethene) 

Micrograms/L < 0.8 annual avg., 

< 3.0 max 

< 8.85 annual avg. < 8.85 annual avg. < 8.85 annual avg. 

(64) Thallium Micrograms/L < 1.7 < 6.3 < 6.3 < 6.3 

(65) Thermal Criteria 

(See Section 62-

302.520) 

 

(66) Total Dissolved 

Gases 

Percent of the 

saturation value for 

gases at the 

existing 

atmospheric and 

hydrostatic 

pressures 

< 110% of 

saturation value 

< 110% of 

saturation value 

< 110% of 

saturation value 

< 110% of 

saturation value 

 

(67) Transparency Depth of the 

compensation 

point for 

photosynthetic 

activity 

Shall not be 

reduced by more 

than 10% as 

compared to the 

natural 

background value. 

Shall not be 

reduced by more 

than 10% as 

compared to the 

natural 

background value. 

Shall not be 

reduced by more 

than 10% as 

compared to the 

natural 

background value. 

Shall not be 

reduced by more 

than 10% as 

compared to the 

natural 

background value. 

 

(68) Trichloroethylene 

(trichloroethene) 

Micrograms/L < 2.7 annual avg., 

< 3.0 max 

< 80.7 annual avg. < 80.7 annual avg. < 80.7 annual avg. 

(69) Turbidity Nephelometric 

Turbidity Units 

(NTU) 

< 29 above natural 

background 

conditions 

< 29 above natural 

background 

conditions 

< 29 above natural 

background 

conditions 

< 29 above natural 

background 

conditions 

< 29 above natural 

background 

conditions 

< 29 above natural 

background 

conditions 

(70) Zinc Micrograms/L 

See Notes (1) and 

(3). 

Zn 

e(0.8473[lnH]+0.884) 

< 86 Zn 

e(0.8473[lnH]+0.884) 

< 86 < 1,000 < 1,000 
Notes: (1) “ln H” means the natural logarithm of total hardness expressed as milligrams/L of CaCO3. For metals criteria involving equations 

with hardness, the hardness shall be set at 25 mg/L if actual hardness is < 25 mg/L and set at 400 mg/L if actual hardness is > 400 mg/L. (2) 

This criterion is protective of human health not of aquatic life. (3) For application of dissolved metals criteria see paragraph 62-302.500(2)(d), 

F.A.C. (4) Class III-Limited waters have at least one Site Specific Alternative Criterion as established under Rule 62-302.800, F.A.C. 

Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.504, 403.704, 403.804 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 403.141, 

403.161, 403.182, 403.502, 403.702, 403.708 FS. History–New 1-28-90, Formerly 17-3.065, Amended 2-13-92, 6-17-92, Formerly 17-302.540, 17-

302.550, 17-302.560, 17-302.570, 17-302.580, Amended 4-25-93, Formerly 17-302.530, Amended 1-23-95, 1-15-96, 5-15-02, 7-19-04, 12-7-06, 8-

5-10. 

62-302.540 Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus Within the Everglades Protection Area. 

(1) Purpose and Scope. 

(a) The purpose of this rule is to implement the requirements of the Everglades Forever Act by utilizing the powers and duties 

granted the Department under the Act and other applicable provisions of Chapters 373 and 403, F.S., to establish water quality 

standards for phosphorus, including a numeric phosphorus criterion, within the EPA. 

(b) The water quality standards adopted by this rule include all of the following elements: 

1. A numerical interpretation of the Class III narrative nutrient criterion for phosphorus; 

2. Establishment of moderating provisions for permits authorizing discharges into the EPA in compliance with water quality 

standards, including the numeric phosphorus criterion; and 

3. A method for determining achievement of the numeric phosphorus criterion, which takes into consideration spatial and 

temporal variability, natural background conditions and confidence in laboratory results. 

(2) Findings. 

(a) The Legislature, in adopting the Everglades Forever Act, recognized that the EPA must be restored both in terms of water 

quantity and water quality. 

(b) Best Management Practices (BMPs) have reduced phosphorus loads from the Everglades Agricultural Area to the EPA by 

more than twice the amount required by existing rules. Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) have reduced phosphorus 

concentrations to less than the goal of 50 ppb established in the Everglades Forever Act. 

(c) While a significant percentage of the EPA currently meets the numeric phosphorus criterion, further efforts are required to

achieve the criterion in the remaining impacted areas of the EPA. 

(d) Even as water quality continues to improve, restoration will be a long-term process because of historic phosphorus 

accumulations found in sediments within impacted areas. This phosphorus can diffuse back into the water column, a phenomenon 

the Department recognizes as reflux. 

(e) The Basin-Specific Feasibility Studies completed by the District considered environmental factors, implementation cost, 

scheduling, and technical factors in evaluating measures to reduce phosphorus levels entering the EPA. These studies and other 

information provided to the Commission show that: 

1. At this time, chemical treatment technology is not cost-effective for treating discharges entering the EPA and poses the 

potential for adverse environmental effects. 

2. Optimization of the existing STAs, in combination with BMPs, is currently the most cost-effective and environmentally 

preferable means to achieve further phosphorus reductions to the EPA, and to restore impacted areas. The effectiveness of such 

measures should be determined and maximized prior to requiring additional measures. Optimization shall take into consideration 

viable vegetative technologies, including Periphyton-based STAs that are found to be cost-effective and environmentally acceptable. 

(f) The District and the Department recognize that STA and BMP optimization requires a sustained commitment to construct, 

implement, stabilize and measure phosphorus reduction benefits. 

(g) The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) contains projects that will affect the flows and phosphorus levels 

entering the EPA. Achievement of water quality standards for water quality projects required under the Everglades Forever Act can 

be most effectively and efficiently attained when integrated with CERP projects. 

(h) The Long-Term Plan constitutes a comprehensive program to optimize the STAs and BMPs to achieve further phosphorus 

reductions and thereby accomplish implementation of Best Available Phosphorus Reduction Technology (BAPRT). 

(i) It is the intent of the Commission that implementation of this rule will fulfill commitments made by the State of Florida to 

restore and maintain water quality in the EPA, while, at the same time, fulfill the States obligations under the Settlement Agreement 
to achieve the long-term phosphorus concentration levels and discharge limits established in that Agreement for the Loxahatchee

National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) and the Everglades National Park (Park). 

(j) Establishment of the numeric phosphorus criterion, based upon analyses conducted primarily in freshwater open water 

slough systems, assumed that preservation of the balance of the native flora and fauna in these open water slough systems would

protect other communities of native vegetation in the EPA. Further research should be conducted in other habitat types to further 

evaluate the natural variability in those habitat types. 

(k) The Commission has received substantial testimony regarding mercury and its impact on the EPA. The Commission 

encourages all interested parties to continue research efforts on the effects of mercury. 

(l) The Commission finds that this rule must incorporate a flexible approach towards the application of the numeric phosphorus 

criterion for phosphorus in order to guide the implementation of phosphorus reductions in the Everglades Protection Area. Chapter 

403, F.S., the Everglades Forever Act and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations set forth at 40 CFR Part 131 include

general policies that authorize such flexibility under appropriate circumstances, including those described in paragraphs (c) through 

(h) and (k) above. The Commission has exercised this authority by including in this rule both a numeric interpretation of the 

phosphorus criterion and the various other standard setting provisions of this rule, including the permitting and moderating 

provisions. 

(3) Definitions. 

(a) “Best Available Phosphorus Reduction Technology” (BAPRT) shall be as defined by Section 373.4592(2)(a), F.S. BMPs 

shall maintain and, where practicable, improve upon the performance of urban and agricultural source controls in reducing overall 

phosphorus levels. Agricultural BMPs within the Everglades Agricultural Area and the C-139 Basin shall be in accordance with 

Chapters 40E-61 and 40E-63, F.A.C. STA phosphorus reductions shall be improved through implementation of optimization 

measures as defined by Section 373.4592(2)(l), F.S. BAPRT may include measures intended to reduce phosphorus levels in 

discharges from a single basin or sub-basin, or a program designed to address discharges from multiple basins. 

(b) “Long-Term Plan” shall be as defined by Section 373.4592(2)(j), F.S. 

(c) The “Everglades Protection Area” or “EPA” shall mean Water Conservation Areas 1 (Refuge), 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, and the 

Everglades National Park. 

(d) “Impacted Areas” shall mean areas of the EPA where total phosphorus concentrations in the upper 10 centimeters of the 

soils are greater than 500 mg/kg. 

(e) “District” shall mean the South Florida Water Management District. 

(f) “Optimization” shall be as defined by Section 373.4592(2)(l), F.S. 

(g) “Settlement Agreement” shall mean the Settlement Agreement entered in Case No. 88-1886-Civ-Hoeveler, United States 

District Court for the Southern District of Florida, as modified by the Omnibus Order entered in the case on April 27, 2001. 

(h) “Technology-based Effluent Limitation” or “TBEL” shall be as defined in Section 373.4592(2)(p), F.S. 

(i) “Unimpacted Areas” shall mean those areas which are not “Impacted Areas”. 

(4) Phosphorus Criterion. 

(a) The numeric phosphorus criterion for Class III waters in the EPA shall be a long-term geometric mean of 10 ppb, but shall 

not be lower than the natural conditions of the EPA, and shall take into account spatial and temporal variability. Achievement of the 

criterion shall be determined by the methods in this subsection. Exceedences of the provisions of this subsection shall not be 

considered deviations from the criterion if they are attributable to the full range of natural spatial and temporal variability, statistical 

variability inherent in sampling and testing procedures or higher natural background conditions. 

(b) Water Bodies. Achievement of the phosphorus criterion for waters in the EPA shall be determined separately in impacted 

and unimpacted areas in each of the following water bodies: Water Conservation Areas 1, 2 and 3, and the Everglades National Park. 

(c) Achievement of Criterion in Everglades National Park. Achievement of the phosphorus criterion in the Park shall be based 

on the methods as set forth in Appendix A of the Settlement Agreement unless the Settlement Agreement is rescinded or terminated. 

If the Settlement Agreement is no longer in force, achievement of the criterion shall be determined based on the method provided for 

the remaining EPA. For the Park, the Department shall review data from inflows into the Park at locations established pursuant to 

Appendix A of the Settlement Agreement and shall determine that compliance is achieved if the Department concludes that 

phosphorus concentration limits for inflows into the Park do not result in a violation of the limits established in Appendix A.

