February 27, 2026
Join us by flooding the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) with letters/emails from neighbors and allies who want
the Florence Landfill state operating permit denied!
On December 9, 2025 the Florence Landfill operators submitted an application to renew their state operating permit for another 5 years.
The Florida Department of Protection (FDEP) has not approved their application, instead responded with a Request for Additional Information (RAI) on 12/23/25. That provided the operators 90 more days to bring their application into compliance. The Florence Landfill operators submitted a response to the RAI on 2/9/26, now the FDEP has 30 days to review the application to either respond with another RAI or issue an "intent to issue" the permit. Now is the time period to submit letters/emails to object or comment on this permit application.
The RAI is attached in this email. The RAI is extensive and lists areas where the landfill is non compliant. Typically the FDEP is quick to issue the operating permit to the Florence Landfill, but thankfully this time they are not being as easy. Which is crucial since data shows contaminants in the groundwater are increasing.
Additionally attached is an Alachua County letter to FDEP requesting FDEP to deny the operating permit.
If you are able to mail or email a letter, the sooner the better!
The sooner they have your letter the more likely your comments will be considered in their decision making
Any letter, however long or short, is valued by us!
In your letter make sure to include the project number 70754-012
The letter can be handwritten or typed, but needs to be mailed to the address below or emailed to brian.durden@Florida DEP.gov
This letter will not be private, it will be a public record.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
8800 Baymeadows Way West, Suite 100
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Any comments or objections should be filed in writing with the Department at this address.
Comments or objections should be submitted as soon as possible to ensure that there is adequate
time for the comments to be considered in the Department's decision on the application.
If you are looking for data backed points as to why the permit needs to be denied, check out the attached RAI.
Respect Southeast Gainesville!