The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant Office is accepting applications for pumpout projects statewide. The CVA grant program is a great way to upgrade your marina's waste-handling facilities and provide customers with a quick and convenient option for proper disposal.

The Clean Vessel Program can fund up to 75% of eligible project costs relating to site preparation, equipment purchase, installation, operations, maintenance, sewage hauling and educational outreach.

Application

Complete the CVA Grant Application and submit supporting documents via DEP Grantee Portal. The Grant Management System User Guide provides instructions on how to complete the application and submit the required documentation. Grant applications can be emailed to Clean.Vessel.Act@dep.state.fl.us or faxed to 1-866-340-4683.
View the Timeline of a CVA Grant Award to see how long the application process can take.

Below are the requirements for completing the Clean Vessel Act Grant application process.

Public Access   

  • To receive CVA funds, facilities must provide public access to pumpout equipment. It does not matter if the facility is private. If the public has access to the pumpout equipment and is welcome to use it, the facility is eligible to apply for funding.

Pumpout Fees

  • Grant recipients are encouraged to offer pumpout services free of charge. However, facilities receiving CVA funds are allowed to charge up to $5 per vessel for pumpouts. Proceeds from pumpout fees must be used exclusively to defray the cost of operation and maintenance of the pumpout equipment.
  • Facilities that charge pumpout fees are required to account for them in their quarterly pumpout reports.

Permits

  • Facilities must have all permits applicable to the pumpout project in place before any work begins. Failure to obtain required permits prior to placing a pumpout system/equipment into operation can result in enforcement actions and civil penalties.

Site Visit

  • Prior to approving funding for purchase and installation of pumpout equipment and upon the discretion of the program administrator, CVA staff will visit the facility. They will determine if any permits are needed for your project and to ensure that the proposed pumpout location allows for proper sewage disposal.
  • This is not a regulatory visit. This visit allows DEP staff to provide guidance on the project and answer any questions you may have.
Last Modified: Wednesday, Jan 08, 2025 - 03:56pm