(d) Achievement of the Criterion in WCA-1, WCA-2 and WCA-3. 

1. Achievement of the criterion in unimpacted areas in each WCA shall be determined based upon data from stations that are 
evenly distributed and located in freshwater open water sloughs similar to the areas from which data were obtained to derive the 

phosphorus criterion. Achievement of the criterion shall be determined based on data collected monthly from the network of 

monitoring stations in the unimpacted area. The water body will have achieved the criterion if the five year geometric mean 

averaged across all stations is less than or equal to 10 ppb. In order to provide protection against imbalances of aquatic flora or 

fauna, the following provisions must also be met: 

a. The annual geometric mean averaged across all stations is less than or equal to 10 ppb for three of five years; 

b. The annual geometric mean averaged across all stations is less than or equal to 11 ppb; and 

c. The annual geometric mean at all individual stations is less than or equal to 15 ppb. Individual station analyses are 

representative of only that station. 

2. Achievement of the criterion shall be determined based on data collected monthly from the network of monitoring stations in 

the impacted area. Impacted Areas of the water body will have achieved the criterion if the five year geometric mean averaged 

across all stations is less than or equal to 10 ppb. In order to provide protection against imbalances of aquatic flora or fauna, the 

following provisions must also be met: 

a. The annual geometric mean averaged across all stations is less than or equal to 10 ppb for three of five years; 

b. The annual geometric mean averaged across all stations is less than or equal to 11 ppb; and 

c. The annual geometric mean at all individual stations is less than or equal to 15 ppb. Individual station analyses are 

representative of only that station. 

If these limits are not met, no action shall be required, provided that the net improvement or hydropattern restoration provisions of 

subsection (6) below are met. Notwithstanding the definition of Impacted Area in subsection (3), individual stations in the network 

shall be deemed to be unimpacted for purposes of this rule if the five-year geometric mean is less than or equal to 10 ppb and the 

annual geometric mean is less than or equal to 15 ppb. 

(e) Adjustment of Achievement Methods. The Department shall complete a technical review of the achievement methods set 

forth in this subsection at a minimum of five year intervals and will report to the ERC on changes as needed. Data will be collected 

as necessary at stations that are evenly distributed and representative of major natural habitat types to further define the natural 

spatial and temporal variability and natural background of phosphorus concentrations in the EPA. As a part of the review, the 

Department may propose amendments to the achievement method provisions of this rule to include: 

1. A hydrologic variability algorithm in a manner similar to the Settlement Agreement; and 

2. Implementing adjustment factors that take into account water body specific variability, including the effect of habitat types. 

The hydrologic variability evaluation shall be based on data from at least one climatic drought cycle and data reflecting the average 

interior stage of the water body on the dates of sample collection. 

(f) Data Screening. Data from each monitoring station shall be evaluated prior to being used for the purposes of determining 

achievement of the criterion. Data shall be excluded from calculations for the purpose of determining achievement of the criterion if 

such data: 

1. Do not comply with the requirements of Chapter 62-160, F.A.C.; or 

2. Are excluded through the screening protocol set forth in the Data Quality Screening Protocol; or 

3. Were collected from sites affected by extreme events such as fire, flood, drought or hurricanes, until normal conditions are

restored; or 

4. Were affected by localized activities caused by temporary human or natural disturbances such as airboat traffic, authorized 

(permitted or exempt) restoration activities, alligator holes, or bird rookeries. 

5. Were sampled in years where hydrologic conditions (e.g., rainfall amount, water levels and water deliveries) were outside the 

range that occurred during the period (calendar years 1978 – 2001) used to set the phosphorus criterion. 

(5) Long-Term Compliance Permit Requirements for Phosphorus Discharges into the EPA. 

(a) In addition to meeting all other applicable permitting criteria, an applicant must provide reasonable assurance that the 

discharge will comply with state water quality standards as set forth in this section. 

(b) Discharges into the EPA shall be deemed in compliance with state water quality standards upon a demonstration that: 

1. Phosphorus levels in the discharges will be at or below the phosphorus criterion set forth in this rule; or 

2. Discharges will not cause or contribute to exceedences of the phosphorus criterion in the receiving waters, the determination 

of which will take into account the phosphorus in the water column that is due to reflux; or 

3. Discharges will comply with moderating provisions as provided in this rule. 
(c) Discharges into the Park must not result in a violation of the concentration limits established for the Park in Appendix A of 

the Settlement Agreement as determined through the methodology set forth in subsection (4). 

(d) Discharge limits for permits allowing discharges into the EPA shall be based upon TBELs established through BAPRT and 

shall not require water quality based effluent limitations through 2016. Such TBELs shall be applied as effluent limitations as

defined in subsection 62-302.200(10), F.A.C. 

(6) Moderating Provisions. The following moderating provisions are established for discharges into or within the EPA as a part 

of state water quality standards applicable to the phosphorus criterion set forth in this rule: 

(a) Net Improvement in Impacted Areas. 

1. Until December 31, 2016, discharges into or within the EPA shall be permitted using net improvement as a moderating 

provision upon a demonstration by the applicant that: 

a. The permittee will implement, or cause to be implemented, BAPRT, as defined by Section 373.4592(2)(a), F.S., and further 

provided in this section, which shall include a continued research and monitoring program designed to reduce outflow 

concentrations of phosphorus; and 

b. The discharge is into or within an impacted area. 

2. BAPRT shall use an adaptive management approach based on the best available information and data to develop and 

implement incremental phosphorus reduction measures with the goal of achieving the phosphorus criterion. BAPRT shall also 

include projects and strategies to accelerate restoration of natural conditions with regard to populations of native flora or fauna. 

3. For purposes of this rule, the Long-Term Plan shall constitute BAPRT. The planning goal of the Long-Term Plan is to 

achieve compliance with the criterion set forth in subsection (4) of this rule. Implementation of BAPRT will result in net 

improvement in impacted areas of the EPA. The Initial Phase of the Long-Term Plan shall be implemented through 2016. Revisions 

to the Long-Term Plan shall be incorporated through an adaptive management approach including a Process Development and 

Engineering component to identify and implement incremental optimization measures for further phosphorus reductions. 

4. The Department and the District shall propose amendments to the Long-Term Plan as science and environmental conditions 

warrant. The Department shall approve all amendments to the Long-Term Plan. 

5. As part of the review of permit applications, the Department shall review proposed changes to the Long-Term Plan identified 

through the Process Development and Engineering component of the Long-Term Plan to evaluate changes necessary to comply with 

this rule, including the numeric phosphorus criterion. Those changes which the department deems necessary to comply with this 

rule, including the numeric phosphorus criterion, shall be included as conditions of the respective permit or permits for the structures 

associated with the particular basin or basins involved. Until December 31, 2016, such permits shall include technology-based 

effluent limitations consistent with the Long-Term Plan. 

(b) Hydropattern Restoration. Discharges into or within unimpacted areas of the EPA shall be permitted for hydropattern 

restoration purposes upon a demonstration by the applicant that: 

1. The discharge will be able to achieve compliance with the requirements of sub-subparagraph (6)(a)1.a. above; 

2. The environmental benefits of establishing the discharge clearly outweigh the potential adverse impacts that may result in the 

event that phosphorus levels in the discharge exceed the criterion; and 

3. The discharge complies with antidegradation requirements. 

(c) Existing Moderating Provisions. Nothing in this rule shall eliminate the availability of moderating provisions that may 

otherwise exist as a matter of law, rule or regulation. 

(7) Document Incorporated by Reference. The following document is referenced elsewhere in this section and is hereby 

incorporated by reference: 

Data Quality Screening Protocol, dated 7-15-04. 

(8) Contingencies. In the event any provision of this rule is challenged in any proceeding, the Commission shall immediately be

notified. In the event any provision of this rule: 

(a) Is determined to be invalid under applicable laws; or 

(b) Is disapproved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act, the Department shall bring the 

matter back before the Commission at the earliest practicable date for reconsideration. 

Rulemaking Authority 373.043, 373.4592, 403.061 FS. Law Implemented 373.016, 373.026, 373.4592, 403.021(11), 403.061, 403.201 FS. History– 

New 7-15-04, Amended 5-25-05. 
62-302.700 Special Protection, Outstanding Florida Waters, Outstanding National Resource Waters. 

(1) It shall be the Department policy to afford the highest protection to Outstanding Florida Waters and Outstanding National 

Resource Waters. No degradation of water quality, other than that allowed in subsections 62-4.242(2) and (3), F.A.C., is to be 

permitted in Outstanding Florida Waters and Outstanding National Resource Waters, respectively, notwithstanding any other 

Department rules that allow water quality lowering. 

(2) A complete listing of Outstanding Florida Waters and Outstanding National Resource Waters is provided in subsections (9) 

and (10). Outstanding Florida Waters generally include the following surface waters (unless named as Outstanding National 

Resource Waters): 

(a) Waters in National Parks, Preserves, Memorials, Wildlife Refuges and Wilderness Areas; 

(b) Waters in the State Park System and Wilderness Areas; 

(c) Waters within areas acquired through donation, trade, or purchased under the Environmentally Endangered Lands Bond 

Program, Conservation and Recreation Lands Program, Land Acquisition Trust Fund Program, and Save Our Coast Program; 

(d) Rivers designated under the Florida Scenic and Wild Rivers Program, federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 as 

amended, and Myakka River Wild and Scenic Designation and Preservation Act; 

(e) Waters within National Seashores, National Marine Sanctuaries, National Estuarine Research Reserves, and certain National 

Monuments; 

(f) Waters in Aquatic Preserves created under the provisions of Chapter 258, F.S.; 

(g) Waters within the Big Cypress National Preserve; 

(h) Special Waters as listed in paragraph 62-302.700(9)(i), F.A.C.; and 

(i) Certain Waters within the Boundaries of the National Forests. 

(3) Each water body demonstrated to be of exceptional recreational or ecological significance may be designated as a Special 

Water. 

