Advocacy & Legislation: Why It Matters

State leaders often underestimate the vital role professional geologists play in protecting Florida’s natural resources, managing environmental risks, and supporting responsible growth. Licensed Professional Geologists are essential to groundwater protection, sinkhole and geohazard evaluation, environmental permitting, infrastructure planning, coastal resilience, and disaster response. As Florida continues to face challenges related to water quality, development, contamination, and natural hazards, strong professional standards and geologic oversight are more important than ever.

Legislative Update – 2026 Session

During the 2026 Florida Legislative Session, FAPG’s top priority remained defending professional licensure and protecting the Florida Board of Professional Geologists. HB 607 — Industries and Professional Activities — was introduced as a broad deregulation bill affecting many professions regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The bill would have eliminated professional oversight boards and removed continuing education requirements, creating serious concerns for public safety, professional accountability, and environmental protection.

FAPG stood with other affected professions and worked to successfully defeat HB 607. After continued advocacy, coordination, and conversations with lawmakers, the bill died at its final committee stop. Unlike the House bill, the Senate counterpart, SB 1666, did not include the same harmful provisions, which indicated that there was limited support for another major deregulation effort in 2026. This was an important victory, but the threat is not gone. Similar proposals may return in future legislative sessions, and FAPG must remain organized, engaged, and ready to respond.

FAPG also closely tracked and supported HB 1019, relating to PFAS substances and aqueous film-forming foam, commonly known as AFFF. This legislation creates a phased prohibition on the use, sale, purchase, distribution, possession, and use of certain firefighting foams containing PFAS. Because implementation will involve environmental assessment, inventory, cleanup, and regulatory oversight, professional geologists will likely play an important role as this policy moves forward.

FAPG Committees Are Growing

We are proud to announce the successful launch of three new committees, each chaired by dedicated volunteer professional geologists:

• Fundraising Committee – focused on building the resources needed to support our mission.

• Legislative Committee – advancing policy strategy, bill tracking, and advocacy coordination.

• Grassroots Committee – mobilizing members and allies to take local and statewide action.

These committees are already helping expand our reach, sharpen our strategy, and strengthen our voice at the Capitol.

Support the Work Ahead

As we prepare for the 2026 session, we are actively fundraising to support our advocacy efforts, outreach campaigns, and legislative presence in Tallahassee. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.

Your support helps us:

• Retain professional lobbying representation

• Engage lawmakers and regulatory leaders

• Educate the public and media

• Protect licensure and public safety standards

FAPG is self-funded by geologists across Florida. Your contributions power our mission.

👉 Click here to donate now.

Together, we can protect the future of geology in Florida.