Florida Marks Fifth Straight Year of Clean Air

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that Florida has met all federal air quality standards for the fifth consecutive year. Florida is the most populous state in the nation to achieve this distinction, underscoring the success of strong air quality monitoring, effective pollution controls and collaboration with partners at every level. 

“Florida’s continued success in meeting federal air quality standards shows that protecting our

environment goes hand-in-hand with supporting a strong economy,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “By working with communities, businesses and partners across the state, we’re keeping our air clean, our residents healthy and our economy thriving.” 

The Clean Air Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six criteria air pollutants that can harm human health and the environment: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution and sulfur dioxide. Florida’s industrial emissions have declined 78 percent since 2000, and ozone levels – the most widespread air pollutant – have fallen by nearly half over the past twenty years. This success reflects years of collaboration between DEP and stakeholders to reduce emissions and improve air quality.  

Florida maintains one of the nation’s most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks, with 180 monitors at 90 sites across the state. The network meets or exceeds federal requirements and ensures accurate, real-time data for residents and communities.