(4) The following procedure shall be used in designating an Outstanding National Resource Water as well as any Special Water: 

(a) Rulemaking procedures pursuant to Chapter 120, F.S., shall be followed; 

(b) At least one fact-finding workshop shall be held in the affected area; 

(c) All local county or municipal governments and state legislators whose districts or jurisdictions include all or part of the

water shall be notified at least 60 days prior to the workshop in writing by the Secretary; 

(d) A prominent public notice shall be placed in a newspaper of general circulation in the area of the proposed water at least 60 

days prior to the workshop; and 

(e) An economic impact analysis, consistent with Chapter 120, F.S., shall be prepared which provides a general analysis of the 

impact on growth and development including such factors as impacts on planned or potential industrial, agricultural, or other 

development or expansion. 

(5) The Commission may designate a water of the State as a Special Water after making a finding that the waters are of 

exceptional recreational or ecological significance and a finding that the environmental, social, and economic benefits of the 

designation outweigh the environmental, social, and economic costs. 

(6) The Commission may designate a water as an Outstanding National Resource Water after making all of the following 

findings: 

(a) That the waters are of such exceptional recreational or ecological significance that water quality should and can be 

maintained and protected under all circumstances other than temporary degradation and the lowering allowed by Section 316 of the 

Federal Clean Water Act; and 

(b) That the level of protection afforded by the designation as Outstanding National Resource Waters is clearly necessary to 

preserve the exceptional ecological or recreational significance of the waters; and 

(c) That the environmental, social, and economic benefits of the designation outweigh the environmental, social, and economic 

costs. 

(7) The policy of this section shall be implemented through the permitting process pursuant to Rule 62-4.242, F.A.C. 

(8) For each Outstanding Florida Water listed under subsection 62-302.700(9), F.A.C., the last day of the baseline year for 

defining the existing ambient water quality (paragraph 62-4.242(2)(c), F.A.C.) is March 1, 1979, unless otherwise indicated. Where 

applicable, Outstanding Florida Water boundary expansions are indicated by date(s) following “as mod.” under subsection 62-
302.700(9), F.A.C. For each Outstanding Florida Water boundary which expanded subsequent to the original date of designation, the 

baseline year for the entire Outstanding Florida Water, including the expansion, remains March 1, 1979, unless otherwise indicated. 

(9) Outstanding Florida Waters: 

(a) Waters within National Parks and National Memorials. 

 National Park or 

 National Memorial County

 1. Biscayne National Dade 

 Park (as mod. 5-14-86, 

 8-8-94) 

 2. Dry Tortugas Monroe 

 National Park (10-4-90) 

 3. Everglades National Monroe/Dade/ 

 Park (as mod. 8-8-94) Collier 

 4. Fort Caroline Duval 

 National Memorial 

 (8-8-94) 

(b) Waters within National Wildlife Refuges. 

 Wildlife Refuge County

 1. Archie Carr (8-8-94) Indian River/Brevard 

 2. Caloosahatchee Lee 

 3. Cedar Keys (as mod. Levy 

 5-14-86, 4-19-88) 

 4. Chassahowitzka (as Citrus/Hernando 

 mod. 5-14-86, 4-19-88) 

 5. Chinsegut Hernando 

 6. Crocodile Lake Monroe 

 (12-1-82; as mod. 

 5-14-86, 4-19-88, 

 8-8-94) 

 7. Crystal River Citrus 

 (5-14-86; as mod. 

 10-4-90) 

 8. Egmont Key Hillsborough 

 9. Florida Panther Collier 

 (10-4-90; as mod. 

 8-8-94) 

 10. Great White Heron Monroe 

 (as mod. 5-14-86, 

 4-19-88) 

 11. Hobe Sound (as Martin 

 mod. 5-14-86, 4-19-88, 

 8-8-94) 

 12. Island Bay Charlotte 

 13. J. N. “Ding” Darling Lee 

 (as mod. 5-14-86, 

 4-19-88, 8-8-94) 

 14. Key West Monroe 

 15. Lake Woodruff (as Volusia/Lake 

 mod. 8-8-94) 
 16. Lower Suwannee Dixie/Levy 

 (12-1-82; as mod. 

 8-8-94) 

 17. Loxahatchee Palm Beach 

 18. Matlacha Pass (as Lee 

 mod. 8-8-94) 

 19. Merritt Island Volusia/Brevard 

 20. National Key Deer Monroe 

 (as mod. 5-14-86, 

 4-19-88, 10-4-90, 

 8-8-94) 

 21. Okefenokee (Florida Baker 

 Portion) 

 22. Passage Key Manatee 

 23. Pelican Island (as Indian River 

 mod. 8-8-94) 

 24. Pine Island (as mod. Lee 

 8-8-94) 

 25. Pinellas Pinellas 

 26. St. Johns (including Brevard 

 Bee Line Unit) (as mod. 

 5-14-86, 4-19-88) 

 27. St. Marks (as mod. Jefferson/Wakulla/ 

 10-4-90, 8-8-94) Taylor 

 28. St. Vincent Franklin/Gulf 

 (including Pig Island 

 Unit) 

(c) Waters within State Parks, State Wildlife Parks, and State Recreation Areas. 

 State Park or State 

 Recreation Area County 

 1. Amelia Island State Nassau 

 Recreation Area 

 (5-14-86) 

 2. Anastasia State St. Johns 

 Recreation Area (as 

 mod. 4-19-88) 

 3. Avalon State St. Lucie 

 Recreation Area 

 (4-19-88; as mod. 

 8-8-94) 

 4. Bahia Honda State Monroe 

 Park (as mod. 5-14-86) 

 5. Bear Creek State Gadsden 

 Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82) 

 6. Big Lagoon State Escambia 

 Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82; as mod. 

 5-14-86, 8-8-94) 
 7. Big Talbot Island Duval 

 State Park (5-14-86; as 

 mod. 4-19-88, 8-8-94) 

 8. Bill Baggs Cape Dade 

 Florida State Recreation 

 Area 

 9. Blackwater River Santa Rosa 

 State Park 

 10. Blue Springs State Volusia 

 Park 

 11. Bulow Creek State Flagler/Volusia 

 Park (5-14-86; as mod. 

 4-19-88) 

 12. Caladesi Island State Pinellas 

 Park 

 13. Cayo Costa State Lee 

 Park (12-1-82; as mod. 

 5-14-86, 4-19-88, 

 10-4-90, 8-8-94) 

 14. Collier-Seminole Collier 

 State Park 

 15. Dead Lakes State Gulf 

 Recreation Area 

 16. De Leon Springs Volusia 

 State Recreation Area 

 (5-14-86; as mod. 

 10-4-90) 

 17. Delnor-Wiggins Collier 

 Pass State Recreation 

 Area (12-1-82) 

 18. Don Pedro Island Charlotte 

 State Recreation Area 

 (5-14-86; as mod. 

 4-19-88) 

 19. Dr. Julian G. Bruce Franklin 

 St. George Island State 

 Park (12-1-82) 

 20. Edward Ball Wakulla 

 Wakulla Springs State 

 Park (4-19-88) 

 21. Falling Waters State Washington 

 Recreation Area 

 22. Faver-Dykes State St. Johns 

 Park 

 23. Florida Caverns Jackson 

 State Park (as mod. 

 8-8-94) 

 24. Fort Clinch State Nassau 

 Park (as mod. 4-19-88, 
 8-8-94) 

 25. Fort Cooper State Citrus 

 Park (12-1-82) 

 26. Fort Pierce Inlet St. Lucie 

 State Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82; as mod. 

 5-14-86) 

 27. Fred Gannon Rocky Okaloosa 

 Bayou State Recreation 

 Area 

 28. Gamble Rogers Flagler 

 Memorial State 

 Recreation Area at 

 Flagler Beach 

 29. Gasparilla Island Lee 

 State Recreation Area 

 (5-14-86; as mod. 

 4-19-88, 10-4-90) 

 30. Grayton Beach State Walton 

 Recreation Area (as 

 mod. 4-19-88) 

 31. Guana River State St. Johns 

 Park (5-14-86; as mod. 

 4-19-88) 

 32. Henderson Beach Okaloosa 

 State Recreation Area 

 (5-14-86) 

 33. Highlands Highlands/Hardee 

 Hammock State Park (as 

 mod. 8-8-94) 

 34. Hillsborough River Hillsborough 

 State Park 

 35. Homosassa Springs Citrus 

 State Wildlife Park 

 (10-4-90) 

 36. Honeymoon Island Pinellas 

 State Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82; as mod. 

 5-14-86) 

 37. Hontoon Island State Volusia/Lake 

 Park 

 38. Hugh Taylor Birch Broward 

 State Recreation Area 

 39. Ichetucknee Springs Columbia/ 

 State Park Suwannee 

 40. John D. McArthur Palm Beach 

 Beach State Park 

 (12-1-82) 

 41. John Pennekamp Monroe 
 Coral Reef State Park 

 (as mod. 5-14-86, 

 4-19-88) 

 42. John U. Lloyd Broward 

 Beach State Recreation 

 Area 

 43. Jonathan Dickinson Martin 

 State Park 

 44. Lake Arbuckle State Polk 

 Park (5-14-86) 

 45. Lake Griffin State Lake 

 Recreation Area 

 46. Lake Kissimmee Polk 

 State Park 

 47. Lake Louisa State Lake 

 Park (12-1-82) 

 48. Lake Manatee State Manatee 

 Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82) 

 49. Lake Rousseau State Citrus/Levy/Marion 

 Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82) 

 50. Lake Talquin State Leon 

 Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82; as mod. 

 5-14-86) 

 51. Little Manatee River Hillsborough 

 State Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82) 

 52. Little Talbot Island Duval 

 State Park 

 53. Long Key State Monroe 

 Recreation Area 

 54. Lovers Key State Lee 

 Recreation Area 

 (5-14-86) 

 55. Manatee Springs Levy 

 State Park (as mod. 

 10-4-90) 

 56. Mike Roess Gold Clay 

 Head Branch State Park 

 (as mod. 5-14-86, 

 4-19-88, 8-8-94) 

 57. Myakka River State Manatee/Sarasota 

 Park 

 58. North Peninsula Volusia 

 State Recreation Area 

 (5-14-86; as mod. 

