By STAFF REPORTS
The 40th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School is introducing five new courses as part of its 2026 program, continuing its commitment to delivering timely, relevant education for Florida’s environmental professionals. These new offerings are among the conference’s 64 educational courses, each designed to address today’s most pressing permitting, policy and resource management issues.
In addition, the conference, located at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, features key experts and government officials of all levels to facilitate discussions about key environmental, energy, and regulatory issues facing Florida.
NEW FOR 2026 ARE:
Under the Dome: Florida Legislators on Environmental Policy, Progress, and the Path Ahead
Featuring state lawmakers discussing the future of environmental policy, including Sen. Keith Truenow, Rep. Bill Conerly and Rep. Toby Overdorf.
Wednesday, July 22 8:30-10:10 a.m. Banyon Ballroom
Nutrient Trading Under Florida’s New Stormwater Rule: WQEA, RSMS, and Compensating Treatment
Examines Florida’s evolving stormwater regulations
Thursday, July 23 10:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Calusa 4&5
Delivering One Water Outcomes: Aligning Across Florida’s Water System
Highlights collaborative approaches to water resource management.
Thursday, July 23 1:30-3:10 p.m. Calusa 11
Permits, Politics, and Public Perception: Communicating High-Profile Environmental Projects
Explores strategies for navigating complex projects in the public eye
Thursday, July 23 3:30-5:10 p.m. Banyon Ballroom
Mastering Expert Testimony That Wins
Offers practical insights into presenting effective technical testimony
Friday, July 24 8:30-10:30 a.m. Calusa 11
The course additions reflect EPSS’s ongoing commitment to keeping the program fresh, relevant and responsive to the issues shaping Florida’s environmental future. Whether attendees are coming for the first time or returning for another year, the 2026 conference offers opportunities to learn from leading practitioners, regulators, policymakers and industry experts.
Key speakers bring expertise in their field and provide attendees with insights through candid conversations about the realities of regulatory programs, impacts of legal decisions and working within bureaucracies.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Shawn Zinszer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Chief of the Jacksonville District
Kevin J. McOmber, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4 Administrator
John Truitt, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs
Wilbur Mayorga, Miami-Dade County, Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources
Frank Walker, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Executive Vice President
