Outstanding
Florida Waters
All
waters of the state fall into one of five surface water
classifications
(62-302.400
F.A.C.) with specific criteria
applicable to each class of water. In addition to its
surface water classification, a water may be designated
as an Outstanding Florida Water, (62-302.700 F.A.C.).
What
is an Outstanding Florida Water?
An
Outstanding Florida Water, (OFW), is a water
designated worthy of special protection because of its
natural attributes. This special designation is applied
to certain waters, and is intended to protect existing
good water quality.
Most OFWs
are areas managed by the state or federal government as parks,
including wildlife refuges, preserves,
marine sanctuaries, estuarine research reserves, certain
waters within state or national forests, scenic and wild
rivers, or aquatic preserves. Generally, the waters
within these managed areas are OFWs because the managing
agency has requested this special protection.
Waters that
are not already in a state or federal
managed area, may be designated as "special
water" OFWs if certain requirements are met
including a public process of designation.
For
more information, please see:
- The OFW Factsheet provides a
listing of "special waters" and OFWs, along
with more details relating to permitting of
activities within an OFW and requirements for a
"special water" OFW designation.
- The OFW Questions and Answers
includes commonly asked questions and answers.
For more information please contact:
Eric Shaw at
(850) 245-8429 or
Janet Klemm
at (850) 245-8427.
Standards & Assessment
Program
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
2600 Blair Stone Road - M.S. 6511
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-245-8064
Contact Us
2012 State of Florida