 4-19-88, 10-4-90) 
 59. Ochlockonee River Wakulla 

 State Park 

 60. O'Leno State Park Alachua/Columbia 

 (as mod. 5-14-86) 

 61. Oleta River State Dade 

 Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82) 

 62. Oscar Scherer State Sarasota 

 Park (as mod. 8-8-94) 

 63. Peacock Springs Suwannee 

 State Recreation Area 

 (4-19-88) 

 64. Perdido Key State Escambia 

 Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82) 

 65. Ponce de Leon Holmes/Walton 

 Springs State Recreation 

 Area 

 66. Port Charlotte Beach Charlotte 

 State Recreation Area 

 (12-1-82) 

 67. Rose Sink (addition to Ichetucknee Columbia 

 Springs State Park) ([eff. date]) 

 68. St. Andrews State Bay 

 Recreation Area 

 (as mod. 5-14-86, 

 4-19-88) 

 69. Sebastian Inlet State Indian River/Brevard 

 Recreation Area 

 70. Silver River State Marion 

 Park (4-19-88; as mod. 

 10-4-90, 8-8-94) 

 71. Suwannee River Hamilton/Madison/ 

 State Park (as mod. Suwannee 

 10-4-90) 

 72. Three Rivers State Jackson 

 Recreation Area 

 73. T. H. Stone Gulf 

 Memorial St. Joseph 

 Peninsula State Park 

 74. Tomoka State Park Volusia 

 75. Torreya State Park Liberty 

 76. Wekiwa Springs Orange/Seminole 

 State Park (as mod. 

 4-19-88) 

(d) Waters within State Ornamental Gardens, State Botanical Sites, State Historic Sites, and State Geological Sites. 

 State Ornamental 

 Gardens, State 

 Botanical Site, State 
 Historic Site, or 

 State Geological Site County 

 1. Alfred B. Maclay Leon 

 State Gardens 

 2. Devils Millhopper Alachua 

 State Geological Site 

 (10-4-90) 

 3. Eden State Gardens Walton 

 4. Fort Zachary Taylor Monroe 

 State Historic Site 

 (10-4-90) 

 5. Indian Key State Monroe 

 Historic Site (10-4-90) 

 6. Key Largo Hammock Monroe 

 State Botanical Site 

 (5-14-86) 

 7. Koreshan State Lee 

 Historic Site (10-4-90) 

 8. Lignumvitae Key Monroe 

 State Botanical Site 

 (5-14-86) 

 9. Marjorie Kinnan Alachua 

 Rawlings State Historic 

 Site (10-4-90) 

 10. Natural Bridge Leon 

 Battlefield State Historic 

 Site (10-4-90) 

 11. Paynes Creek State Hardee 

 Historic Site (10-4-90) 

 12. Ravine State Gardens Putnam 

 13. San Marcos de Wakulla 

 Apalachee State Historic 

 Site (10-4-90) 

 14. Washington Oaks Flagler 

 State Gardens (as mod. 

 5-14-86) 

 15. Windley Key Fossil Monroe 

 Reef State Geological 

 Site (10-4-90) 

(e) Waters within State Preserves, State Underwater Archaeological Preserves, and State Reserves. 

 State Preserve or State 

 Reserve County

 1. Anclote Key State Pasco/Pinellas 

 Preserve (12-1-82) 

 2. Cape St. George State Franklin 

 Reserve (12-1-82) 

 3. Cedar Key Scrub Levy 

 State Reserve (12-1-82; 

 as mod. 4-19-88) 
 4. Charlotte Harbor Charlotte 

 State Reserve (as mod. 

 4-19-88) 

 5. Crystal River State Citrus 

 Reserve (5-14-86; as 

 mod. 4-19-88) 

 6. Fakahatchee Strand Collier 

 State Preserve (12-1-82; 

 as mod. 5-14-86, 

 4-19-88, 10-4-90, 

 8-8-94) 

 7. Haw Creek State Flagler/Putnam/ 

 Preserve (12-1-82) Volusia 

 8. Lower Wekiva River Lake/Seminole 

 State Reserve (12-1-82) 

 9. Nassau Valley State Duval/Nassau 

 Reserve (12-1-82) 

 10. Paynes Prairie State Alachua 

 Preserve (as mod. 

 10-4-90, 8-8-94) 

 11. Prairie-Lakes State Osceola 

 Preserve 

 12. River Rise State Alachua/Columbia 

 Preserve (12-1-82; as 

 mod. 8-8-94) 

 13. Rock Springs Run Orange 

 State Reserve (5-14-86; 

 as mod. 4-19-88) 

 14. San Felasco Alachua 

 Hammock State 

 Preserve (12-1-82; as 

 mod. 5-14-86, 4-19-88) 

 15. San Pedro State Monroe 

 Underwater 

 Archaeological Preserve 

 (10-4-90) 

 16. Savannas State Martin/St. Lucie 

 Reserve (12-1-82; as 

 mod. 5-14-86, 10-4-90, 

 8-8-94) 

 17. St. Lucie Inlet State Martin 

 Preserve (12-1-82) 

 18. Waccasassa Bay Levy 

 State Preserve (12-1-82; 

 as mod. 4-19-88) 

 19. Weedon Island State Pinellas 

 Preserve (12-1-82) 

 20. William Beardell Orange 

 Tosohatchee State 
 Reserve (12-1-82) 

(f) Waters within Areas Acquired through Donation, Trade, or Purchased Under the Environmentally Endangered Lands Bond 

Program, Conservation and Recreation Lands Program, Land Acquisition Trust Fund Program, and Save Our Coast Program. 

 Program Area County 

 1. Andrews Tract Levy 

 (5-14-86; as mod. 

 4-19-88, 8-8-94) 

 2. Apalachicola Bay Franklin 

 (8-8-94) 

 3. Barefoot Beach Collier 

 (12-1-82) 

 4. Beker Tracts (10-4-90) Manatee 

 5. Big Bend Coastal Dixie/Taylor 

 Tract (4-19-88; as mod. 

 10-4-90) 

 6. Big Shoals (4-19-88) Hamilton 

 7. B.M.K. Ranch Lake/Orange 

 (8-8-94) 

 8. Bower Tract Hillsborough 

 (5-14-86; as mod. 

 4-19-88) 

 9. Caravelle Ranch Putnam 

 (8-8-94) 

 10. Carlton Half-Moon 

 Ranch (8-8-94) Sumter 

 11. Catfish Creek Polk 

 (8-8-94) 

 12. Chassahowitzka Hernando/Citrus 

 Swamp (5-14-86; as 

 mod. 4-19-88, 8-8-94) 

 13. Coupon Bight Monroe 

 (10-4-90; as mod. 

 8-8-94) 

 14. Crystal River Citrus 

 (10-4-90) 

 15. Curry Hammock Monroe 

 (8-8-94) 

 16. Deering Dade 

 Hammock/Estate 

 (5-14-86; as mod. 

 4-19-88, 8-8-94) 

 17. East Everglades Dade 

 (5-14-86) 

 18. Econfina River Taylor 

 (8-8-94) 

 19. Emerson Point Manatee 

 (8-8-94) 

 20. Escambia Bay Bluffs Escambia 

 (5-14-86) 
 21. Estero Bay (8-8-94) Lee 

 22. Florida First Levy 

 Magnitude Springs 

 (8-8-94) 

 23. Ft. George Island Duval 

 (10-4-90) 

 24. Ft. Mose (8-8-94) St. Johns 

 25. Ft. San Luis Leon 

 (5-14-86; as mod. 

 8-8-94) 

 26. Gateway (5-14-86) Pinellas 

 27. Gills Tract (8-8-94) Pasco 

 28. Green Turtle Beach St. Lucie 

 (4-19-88) 

 29. Guana River St. Johns 

 (5-14-86; as mod. 

 4-19-88) 

 30. Homosassa Citrus 

 Reserve/Walker Tract 

 (8-8-94) 

 31. Indian River North Indian River 

 Beach (5-14-86) 

 32. ITT/Hammock Dade 

 (5-14-86) 

 33. Josslyn Island Lee 

 (10-4-90) 

 34. Levy County Levy 

 Forest/Sandhills (8-8-94) 

 35. Letchworth Mounds Jefferson 

 (8-8-94) 

 36. Lower Seminole 

 Econlockhatchee 

 (8-8-94) 

 37. Martin County Martin 

 Tracts (5-14-86) 

 38. Mashes Sands Wakulla 

 (5-14-86) 

 39. Miami Rockridge Dade 

 Pinelands (8-8-94) 

 40. Milton to Whiting Santa Rosa 

 Field (8-8-94) 

 41. North Beach Broward 

 (5-14-86) 

 42. North Key Largo Monroe 

 Hammock (5-14-86; as 

 mod. 4-19-88, 10-4-90, 

 8-8-94) 

 43. Placid Lakes (8-8-94) Highlands 

 44. Point Washington Walton 
 (8-8-94) 

 45. Port Bougainville Monroe 

 (10-4-90) 

 46. Rainbow Marion 

 River/Springs (8-8-94) 

 47. Rookery Bay Collier 

 (10-4-90; as mod. 

 8-8-94) 

 48. Rotenberger (as Palm Beach 

 mod. 4-19-88, 8-8-94) 

 49. Saddle Blanket Polk 

 Lakes Scrub (8-8-94) 

 50. Save Our Everglades Collier 

 (10-4-90; as mod. 

 8-8-94) 

 51. Sea Branch (8-8-94) Martin 

 52. Seminole Lake 

 Springs/Woods (8-8-94) 

 53. Snake Warrior Broward 

 Island (Oaks of 

 Miramar) (8-8-94) 

 54. Spring Hammock Seminole 

 (4-19-88; as mod. 

 10-4-90) 

 55. Spruce Creek Volusia 

 (4-19-88; as mod. 

 8-8-94) 

 56. St. Martins River Citrus 

 (8-8-94) 

 57. Stark Tract (10-4-90) Volusia 

 58. Stoney-Lane Citrus 

 (10-4-90) 

 59. Surfside Additions St. Lucie 

 (5-14-86) 

 60. Three Lakes/Prairie Osceola 

 Lakes (as mod. 8-8-94) 

 61. Topsail Hill (8-8-94) Walton 

 62. Upper Black Creek Clay 

 (8-8-94) 

 63. Volusia Water Volusia 

 Recharge Area 

 64. Wacissa/Aucilla Jefferson/Taylor 

 Rivers (10-4-90) 

 65. Wekiva River Seminole 

 Buffers (8-8-94) 

 66. Westlake (5-14-86; Broward 

 as mod. 4-19-88) 

 67. Wetstone/Berkovitz Pasco 

 (8-8-94) 
 68. Withlacoochee Sumter 

 Tracts (12-1-82) 

(g) Waters within National Seashores. 

