Florida faces some of the nation’s most complex resilience challenges. Rising sea levels are contributing to saltwater intrusion, more frequent tidal flooding, and higher storm surges along the coasts. Farther inland, communities are contending with more intense rainfall, prolonged higher temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns that can strain drinking water supplies and challenge agricultural production.
In What Ways are Communities Collaborating?
Less well known outside the Sunshine State is the remarkable collaboration taking place among public agencies, private industry, nonprofit organizations, researchers, and local communities to address these challenges. As climate risks have grown, so too have the ingenuity, technical expertise, and partnerships dedicated to helping Florida adapt.
The Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact offers one example. The partnership—consisting of four counties and nearly 100 local governments—has developed common sea level rise projections and a regional climate adaptation plan that provides a shared scientific foundation for resilience planning.
Across the state, similar efforts are underway. Florida’s five water management districts are collaborating with utilities and local governments to develop more resilient water supplies, including brackish groundwater desalination and aquifer protection initiatives. Private developers are increasingly working with local governments to incorporate resilience into new communities, while organizations such as Resiliency Florida and the Florida Water and Climate Alliance provide training, share best practices, and advocate for policies that strengthen the state’s resilience.
What Does Bipartisan Support Look Like?
Perhaps most encouraging is the broad bipartisan support for practical resilience investments. While Floridians hold diverse views on many political topics, the recurrence of hurricanes and other significant storm events have fostered widespread agreement that communities should prepare for flooding, stronger storms, increasing heatwaves, and other environmental challenges. State programs, such as the Resilient Florida Program—which has invested billions of dollars in flood resilience planning and infrastructure—reflect that shared commitment. This past year, unanimous legislative support for the Resilient Florida Program resulted in over $160 million in funding.
The challenges remain significant, particularly for communities with limited financial resources and for residents who are most vulnerable to extreme weather. Yet, Florida’s experience also demonstrates that resilience is not simply about responding to disasters. It includes developing practical strategies that reduce future risks while strengthening communities. Several lessons have emerged that may prove valuable well beyond Florida’s borders, including those relating to project implementation, funding, and planning for conditions well into the future. Head to part two of this blog to explore lessons learned.
About the Authors
Hannah Hart
