PFAS in Drinking Water in Florida
What residents of Florida need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Florida?
Yes. Florida has significant PFAS contamination tied to its large military presence. Tyndall AFB (Bay County), MacDill AFB (Tampa), Patrick Space Force Base (Brevard County), Eglin AFB (Okaloosa County), and NAS Pensacola have all documented AFFF-related PFAS plumes. Several Florida communities near these bases have detected PFAS in their water supplies.
Where does PFAS come from in Florida?
Military aviation installations dominate Florida's PFAS contamination picture. AFFF firefighting foam used at Tyndall AFB, MacDill AFB, Eglin AFB, and NAS Pensacola has infiltrated shallow coastal aquifers. Florida's porous geology — the Floridan Aquifer System — allows PFAS to migrate rapidly from surface sources into groundwater used for drinking water.
What should Florida residents know?
Florida's sandy, karst-influenced geology means PFAS contaminants move quickly and widely through groundwater. Communities adjacent to military bases — particularly in the Pensacola area, Panama City/Bay County, and the Space Coast — should verify their utility's PFAS monitoring data. Florida FDEP has conducted statewide PFAS sampling at public water systems near military installations.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination sources | Tyndall AFB, MacDill AFB, Eglin AFB, NAS Pensacola, Patrick SFB — all AFFF-related |
| Geology risk factor | Floridan Aquifer karst geology allows rapid PFAS migration through shallow aquifers |
| State regulator | Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) |
| Health effects | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune suppression, developmental effects |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon (GAC); RO especially important for private well users |
Why PFAS Matters in Florida
Florida's combination of abundant military installations and highly porous geology makes it particularly vulnerable to PFAS groundwater contamination. The Floridan Aquifer, which supplies drinking water to millions of Floridians, is susceptible to surface contamination migration. Tyndall AFB was severely damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018, raising concerns about AFFF-contaminated materials spreading. MacDill AFB in the heart of Tampa Bay sits atop aquifer recharge zones. Eglin AFB in the Panhandle has generated one of the largest AFFF-related PFAS plumes in the Southeast. Florida FDEP has expanded PFAS monitoring and is working with military installations on source control.
Florida PFAS Regulation
Florida DEP has conducted PFAS site investigations at Tyndall AFB (damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018, causing AFFF releases), MacDill AFB near Tampa, and multiple other military installations. The Florida Legislature enacted PFAS disclosure requirements and directs DEP to identify contaminated sites. Florida follows the federal EPA MCL with no additional state standard.
Largest Florida Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Florida utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Residents near Pensacola (NAS Pensacola), Panama City Beach (Tyndall AFB), Okaloosa County (Eglin AFB), Brevard County (Patrick SFB), and South Tampa (near MacDill AFB) face elevated PFAS exposure risk from groundwater sources.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Florida
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Florida utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Florida utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Florida PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Florida State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
Find Your Utility
State Regulator
Florida Department of Environmental Protection ↗