 National Seashores County

 1. Canaveral Brevard/Volusia 

 2. Gulf Islands Escambia/Santa Rosa 

(h) Waters within State Aquatic Preserves. 

 Aquatic Preserves County 

 1. Alligator Harbor Franklin 

 2. Apalachicola Bay Franklin 

 3. Banana River (as 

 mod. 8-8-94) Brevard 

 4. Big Bend Seagrasses Wakulla/Taylor/ 

 Jefferson/Dixie/ 

 Levy 

except for the following areas: 

a. Keaton Beach, Taylor County – Begin at 29o 49' 50'' N. Lat., 83o 35' 24'' W. Long.; then west to 29o 49' 45'', 83o 35' 50''; then 

south to 29o 49' 04'', 83o 35' 48"; then east to 29o 49' 04'', 83o 35' 24''; then north to the point of beginning. 

b. Steinhatchee, Taylor County – Begin at 29o 40' 35'', 83o 22' 10''; then west to 29o 40' 35'', 83o 23' 10''; then north to 29o 41', 

83o 23' 10"; then west to 29o 41', 83o 24' 10''; then south to the Taylor County-Dixie County boundary; then eastward along the

boundary to 29o 39' 55'', 83o 22' 10''; then north to the point of beginning. 

c. Suwannee, Dixie County – Begin at 29o 20' 30'', 83o 08' 10"; then west to 29o 20' 30'', 83o 08' 25''; then south to 29o 20'05'', 

83o 08' 25''; then southwesterly along SR 349 to 29o 19' 51'', 83o 08' 35''; then west to 29o 19' 51'', 83o 08' 45''; then southwesterly to 

29o 19' 40'', 83o 09' 12''; then south to 29o 19' 30", 83o 09' 12"; then northeasterly to 29o 19' 39", 83o 08' 53"; then southeasterly to 29o 

19' 25", 83o 08' 41"; then southwesterly to 29o 19' 20", 83o 08' 49"; then southeasterly to 29o 19' 14", 83o 08' 41"; then northeasterly 

along the bank of the Suwannee River to and along the bank of Demory Creek to 29o 19' 45", 83o 08' 10"; then north to the point of 

beginning. 

d. Cedar Key unincorporated airport area, Levy County – Begin at 29o 08' 26", 83o 03' 17"; then south to 29o 07' 34", 83o 03' 

17", then northeasterly to 29o 07' 48", 83o 02' 33"; beginning northerly and tracing the corporate limit of Cedar Key to the point of 

beginning. 

e. Cedar Key unincorporated causeway area, Levy County – That portion of Section 20 lying within 1000 feet of the centerline 

of SR 24 and lying north of a line 500 feet northeast of and parallel to the northern corporate limit of Cedar Key. 

f. Cedar Key channel, Levy County – Begin at 29o 08' 58", 83o 01' 17"; then west to 29o 08' 58", 83o 01' 24"; then south to 29o

08' 05", 83o 01' 26"; then northeasterly to 29o 08' 08", 83o 01' 17"; then northerly to the point of beginning. 

g. Keaton Beach navigation channel, Taylor County – Begin at 29o 49' 02", 83o 35' 30"; then west to 29o 49' 02", 83o 37' 58"; 

then south to 29o 48' 45", 83o 37' 58"; then east to 29o 48' 45", 83o 35' 30"; then north to the point of beginning. 

h. Keaton Beach local channels, Taylor County – Begin at 29o 49' 01", 83o 35' 38"; then southeast to 29o 48' 55", 83o 35' 15"; 

then northeast to 29o 48' 59", 83o 35' 13"; then northwest to 29o 49' 06", 83o 35' 36"; then southwest to the point of beginning. (10-

29-86) 

 5. Biscayne Bay (Cape Dade/Monroe 

 Florida) 

 6. Biscayne Bay (Card Dade/Monroe 

 Sound) (12-1-82) 

 7. Boca Ciega Bay Pinellas 

 8. Cape Haze Charlotte/Lee 

 9. Cape Romano-Ten Collier 

 Thousand Islands 

 10. Cockroach Bay Hillsborough 

 11. Coupon Bight Monroe 
 12. Estero Bay (as mod. Lee 

 4-19-88) 

 13. Fort Clinch State Park Nassau 

 14. Fort Pickens State Santa Rosa/Escambia 

 Park 

 15. Gasparilla Charlotte/Lee 

 Sound-Charlotte Harbor 

 (as mod. 10-4-90) 

 16. Guana River Marsh St. Johns 

 (8-8-94) 

 17. Indian River Brevard/Indian River 

 Malabar to Vero Beach 

 18. Indian River Brevard/Indian River 

 Malabar to Vero Beach 

 (additions), except those 

 Indian River portions of 

 Sebastian Creek and 

 Turkey Creek upstream 

 of U.S. Highway 1 

 (1-26-88) 

 19. Indian River Vero Indian River/St. Lucie 

 Beach to Ft. Pierce (as 

 mod. 10-4-90) 

 20. Jensen Beach to Martin/Palm Beach/St. Lucie 

 Jupiter Inlet (as mod. 

 10-4-90) 

 21. Lake Jackson Leon 

 22. Lemon Bay Charlotte/Sarasota 

 (4-19-88; as mod. 

 10-4-90) 

 23. Lignumvitae Key Monroe 

 24. Loxahatchee Martin/Palm Beach 

 River-Lake Worth 

 Creek (as mod. 8-8-94) 

 25. Matlacha Pass Lee 

 26. Mosquito Lagoon Volusia/Brevard 

 27. Nassau River-St. Nassau/Duval 

 Johns River Marshes 

 28. North Fork, St. Lucie St. Lucie/Martin 

 29. Oklawaha River Marion 

 (10-4-90) 

 30. Pellicer Creek St. Johns/Flagler 

 31. Pine Island Sound Lee 

 32. Pinellas County Pinellas 

 33. Rainbow Springs Marion 

 (4-19-88) 

 34. Rocky Bayou State Okaloosa 

 Park 

 35. Rookery Bay Collier 
 (12-1-82; as mod. 

 11-24-87, 7-11-91) 

 36. St. Andrews State Bay 

 Park 

 37. St. Joseph Bay Gulf 

 38. St. Martins Marsh Citrus 

 (as mod. 8-8-94) 

 39. Terra Ceia (5-22-86) Manatee 

 40. Tomoka Marsh Volusia/Flagler 

 41. Wekiva River Lake/Orange/ 

 (12-1-82) Seminole 

 42. Wekiva River Lake/Seminole/ 

 Addition, except that Volusia 

 portion of the St. Johns 

 River between Interstate 

 Highway 4 and the 

 Wekiva River 

 confluence (12-28-88) 

 43. Yellow River Marsh Santa Rosa 

(i) Special Waters. 

1. Apalachicola River except for the following areas: 

a. From a point 50 feet north of the northern boundary of the Jackson County Port Authority Slip, and including the slip itself, 

downstream to a point about four-tenths of a mile downstream, and specifically identified by navigation mile 103 on the 1982 U.S. 

Geological Survey Quadrangle Map of Sneads, Florida; and 

b. From 850 feet downstream of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Blountstown Navigation Gage in Calhoun County, north to 

a point approximately 2,700 feet upstream of the Gage, and specifically identified by the line passing through 30o25'45" N. Lat. and 

85o1'35"W. Long.; and 30o25'38"N. Lat. and 85o1'20" W. Long. (12-11-84). 

2. Aucilla River. 

3. Blackwater River. 

4. Butler Chain of Lakes – consisting of Lake Butler, Lake Down, Wauseon Bay, Lake Louise, Lake Palmer (also known as 

Lake Isleworth), Lake Chase, Lake Tibet, Lake Sheen, Pocket Lake, Fish Lake, and the waterways which connect these lakes (3-1-

84), and Lake Blanche and its connecting waterway (2-18-87). 

5. Chassahowitzka River System including: Potter, Salt, Baird, Johnson, Crawford, Ryle, and Stevenson Creeks, and other 

tributaries to the Chassahowitzka River; but excluding artificial waterbodies, defined as any waterbody created by dredging, or

excavation, or by the filling in of its boundaries, including canals as defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (1-5-93). 

6. Chipola River. 

7. Choctawhatchee River. 

8. Clermont Chain of Lakes – consisting of Lake Louisa (also known as Lake Louise), Lake Susan, Lake Crescent, Lake 

Minnehaha, Lake Winona, Lake Palatlakaha, Lake Hiawatha, Lake Minneola, Lake Wilson, Lake Cook, Cherry Lake, Lake Hunt, 

Lake Stewart, Lake Lucy, Lake Emma, and the waterways that interconnect Clermont Chain of Lakes (5-28-86). 

9. Crooked Lake in Polk County including the area known as Little Crooked Lake and the connecting waterway between these 

waterbodies; less however, artificial waterbodies, defined as any waterbody created by dredging, or excavation, or by the filling in of 

its boundaries, including canals as defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (4-9-87). 

10. Crystal River, including Kings Bay (2-1-83). 

11. Econlockhatchee River System – consisting of the Econlockhatchee River and the following tributaries: 

a. Little Econlockhatchee River upstream to Michaels Dam in Jay Blanchard Park; and 

b. Mills Creek upstream to Mills Lake; and 

c. Southerly branch of Mills Creek upstream to Fort Christmas Road in Section 2, Township 22 South, Range 32 East; and 

d. Silcox Branch (branch of Mills Creek) upstream to Lake Pickett; and 
e. Long Branch upstream to the eastern section line of Section 34, Township 22 South, Range 32 East; and 

f. Hart Branch upstream to the Old Railroad Grade in Section 18, Township 23 South, Range 32 East; and 

g. Cowpen Branch upstream to the southernmost bifurcation of the creek in Section 20, Township 23 South, Range 32 East; and 

h. Green Branch upstream to the western section line of Section 29, Township 23 South, Range 32 East; and 

i. Turkey Creek upstream to Weewahootee Road in Section 5, Township 24 South, Range 32 East, and to the west section lines 

of Section 5, Township 24 South, Range 32 East, and Section 32, Township 23 South, Range 32 East; and 

j. Little Creek upstream to the eastern section line of Section 22, Township 24 South, Range 32 East; and 

k. Fourmile Creek upstream to the southern line of the NE 1{2} of Section 28, Township 24 South, Range 32 East; and 

l. Econlockhatchee River Swamp upstream to State Road 532; 

m. But excluding all other tributaries and artificial water bodies, defined as any water body created by dredging, or excavation, 

or by the filling in of its boundaries, including canals as defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (6-18-92). 

