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.