FPLs are developed through collaboration among the state and federal Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council) members. The Council periodically approves Council-Selected Restoration Component funding for batches of projects and programs in what is called a Funded Priorities List (FPL). The Council occasionally amends these FPLs to add additional funding or otherwise modify previously-approved activities. These amendments are approved through a Council vote, after the Council seeks public input. 

The Initial Funded Priorities List was approved on December 9, 2015. 

On April 28, 2021, RESTORE Council approved its Funded Priorities List 3b (FPL 3b). In Florida, three Gulf Coast restoration programs were established: 

Gulf Coast Resilience Program: The Gulf Coast Resilience Program was developed to address stressors such as, threats from sea level rise; hazards associated with extreme weather; coastal inundation; and habitat loss and fragmentation.

Gulf Coast Tributaries Hydrologic Restoration Program: The Tributaries and Hydrologic Restoration Program was developed to address stressors associated with hydrologic modification and to improve, flow regime dynamics; nutrient cycling; salinity gradients; and wildlife habitat and biodiversity.

Water Quality Improvement Program: The Water Quality Improvement Program was developed to address stressors associated with, nutrient loading from agricultural runoff; urban stormwater runoff; septic system effluent; and inadequate wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

In 2026, the Council is expected to hold a vote to finalize its 2026 Funded Priorities List, for more information on the 2026 FPL call for projects, please see sections below.

Submitting Project Proposals

Florida will release a call for projects for the 2026 RESTORE FPL for projects under the three programs on July 1, 2026 through the  Protecting Florida Together Water Quality Grants Portal webpage. 

Eligibility

Financial assistance is available to Florida’s local governments, including county and municipal governments, special districts, water management districts, state agencies and non-governmental organizations that can demonstrate competency in meeting 2 C.F.R. part 200. Proposals will be considered for projects that address restoration approaches and techniques outlined in RESTORE Council’s Planning Framework.

Program Name

Geographical Extent

2026 FPL Eligible Technique(s)

Gulf Coast Resilience Program23 Gulf Coast Counties
  • Planning, design, and construction of living shorelines or other adaptation strategies.
  • Coastal and submerged lands management.
  • Land acquisition to protect habitats that enhance resiliency.
Gulf Coast Tributaries Hydrologic Restoration ProgramWatersheds that drain to the Gulf of America (8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code)
  • Ditch/canal plugging.
  • Restoring natural dimensions of tidal passes/inlets.
  • Restoring/reconnecting wetlands.
  • Installing erosion control or water control structures.
  • Strategic use of impoundments to capture and store flood waters to be released during droughts.
  • Restore Hydrologic connectivity.
  • Restore natural salinity regimes.
  • Land acquisition associated with hydrologic restoration activities.
Water Quality Improvement ProgramWatersheds that drain to the Gulf of America (8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code)
  • Stormwater management.
  • Erosion and sediment control.
  • Wastewater System Improvements

Program Resources

Useful Websites

Last Modified: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 11:30am