Rainbow Springs State Park - View of the springs

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program regulates point source discharges from three potential sources: 

Stormwater runoff is generated from rain events that flow over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, and sediment that can harm our rivers, lakes and estuaries. To protect these resources, municipalities and operators of construction and industrial activities, can use stormwater controls,  to prevent pollution by controlling it at its source.

Operators of these sources are required to obtain NPDES coverage before they can discharge stormwater if stormwater from the activity has the potential to enter a surface water of the state or an MS4.

Most sites have the potential to discharge stormwater. Even sites with stormwater treatment may discharge stormwater offsite. Many stormwater systems are designed to retain a specific quantity of stormwater based on rain events and local conditions, and to discharge any stormwater received over the design capacity. If the system discharges or overflows offsite, that is considered a discharge to an MS4 or water of the state. 

The NPDES Stormwater Program in Tallahassee is responsible for the development, administration and compliance of rules and policy to minimize and prevent pollutants in stormwater discharges. History of the program.

More Information

List of NPDES Stormwater Permits

Apply through the DEP Business Portal

Browse the NPDES Stormwater Program topics on the left-hand side of the page for more information.