12. Estero Bay Tributaries including: Hendry Creek to State Road 865, Big Bayou, Mullock Creek to U.S. 41 (State Road 45); 

Mud Creek; Estero River (north and south branches) to I-75 Halfway Creek to State Road 41; Spring Creek to Business Route 41 

(State Road 887, old State Road 41), and the unnamed south branch of Spring Creek in Sections 20 and 29; Imperial River to the 

eastern line of Section 31, Range 26 East, Township 47 South, Oak Creek, and Leitner Creek; except for Tenmile Canal and any 

artificial water bodies, defined as any water body created by dredging, or excavation, or by the filling in of its boundaries, including 

canals as defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (10-4-90). 

13. Florida Keys, including channels as defined in subsection 62-312.020(4), F.A.C., and described as follows: Commence at 

the northeasterly most point of Palo Alto Key and run due north to a point at the center of the channel of Broad Creek as the point of 

beginning, thence due east to the eastern boundary of the jurisdictional waters of the State of Florida, thence meander southerly 

along said eastern boundary to a point due south of the westernmost point of the island of Key West; thence westerly, northerly and 

easterly along the arc of a curve three leagues distant from the westernmost point of the island of Key West to a point due north of 

the island of Key West; thence northeasterly three leagues distant from the most northerly land of the Florida Keys to the 

intersection with the boundary of the Everglades National Park; thence southeasterly, northeasterly and northwesterly along the

boundary of the Everglades National Park to the intersection with the Dade County-Monroe County line; thence northeasterly and 

easterly along the Dade County-Monroe County line to the point of beginning; less however, three areas: 

a. Key West Sewage Outfall, being a circle 150 feet in radius from the point of discharge located at approximately 24o 32' 13" 

N. Latitude and 81o 48' 55" W. Longitude; and 

b. Stock Island Power Plant Mixing Zone; being a circle 150 feet in radius from the end of the power plant discharge canal; and

c. Artificial waterbodies, defined as any waterbody created by dredging, or excavation, or by the filling in of its boundaries,

including canals as defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (5-8-85). 

14. Hillsborough River from Fletcher Avenue (State Road 582A) in Hillsborough County upstream to the Withlacoochee River 

Overflow in Pasco County, and the following tributaries: 

a. Crystal Springs; and 

b. Blackwater Creek westward of the Hillsborough – Polk County line; and 

c. Cypress Creek, Thirteenmile Run eastward of Livingston Avenue, and Big Cypress Swamp upstream to and including the 

Cypress Creek Wellfield, as delineated in the maps entitled “Cypress Creek OFW Boundary Maps,” incorporated herein by 

reference; and 

d. Trout Creek upstream to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (State Road 581); 

e. But excluding all other tributaries as well as the proposed transportation corridor, which crosses Cypress Creek in Section 21, 

Township 27 South, Range 19 East, as identified in the Adopted 2010 Long Range Transportation Plan of the Metropolitan Planning

Organization, dated May 26, 1993. 

f. A copy of the maps referenced in subparagraph c. above may be obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection, 

Bureau of Surface Water Management, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400 (4-12-95). 

15. Homosassa River System including: Halls River, Turtle, Otter, Battle, and Price Creeks, and other tributaries to the 

Homosassa River; but excluding artificial waterbodies, defined as any waterbody created by dredging, or excavation, or by the 

filling in of its boundaries, including canals as defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (1-5-93). 

16. Kingsley Lake and Black Creek (North Fork) downstream to the northern line of Section 23, Township 5 South, Range 23 

East, including all tributaries along this segment of Black Creek (11-8-90). 
17. Lake Disston – Specifically including Lake Disston plus contiguous wetlands within the following areas: Township 14 

South, Range 29 East, Sections 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 9, 8 and 7 in Flagler County; and Township 14 South, Range 28 East, Sections 

13 and 24 in Volusia County except: 

a. Artificial water bodies defined as any water body created by dredging, or excavation, or by the filling in of its boundaries, 

including canals as defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C.; and 

b. Any natural water bodies connected by artificial water bodies to the above-described system (4-4-01). 

18. Lake Powell, Phillips Inlet, and all tributaries to Lake Powell as bounded by the following described line: Begin at the 

Northwest corner of Section 26, Township 2 South, Range 18 West; thence East to the Northwest corner of Section 29, Township 2 

South, Range 17 West; thence South to the Northwest corner of the SW 1/4 of Section 29, Township 2 South, Range 17 West; 

thence East to the West line of Section 27, Township 2 South, Range 17 West, thence South to the mean high water line of the Gulf 

of Mexico; thence meander Northwest along the mean high water line to the West line of Section 35, Township 2 South, Range 18 

West; thence North to the point of beginning (8-18-91). 

19. Lemon Bay estuarine system – from Boca Grande Causeway northward to approximately two thousand feet northwest of the 

mouth of Alligator Creek, specifically identified as the East line of Section 31, Township 39 South, Range 19 East, including 

Placida Harbor, Gasparilla Pass, Kettle Harbor, Bocilla Lagoon, Bocilla Pass, Knight Pass, Stump Pass, Lemon Bay, Buck Creek 

upstream to County Road 775, Oyster Creek upstream to County Road 775, Ainger (Rock) Creek upstream to County Road 775, and 

Godfrey (Godfried, Gottfried) Creek upstream to County Road 775; but excluding: 

a. Alligator Creek, Forked Creek, Lemon Creek, and all other tributaries; and 

b. Artificial waterbodies, defined as any waterbody created by dredging, or excavation, or by the filling in of its boundaries,

including canals as defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (4-29-86). 

20. Little Manatee River – from its mouth to the western crossing of the river by S.R. 674, including Hayes, Mill and Bolster 

Bayous, but excluding South Fork, Ruskin Inlet and all other tributaries (10-1-82). 

21. Lochloosa Lake (including Little Lochloosa Lake, Lochloosa Lake Right Arm, and Lochloosa Creek upstream to County 

Road 20A) (12-15-87). 

22. Myakka River between State Road 771 (El Jobean Bridge) and the Charlotte-Sarasota County line, except for artificial 

waterbodies, defined as any waterbody created by dredging, or excavation, or by the filling in of its boundaries, including canals as 

defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (4-19-88). 

23. Ochlockonee River. 

24. Oklawaha River between the eastern line of Section 36, Township 15 South, Range 23 East, and Eureka Lock and Dam, 

including Turkey Creek, Strouds Creek, Dead River (the water body so named near Gores Landing), Cedar Creek, and Fish Creek, 

but excluding Marshall Swamp, the Dead River (the water body so named exiting Marshall Swamp), and all other tributaries (12-20-

89). 

25. Orange Lake up to the U.S. Highway 301 bridge, the River Styx up to Camps Canal, and Cross Creek (4-9-87). 

26. Perdido River. 

27. Rainbow River, including Indian Creek, but excluding all other tributaries (1-17-85). 

28. Santa Fe River System – consisting of the Santa Fe River, Lake Santa Fe, Little Lake Santa Fe, Santa Fe Swamp, Olustee 

Creek, and the Ichetucknee River below S.R. 27, but excluding all other tributaries (8-16-84). 

29. Sarasota Bay estuarine system – generally extending from Venice north to the Hillsborough-Manatee County line and 

specifically described as follows: Commence at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island and follow a line running to the southern tip 

of Egmont Key until intersecting the boundary between Hillsborough and Manatee Counties; thence run easterly and northeasterly 

along the county boundary until intersecting the Intracoastal Waterway; thence proceed southerly until intersecting a line between 

the southern tip of Mullet Key and the western tip of Snead Island; thence proceed southeasterly along said line to the western tip of 

Snead Island; thence to De Soto Point; and thence westerly and southerly including all of the Sarasota Bay estuarine system 

southward to the northernmost U.S. Highway Business Route 41 bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice, including Anna 

Maria Sound, Passage Key Inlet, Perico Bayou, Palma Sola Bay, Longboat Pass, Sarasota Bay, New Pass, Big Sarasota Pass, 

Roberts Bay, Little Sarasota Bay, Dryman Bay, Blackburn Bay, Lyons Bay, Venice Inlet, Dona Bay upstream to the U.S. Highway 

41 bridge, and Roberts Bay upstream to the U.S. Highway 41 bridge; less however, the following areas: 

a. All tributaries, including Palma Sola Creek, Bowlees Creek, Whitaker Bayou, Hudson Bayou, Phillippi Creek, Catfish Creek, 

North Creek, South Creek, Shakett Creek, Curry Creek; and 
b. A circle 1500 feet in radius from the mouth of Whitaker Bayou; and 

c. A circle 1500 feet in radius from the mouth of Phillippi Creek; and 

d. Artificial waterbodies, defined as any waterbody created by dredging, or excavation, or by the filling in of its boundaries,

including canals as defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (4-29-86). 

e. The designation shall not affect the consideration by the Department of an application for Site Specific Alternative Criteria 

for the discharge of the City of Bradenton’s Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant being built under Department of Environmental 

Protection Construction Permit No. DC41-81224. The application will be processed under the regulations of the Department existing 

on February 18, 1986. 

30. St. Marks River – except that part between Rattlesnake Branch and the confluence of the St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers. 

