Algal Bloom Contacts

Report Blue-Green Algae Blooms

Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects and analyzes algal bloom samples.

• To report a bloom, call the toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903 or report online.
• Freshwater Algal Bloom Frequently Asked Questions.

Red Tide and other Harmful Algal Blooms

• The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's (FWRI) HAB group monitors more than 100 locations around the state to detect nuisance, harmful and toxic algal blooms, including red tide.
• Red Tide Frequently Asked Questions.
• View the statewide Red Tide Current Status.
• Latest Red Tide Status Report Available by Phone:
  • Call 866-300-9399 at any time from anywhere in Florida to hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state. Callers outside of Florida can dial 727-552-2448. Standard calling charges apply.

Health Concerns:

• Report illnesses or symptoms, contact the Florida Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
• More information on cyanobacteria blooms, their toxins and public health effects can also be found on the health department website.
• Florida Department of Health Blue-Green Algae Frequently Asked Questions.
• For information on health advisories, contact your local county health department.

DOH takes the lead in determining if an algal bloom presents a risk to human health. DOH issues health advisories for recreational waters where there is a risk of the public coming into contact with an existing algal bloom. These actions are typically directed out of local county health departments, most often in consultation with staff from staff from DOH’s Public Health Toxicology Section. DOH also follows up on reports of pets that may have been exposed to a bloom, since these events may predict potential human health threats.

Report Wildlife Impacts

The FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) maintains this hotline through a federally funded project to survey fish-related diseases and mortalities.

• To report a fish kill, contact the Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511, or report a fish kill online.
• To report any other wildlife injuries, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-3922 (toll-free).

Beach Closure Information: 

• County governments issue public beach closures.

Monitoring and Testing

DEP and Florida’s water management districts frequently monitor Florida’s water quality, and routinely collect algal bloom samples as soon as they are observed as part of this effort. In addition, staff can be deployed to take additional samples in response to reported blooms – whether from a citizen, other response team agencies or other sources.