The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is committed to the protection of the groundwater resources of the state and the public health and safety of our residents. As part of these efforts, DEP’s Division of Waste Management routinely investigates sites where there is known or suspected soil and groundwater contamination statewide. 

The Division of Waste Management (DWM) has begun investigations to determine potential sources and environmental impacts related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a large class of complex human-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are part of the larger group of PFAS chemicals. While no longer manufactured in the United States, PFOA and PFOS were extensively used and manufactured since the 1940s. Common uses of PFAS included stain and water repellents used in textile manufacturing, paper products, food packaging, and cookware. PFAS has also been used in numerous industrial processes and in the formulation of fire suppressant foams. 

PFAS are stable chemicals that do not naturally degrade. When released into the environment, PFAS can cause contamination to soil, groundwater and surface water, and these impacts may pose a risk to public health and the environment. 

DEP continues its efforts to investigate and understand PFAS in the environment and the ecological and human health risks associated with PFAS contamination. This webpage is dedicated to making PFAS information readily available and accessible to the public regarding DEP’s efforts. DEP is committed to providing timely information to the public regarding these efforts.

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) requirements are Now Effective

Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1019 on June 17, 2026, and effective July 1, DEP is accepting inventories of aqueous film-forming foam as defined in section 376.911(1)(a), Florida Statutes (F.S.).

Aqueous film-forming foam is any firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance, including perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Pursuant to 376.911(2), F.S.:

 (a) Aqueous film-forming foam may not be used for any nonemergency instruction, training, or testing.

 (b) All entities in possession of aqueous film-forming foam must report inventories to DEP. 

DEP has developed a fillable form to report aqueous film-forming foam inventories, which will be available beginning July 1, 2026.

Inventory Reporting: Aqueous film-forming foam Inventory Form

DEP encourages entities to use the form linked above; however, an entity may submit its own inventory forms via email to AFFFInventory@FloridaDEP.gov.

Areas of Investigation

Technical Developments

Resources

Last Modified: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 - 10:56am