Realtors Lead the Charge for Clean Water in Florida's Beaches and Lakes

Making Waves for Clean Water in Florida

This July, Realtors® and dedicated volunteers across Florida are diving into action for a noble cause: cleaning up the state's beautiful beaches, lakes, and waterways. This initiative, known as the "Clean Up Florida Waters," aims to protect and restore the natural beauty of the Sunshine State, which is loved by both residents and tourists alike.

In 2025, an impressive array of efforts resulted in 239 miles of waterways being serviced, with nearly 2,050 passionate individuals lending their hands for this vital environmental project. As Chuck Bonfiglio Jr., the 2026 Florida Realtors President and owner of AAA Realty Group in Plantation, noted, "Realtors understand that Florida's stunning waterways play a crucial role in attracting people to our state, whether for living or vacationing."

The impact of the previous year's clean-up was noteworthy, with approximately 16 tons of waste removed from Florida's waters—equivalent to the weight of around six full-sized school buses. During the course of these efforts, volunteers discovered an array of unusual items, ranging from an entire freezer and street signs to a box of rolled quarters and a full bottle of sake, showcasing both the environmental challenges and the spirit of the community.

This ambitious clean-up drive, which is currently in its sixth year, not only encourages Realtors but also invites local residents to engage in community-led events that involve collecting garbage and cleaning recreational areas in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters including bays, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean.

An important aspect of these endeavors is collaboration. Local groups are encouraged to partner with established environmental organizations like the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), various local CCA chapters, Waterkeepers organizations, and Keep Florida Beautiful. Such partnerships amplify the reach and effectiveness of cleanup initiatives and create a sense of community involvement.

Florida Realtors proudly holds a Gold Sun Level partnership with Keep Florida Beautiful, confirming their commitment to cleaner, greener waterways. This partnership allows local groups to unite effectively with Realtor organizations to tackle cleanup efforts and improve the environmental conditions of their immediate surroundings.

Leading the sponsorship of this impactful initiative is Stellar MLS, supported by Coast 2 Coast MLS Data Share and the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida. With a unified approach and collective effort, these groups aim to mobilize resources and enhance community participation in safeguarding Florida's aquatic environments.

For more insights or to discover local events organized by Realtor associations engaging in these cleanup endeavors, individuals can visit the Florida Realtors Clean Up Florida Waters webpage.

Florida Realtors® serves as the authoritative voice for real estate within the state, offering an extensive range of programs, services, continuing education, research, and legislative representation to a vast network of 238,000 members across 47 boards and associations.

This summer, as we enjoy Florida’s lush coastlines and sparkling lakes, let’s remember the significance of ecological stewardship and how we can all play a role in preserving our planet for future generations. Join us in making a positive change, one cleanup at a time!