31. Shoal River. 

32. Silver River (Marion County) (4-9-87). 

33. Spruce Creek upstream to State Road 40A, and the following tributaries: 

a. Unnamed tributary upstream to the Southern section line of Section 4, Township 17 South, Range 33 East; and 

b. Unnamed tributary upstream to the Northern section line of Section 20, Township 16 South, Range 33 East; and 

c. Unnamed tributary upstream to the Northern section line of Section 23, Township 16 South, Range 32 East (right fork), and 

to the Western line of the NE 1/4 of Section 27, Township 16 South, Range 32 East; and 

d. Unnamed tributary upstream to the Western section line Section 35, Township 16 South, Range 32 East; and 

e. Strickland Bay; and Turnbull Bay and Turnbull Creek upstream to the Northwestern section line of Section 43, Township 17 

South, Range 33 East; and 

f. Murray Creek upstream to the Town of Ponce Inlet municipal limits; and 

g. Waters east from U.S. Highway 1 following the northerly and southerly municipal limits of the Town of Ponce Inlet to its 

intersection with the western boundary of the Intracoastal Waterway and including Rose Bay upstream to Nova Road (State Road 

5A); 

h. But excluding all other tributaries (7-11-91). 

34. Suwannee River. 

35. Tomoka River upstream to Interstate Highway 4; and the following tributaries: 

a. Priest Branch upstream to the Western and Southern section lines of Section 6, Township 15 South, Range 32 East; and 

b. Little Tomoka River and its tributaries as bounded by the following described line: Begin at the Southwestern point of 

confluence between the Tomoka River and the Little Tomoka River; thence meander upstream along the Little Tomoka River to the 

Western section line of Section 25, Township 14 South, Range 31 East; thence South to the Southwest corner of Section 25, 

Township 14 South, Range 31 East; thence West to the Southwest corner of Section 28, Township 14 South, Range 31 East; thence 

North to the Northwest corner of Section 28, Township 14 South, Range 31 East; thence East to the West section line of Section 25, 

Township 14 South, Range 31 East; thence South to the Northern shore of the Little Tomoka River; thence meander easterly to the

confluence with the Tomoka River; thence South to the point of beginning; and 

c. Groover Branch upstream to the Northern section line of Section 24, Township 14 South, Range 31 East; and 

d. Misner’s Branch upstream to the Northern section line of Section 29, Township 14 South, Range 32 East; and 

e. Thompson Creek and Strickland Creek upstream to the Northern section line of Section 40, Township 14 South, Range 32 

East; 

f. But excluding all other tributaries (7-11-91). 

36. Wacissa River. 

37. Wakulla River. 

38. Weekiwachee Riverine and Spring System – consisting of the Weekiwachee Springs and River, Mud Springs and River, 

Jenkins Creek, Salt Spring and Creek, the Weekiwachee Swamp, and all tributaries and contiguous wetlands within the following 

sections: Township 23 South, Range 17 East, Sections 2-9; Township 22 South, Range 17 East, Sections 20, 21, and 27-35, together 

with that portion of Section 19 that is southerly of CR 550 (Cortez Blvd.); Township 22 South, Range 16 East, Sections 25 and 36; 

including any and all waters, and wetlands contiguous to the tributaries located southerly of the north line of Section 25, Township 

22 South, Range 16 East and westerly projection thereof and easterly of the west line of Section 36, Township 22 South, Range 16 

East and northerly projection thereof, and easterly of a line through latitude 28o 32’ 52” North, longitude 82o 39’ 23” West, and 

through latitude 28o 31’ 47” North, longitude 82o 39’ 52” West (North American Datum of 1983). This OFW excludes artificial 
waters defined as any water body created by dredging, or excavation, or by the filling in of its boundaries, including canals as 

defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (12-11-03). 

39. Wekiva River System – consisting of the Wekiva River, Rock Springs Run and its tributary Sulphur Spring, the Little 

Wekiva River south to its confluence with the southernmost run of Sanlando Springs, Black Water Creek and Swamp (up to Lake 

Dorr), Lake Norris, Seminole Springs and Creek, Seminole Swamp, Sulphur Spring and Run, and Messant Spring and Creek, but 

excluding all other tributaries (12-28-88). 

40. Wiggins Pass Estuarine Area and the Cocohatchee River System – the estuarine and marine waters from the Lee/Collier 

County line southward through and including Water Turkey Bay to 50 feet north of S.R. 846 (Bluebill Ave.) 1995 right-of-way; the 

Cocohatchee River downstream from 50 feet west of U.S. 41 1995 right-of-way; and Wiggins Pass; but excluding maintenance 

dredging as authorized by Section 403.813(1)(f), F.S., in the following areas: 

a. Wiggins Pass from the Gulf of Mexico eastward for 200 linear feet (as measured from the southwestern point of Little 

Hickory Island); 

b. The channel (South Channel, Vanderbilt Channel), that connects Wiggins Pass with Vanderbilt Lagoon through Water 

Turkey Bay; and 

c. East Channel (for purposes of this designation described as the East Channel from its confluence with South Channel to 

Vanderbilt Drive, including all waters surrounding the spoil islands known as Conklin Point and Island Marina) (7-16-96). 

41. Withlacoochee Riverine and Lake System, including: 

a. The Withlacoochee River downstream of State Road 33 in Lake County to eastern section line of Section 33, Township 16 

South, Range 18 East; and 

b. The lower Withlacoochee River, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Cross Florida Barge Canal By-Pass Spillway, but not 

including that portion of the river between Lake Rousseau and the Cross Florida Barge Canal; and 

c. The Little Withlacoochee River; and 

d. Jumper Creek downstream of State Road 35, including Jumper Creek Swamp; and 

e. Gum Springs, Gum Slough (Dead River), and Gum Swamp; and 

f. Lake Panasoffkee, Outlet River, Little Jones Creek, Big Jones Creek, and Rutland Creek; and 

g. Shady (Brook, Panasoffkee) Creek downstream of State Road 468, including Warm Spring Hammock; and 

h. Lake Tsala Apopka; and 

i. But excluding all other tributaries and artificial waterbodies, defined as any waterbody created by dredging, or excavation, or 

by the filling in of its boundaries, including canals as defined in subsection 62-312.020(3), F.A.C. (4-10-89); and 

(j) Waters within Rivers Designated Under the Florida Scenic and Wild Rivers Program, Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 

1968 as amended, and Myakka River Wild and Scenic Designation and Preservation Act 

 River Segment County 

 1. Loxahatchee National Martin/Palm Beach 

 Wild and Scenic River 

 Segment (5-14-86) 

 2. Myakka Florida Wild Sarasota 

 and Scenic River 

 Segment (5-14-86) 

 3. Wekiva Florida Lake/Seminole 

 Scenic and Wild River 

 Segment (12-1-82) 

(k) Waters within National Preserves 

 National Preserve County

 1. Big Cypress National Collier/Dade/ 

 Preserve (as mod. Monroe 

 5-14-86, 4-19-88, 

 8-8-94) 

 2. Timucuan Ecological Duval 

 and Historic Preserve 
 (8-8-94) 

(l) Waters within National Marine Sanctuaries 

 Marine Sanctuary County 

 1. Key Largo Monroe 

 2. Looe Key (12-1-82) Monroe 

(m) Waters within National Estuarine Research Reserves 

 National Estuarine 

 Research Reserve County 

 1. Apalachicola Franklin/Gulf 

 (12-1-82; as mod. 

 5-14-86, 4-19-88) 

 2. Rookery Bay (as mod. Collier 

 5-14-86, 4-19-88) 

(n) Certain Waters within the Boundaries of the National Forests 

 National Forest County

 1. Apalachicola Wakulla/Leon/ 

 Franklin 

a. Sopchoppy River (9-1-82) 

b. Big Dismal Sink (9-1-82) 

 2. Ocala Putnam/Marion/ 

 Lake 

a. Alexander Springs (9-1-82) 

b. Alexander Springs Creek (9-1-82) 

c. Juniper Springs (9-1-82) 

d. Juniper Creek (9-1-82) 

e. Salt Springs (9-1-82) 

f. Salt Springs Run (9-1-82) 

g. Lake Dorr (9-1-82) 

h. Lake Kerr (9-1-82) 

i. Little Lake Kerr (9-1-82) 

 3. Osceola Baker/Columbia 

a. Deep Creek (9-1-82) 

b. Robinson Creek (9-1-82) 

c. Middle Prong – St. Marys River (9-1-82) 

d. Ocean Pond (9-1-82) 

e. Falling Creek (9-1-82) 

(10) Outstanding National Resource Waters: 

(a) The Commission designates the following waters as Outstanding National Resource Waters: 

1. Biscayne National Park, as described in the document entitled “Outstanding National Resource Waters Boundary Description 

and Map for Biscayne National Park”, dated June 15, 1989, herein adopted by reference. 

2. Everglades National Park, as described in the document entitled “Outstanding National Resource Waters Boundary 

Description and Map for Everglades National Park”, dated June 15, 1989, herein adopted by reference. 

(b) It is the intent of the Commission that water bodies designated as Outstanding National Resource Waters shall be protected 

and maintained to the extent required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Therefore, the designations set forth in 

paragraph 62-302.700(10)(a), F.A.C., shall not be effective until the Florida Legislature enacts legislation specifically authorizing 

protection and maintenance of Outstanding National Resource Waters to the extent required by the federal Environmental Protection 

Agency pursuant to 40 C.F.R. 131.12. 

(c) It is also the intent of the Commission to utilize the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act planning process, as 

outlined in Section 373.451, F.S., and Chapter 62-43, F.A.C., to establish the numerical standards for water quality parameters
appropriate for Everglades and Biscayne National Parks’ status as outstanding National Resource Waters. 

(d) The baseline for defining the existing ambient water quality (paragraph 62-4.242(2)(c), F.A.C.) in Outstanding National 

Resource Waters is a five year period from March 1, 1976 to March 1, 1981, unless otherwise indicated. 

Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 403.804, 403.805 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.088, 403.101, 

403.141, 403.182, 403.502, 403.702, 403.708 FS. History–New 3-1-79, Amended 8-10-80, 8-24-82, 9-30-82, 11-30-82, 2-1-83, 6-1-83, 3-1-84, 8-

16-84, 12-11-84, 1-17-85, 5-8-85, 4-29-86, 5-14-86, 5-22-86, 5-28-86, 10-29-86, 2-18-87, 4-9-87, 11-24-87, 12-15-87, 1-26-88, 4-19-88, 12-28-88, 

4-10-89, 9-13-89, 10-4-89, 12-20-89, 1-28-90, Formerly 17-3.041, Amended 10-4-90, 11-8-90, 7-11-91, 8-18-91, 12-11-91, 6-18-92, 1-5-93, 8-8-

94, Formerly 17-302.700, Amended 1-23-95, 4-3-95, 4-12-95, 7-16-96, 4-4-01, 12-11-03, 1-9-06, 12-7-06. 

