Florida Guide
PFAS Contamination in Florida — What You Need to Know
Florida has some of the most significant PFAS contamination in the country. Here is where it has been found, what the state is doing about it, and how to protect your drinking water right now.
Last updated: April 2026 · By the PFASFilterGuide team
Florida PFAS Standard
70 ppt (PFOS + PFOA combined) — stricter limits pending under EPA 4 ppt standard
Florida adopted the old federal advisory level of 70 ppt for combined PFOS and PFOA. The EPA finalized a new federal MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually in April 2024. Florida public water systems must comply with the federal standard as it rolls out. As of 2026, enforcement timelines are being implemented statewide.
Known Contamination Sites
These are publicly documented PFAS detections in Florida. This is not a complete list — new sites are found regularly as testing expands.
| Location | Source | PFAS Level |
|---|---|---|
| Pensacola | NAS Pensacola — AFFF firefighting foam in groundwater | PFOS + PFOA above 70 ppt in affected wells serving 5,000+ residents |
| Homestead / Dade County | Homestead Air Reserve Base — AFFF contamination | PFAS detected in monitoring wells; private wells tested under UCMR5 |
| Brevard County / Cocoa Beach | Patrick Space Force Base — documented as one of FL's most contaminated sites | PFOS levels above 70 ppt in multiple downgradient wells |
| Tampa Bay Area | MacDill Air Force Base — ongoing groundwater investigation | PFAS detected in groundwater monitoring; investigation active as of 2026 |
| Panama City | Tyndall AFB — AFFF storage damaged during Hurricane Michael (2018) | Elevated PFAS in groundwater following storm-related AFFF release |
| Industrial Corridor (statewide) | Chemical manufacturing and industrial discharge — multiple facilities | Varied PFAS detections; specific levels dependent on site and UCMR5 testing |
Military Base Contamination
AFFF firefighting foam used on military bases is one of the largest sources of PFAS groundwater contamination. The Department of Defense has identified these Florida bases:
NAS Pensacola (Naval Air Station)
Active investigation and cleanup. AFFF use for decades contaminated groundwater. Approximately 5,000 residents were connected to alternative water supplies. DoD remediation ongoing.
Homestead Air Reserve Base
PFAS detected in monitoring wells in Miami-Dade County. Private well owners in the surrounding area encouraged to test.
Patrick Space Force Base (Brevard County)
One of Florida's highest-profile military PFAS sites. Contamination extends into neighboring residential areas. Remediation under DoD Environmental Restoration Program.
MacDill Air Force Base (Tampa)
Groundwater investigation underway as of 2026. PFAS detected in on-base monitoring wells. Extent of off-base migration still being assessed.
Tyndall Air Force Base (Panama City)
Significantly affected during Hurricane Michael in 2018 when AFFF storage was damaged. Elevated PFAS levels in groundwater. Active remediation underway.
Florida PFAS Regulations
- Florida follows the federal EPA PFAS MCL — 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually (compliance timelines active)
- Florida DEP participates in EPA UCMR5 — all large public water systems tested for PFAS by 2025
- State has not yet adopted Florida-specific MCLs more stringent than federal minimums
- Voluntary PFAS testing assistance available for private well owners near known contamination sites
- Florida DEP works with DoD on military base cleanup under the CERCLA / DERP framework
- Consumer Confidence Reports must include PFAS data where detected above reporting limits
How to Test Your Water in Florida
Florida DEP coordinates PFAS testing under the EPA's UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5) program, which requires all public water systems serving 3,300+ people to test for PFAS. Results are submitted to the EPA and published in Consumer Confidence Reports. Florida also operates a voluntary homeowner testing program for private wells near known contamination sites. If you live near a military base or industrial facility, contact your county health department to ask about available testing assistance.
Recommended Filters for Florida Residents
Any NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS. The right type depends on whether you rent or own, and how many taps you want filtered.
Renters / Budget
Clearly Filtered Pitcher — $80 + $60/yr filters. NSF P473. No install.
See full reviewHomeowners / Kitchen
Under-sink RO system — $200-$400. Filters all drinking + cooking water at one tap.
See full reviewWhole-House
SpringWell PFAS system — $1,500+. Filters every tap including showers and laundry.
See full reviewCommon Questions
Is Florida tap water safe from PFAS?+
It depends on where you live. If you are on public water near a military base — Pensacola, Brevard County, Tampa, or Panama City — your utility has been required to test under UCMR5 and treat water above the EPA MCL. Most public utilities in Florida are within legal limits. However, legal limits still allow some PFAS. If you are on a private well near a base or industrial site, your water may not have been tested at all. A home test is the only way to know your actual levels.
Which Florida cities have the highest PFAS contamination?+
The highest documented PFAS contamination in Florida is concentrated near military bases. Pensacola (NAS Pensacola), the Brevard County area near Patrick Space Force Base, and communities around Tyndall AFB in Panama City are the most affected. Tampa Bay communities near MacDill AFB are under active investigation. These areas have the highest probability of detecting PFAS above EPA limits in private wells.
Does Florida have PFAS regulations?+
Florida follows the federal EPA MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS (finalized April 2024). Florida DEP has not adopted state-specific MCLs more stringent than the federal standard. As of 2026, public water systems are working toward compliance with the EPA rollout timeline. Florida does require public water systems to test under UCMR5 and publish results in annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
How do I test my Florida well water for PFAS?+
If you are on a private well in Florida, your options include: (1) Mail-in testing through Tap Score or SimpleLab — $150 to $300 for a PFAS-specific panel, results in 7-14 days. (2) Contact your county health department about free or subsidized testing, especially if you live near a military base. (3) Florida DEP maintains a list of certified labs for private well testing — search 'Florida DEP PFAS testing' for the current list.
What filter removes PFAS in Florida water?+
Any NSF P473 certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes PFAS from drinking water. Clearly Filtered and Aquasana hold this certification. For the most thorough removal, a reverse osmosis system removes 99%+ of PFAS — including compounds that some carbon filters miss. If you are on public water and your utility already treats for PFAS, a pitcher filter adds a useful second layer. If you are on an untreated private well with elevated PFAS, a reverse osmosis under-sink system is the stronger choice.
Protect Your Water Now
You do not need to wait for your state to act. An NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS from your tap water today. Start with a test to know your levels, then pick the filter that fits your home.