In Florida, all wastewater that is not defined as domestic wastewater is considered industrial wastewater. Since Florida is among our nation’s most populous and fastest growing states, industrial wastewater permitting is increasingly important for protection of our state’s most precious natural resource — water.

Sources of industrial wastewater include manufacturing, commercial businesses, mining, agricultural production and processing, and wastewater from cleanup of petroleum- and chemical-contaminated sites. Industrial wastewater discharged under NPDES permits may be subject to federal Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG). In addition, all industrial wastewater discharges in Florida must provide reasonable assurance of meeting Florida’s Water Quality Standards for surface water or ground water to receive a discharge permit.

The Department of Environmental Protection's Industrial Wastewater issues permits to facilities and activities that discharge to surface waters and ground waters of the state. Industrial wastewater that discharges to domestic wastewater treatment facilities, however, is regulated under the Industrial Pretreatment component of the department’s Domestic Wastewater.

The Department is authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue permits for discharge to surface waters under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Permits for discharge to ground waters are issued by the department under state statutes and rules. Industrial wastewater permits are issued by the district offices, with two exceptions. NPDES permits for steam electric power plants are issued by the Industrial Wastewater in the Tallahassee office. Industrial wastewater permitting for the phosphate industry is handled by the Phosphogypsum Management Program located in Tampa. See information below about recent revision to Department rules.

Water Droplet

 

Revisions to Chapter 62-621, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

In 2021, rulemaking for “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Generic Permits Associated with the Control of Harmful Algal Blooms," was initiated in response to the Blue-Green Algae Task Force. Revisions to Chapter 62-621.300(9), F.A.C., adopt by rule two generic National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit authorizing certain activities to control harmful algal blooms in Florida’s waterways. The generic permits are issued under Sections 403.061 and 403.0885, Florida Statutes, and applicable rules of the Florida Administrative Code.

Rule 62-621.300, F.A.C., was published on December 9, 2024. The forms for both generic permits can be found below:

  • “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Generic Permit for Discharges of Pollutants Associated with Pilot Testing for the Control of Harmful Algal Blooms.” 
  • “Notice of Intent to Use the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Generic Permit for Discharges of Pollutants Associated with Pilot Testing for the Control of Harmful Algal Blooms.” 
  • “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Generic Permit for Discharges of Pollutants Associated with the Control of Harmful Algal Blooms.” 
  • “Notice of Intent to Use the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Generic Permit for Discharges of Pollutants Associated with the Control of Harmful Algal Blooms.” 
  • “Notice of Termination of Generic National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Associated with the Control of Harmful Algal Blooms.” 

Discharge Monitoring Reports

NPDES facilities are required to submit Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) electronically. More information can be obtained at the Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report System (EzDMR) page.

Industrial Wastewater
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3545
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
Phone: 850-245-8589

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