62-302.800 Site Specific Alternative Criteria. 

(1) Type I Site Specific Alternative Criteria: A water body, or portion thereof, may not meet a particular ambient water quality 

criterion specified for its classification, due to natural background conditions or man-induced conditions which cannot be controlled 

or abated. In such circumstances, and upon petition by an affected person or upon the initiation by the Department, the Secretary 

may establish a site specific alternative water quality criterion when an affirmative demonstration is made that an alternative

criterion is more appropriate for a specified portion of waters of the state. Public notice and an opportunity for public hearing shall 

be provided prior to issuing any order establishing alternative criteria. 

(a) The affirmative demonstration required by this section shall mean a documented showing that the proposed alternative 

criteria would exist due to natural background conditions or man-induced conditions which cannot be controlled or abated. Such 

demonstration shall be based upon relevant factors which include: 

1. A description of the physical nature of the specified water body and the water pollution sources affecting the criterion to be 

altered. 

2. A description of the historical and existing water quality of the parameter of concern including, spatial, seasonal, and diurnal 

variations, and other parameters or conditions which may affect it. Conditions in similar water bodies may be used for comparison. 

3. A description of the historical and existing biology, including variations, which may be affected by the parameter of concern. 

Conditions in similar water bodies may be used for comparison. 

4. A discussion of any impacts of the proposed alternative criteria on the designated use of the waters and adjoining waters. 

(b) The Secretary shall specify, by order, the site specific criteria for the parameters which the Secretary determines to have

been demonstrated by the preponderance of competent substantial evidence to be more appropriate. 

(2) Type II Site Specific Alternative Criteria: In accordance with the procedures set forth below, affected persons may petition 

the Department to adopt an alternative water quality criterion for a specific water body, or portion thereof, on the basis of sitespecific reasons other than those set forth above in subsection 62-302.800(1), F.A.C. The Department shall process any such petition 

as follows: 

(a) No later than 60 days after receipt of a petition, the Department shall review the petition and notify the petitioner of whether 

the petition is sufficiently complete to enable the Department to evaluate the proposed site-specific alternative criterion under 

subparagraph (c) below. If the petition is not sufficiently complete, the Department shall request the submittal of additional 

information. The Department shall review any additional information within 60 days of receipt from the applicant and may then 

request only that information reasonably needed to clarify or answer new questions directly related to the additional information, 

unless the Department shows good cause for not having requested the information previously. 

(b) Petitions deemed complete by the Department shall be processed under subparagraph (c). For any petition not deemed 

complete, if the petitioner believes that additional information requested by the Department under subparagraph (a) is not necessary 

to the Department’s evaluation, the Department, at the petitioner’s request, shall proceed to process the petition under subparagraph 

(c) below. 

(c) The Department shall initiate rulemaking for the Commission to consider approval of the proposed alternative criterion as a

rule if the petitioner meets all the requirements of this subparagraph and its subparts. The petitioner must demonstrate that the 

proposed criterion would fully maintain and protect human health, existing uses, and the level of water quality necessary to protect 

human health and existing and designated beneficial uses. If the petition fails to meet any of these requirements (including the 

required demonstration), the Department shall issue an order denying the petition. In deciding whether to initiate rulemaking or deny 

the petition, the Department shall evaluate the petition and other relevant information according to the following criteria and

procedures: 
1. The petition shall include all the information required under subparagraphs (1)(a)1.-4. above. 

2. In making the demonstration required by this paragraph (c), the petition shall include an assessment of aquatic toxicity, 

except on a showing that no such assessment is relevant to the particular criterion. The assessment of aquatic toxicity shall show that 

physical and chemical conditions at the site alter the toxicity or bioavailability of the compound in question and shall meet the 

requirements and follow the Indicator Species procedure set forth in Water Quality Standards Handbook (December 1983), a 

publication of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, incorporated here by reference. If, however, the Indicator 

Species Procedure is not applicable to the proposed site-specific alternative criterion, the petitioner may propose another generally 

accepted scientific method or procedure to demonstrate with equal assurance that the alternative criterion will protect the aquatic life 

designated use of the water body. 

3. The demonstration shall also include a risk assessment that determines the human exposure and health risk associated with 

the proposed alternative criterion, except on a showing that no such assessment is relevant to the particular criterion. The risk 

assessment shall include all factors and follow all procedures required by generally accepted scientific principles for such an

assessment, such as analysis of existing water and sediment quality, potential transformation pathways, the chemical form of the 

compound in question, indigenous species, bioaccumulation and bioconcentration rates, and existing and potential rates of human

consumption of fish, shellfish, and water. If the results of the assessments of health risks and aquatic toxicity differ, the more 

stringent result shall govern. 

4. The demonstration shall include information indicating that one or more assumptions used in the risk assessment on which 

the existing criterion is based are inappropriate at the site in question and that the proposed assumptions are more appropriate or that 

physical or chemical characteristics of the site alter the toxicity or bioavailability of the compound. Such a variance of assumptions, 

however, shall not be a ground for a proposed alternative criterion unless the assumptions characterize a factor specific to the site, 

such as bioaccumulation rates, rather than a generic factor, such as the cancer potency and reference dose of the compound. Maninduced pollution that can be controlled or abated shall not be deemed a ground for a proposed alternative criterion. 

5. The petition shall include all information required for the Department to complete its economic impact statement for the 

proposed criterion. 

6. For any alternative criterion more stringent than the existing criterion, the petition shall include an analysis of the attainability 

of the alternative criterion. 

7. No later than 180 days after receipt of a complete petition or after a petitioner requests processing of a petition not found to 

be complete, the Department shall notify the petitioner of its decision on the petition. The Department shall publish in the Florida 

Administrative Weekly either a notice of rulemaking for the proposed alternative criterion or a notice of the denial of the petition, as 

appropriate, within 30 days after notifying the petitioner of the decision. A denial of the petition shall become final within 14 days 

unless timely challenged under Section 120.57, F.S. 

(d) The provisions of this subsection do not apply to criteria contained in Rule 62-302.500, F.A.C., or criteria that apply to:

1. Biological Integrity. 

2. B.O.D. 

3. Nutrients. 

4. Odor. 

5. Oils and Greases. 

6. Radioactive Substances. 

7. Substances in concentrations that injure, are chronically toxic to, or produce adverse physiological or behavioral response in 

humans, animals, or plants. 

8. Substances in concentrations that result in the dominance of nuisance species. 

9. Total Dissolved Gases. 

10. Any criterion or maximum concentration based on or set forth in paragraph 62-4.244(3)(b), F.A.C. 

(e) Despite any failure of the Department to meet a deadline set forth in this subsection (2), the grant of an alternative criterion 

shall not become effective unless approved as a rule by the Commission. 

(f) Nothing in this rule shall alter the rights afforded to affected persons by Chapter 120, F.S. 

(3) The Department shall modify permits of existing sources affected in a manner consistent with the Secretary’s Order. 

(4) Additional relief from criteria established by this Chapter may be provided through exemption pursuant to Rule 62-4.243, 

F.A.C., or variances as provided for by Rule 62-110.104, F.A.C. 
(5) Site specific alternative criteria apply to the water bodies, or portions of the water bodies, listed below. For dissolved oxygen 

site specific alternative criteria, normal daily and seasonal fluctuations above the levels listed in the table below shall be maintained. 

Water Body and Class 

 

Site Specific Alternative Criteria 

 

County(s) 

(a) Marine portions of the 

lower St. Johns River and its 

tributaries between Julington 

Creek and the mouth of the 

river. Class III. 

 Dissolved Oxygen not less than a minimum concentration of 4.0 mg/L, 

and a Total Fractional Exposure not greater than 1.0 over an annual 

evaluation period as defined by the following equation: 

where the number of days in an interval is based on the daily average 

Dissolved Oxygen concentration. 

Duval/Clay/ 

St. Johns 

(b) Discharge wetlands at the 

Orange County Eastern Water 

Reclamation Facility. Class III.

 pH of not greater than 8.5 standard units. Orange 

(c) Fenholloway River from 

river mile -0.1 to river mile 

3.5. Class III. 

 The annual average compensation depth for photosynthetic activity for 

phytoplankton shall not be decreased greater than 44.3 percent from 

background conditions as determined by an annual average 

compensation depth of at least 0.66 meters at river mile 0.53 (station 

F06). This value must be based on a minimum of 12 measurements 

during times when the average flow at Cooey Island Bridge at river mile 

7.15 measures less than 200 cubic feet per second. 

Taylor 

(d) Fenholloway River 

coastal waters (Apalachee 

Bay) as spatially defined by 

the coordinates (83° 49' 

29.95" W, 29° 59' 38.70" N), 

(83° 45' 3.61" W, 29° 57' 

22.10" N), (83° 47' 23.50" W, 

29° 54' 5.01" N), and (83° 51' 

45.47" W, 29° 56' 25.71" N). 

Class III. 

 The annual average down-welling light at 1 m depth at stations F10 (83° 

47' 6.60" W, 29° 57' 4.20" N) and F11 (83° 48' 27.00" W, 29° 57' 38.40" 

N) shall be 27 percent or more of surface values based on a minimum of 

12 measurements using a 2 pi sensor during times when the average flow 

at Hampton Springs Bridge (USGS gage 02325000 near Perry) is less 

than or equal to 60 cubic feet per second (after subtracting flows from 

permitted point sources). 

Taylor 

Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.504, 403.704, 403.804, 403.805 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 

403.141, 403.161, 403.502 FS. History–Formerly 17-3.05(4), Amended 3-1-79, 10-2-80, 2-1-83, Formerly 17-3.031, Amended 6-17-92, Formerly 

17-302.800, Amended 5-15-02, 1-9-06, 6-28-06, 12-7-06, 8-5-07, 8-5-10.

55 day Max

4.8 - 5.0 mg/L

Days between

47 day Max

4.6 - 4.8 mg/L

Days between

30 day Max

4.4 - 4.6 mg/L

Days between

21day Max

4.2 - 4.4 mg/L

Days between

16 day Max

4.0 - 4.2 mg/L

Days between

Exposure

Total Fractional

















  



 



