Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP) Cost-Share Programs is sponsored by FDACS OAWP. Offers financial assistance to agricultural producers for implementing best management practices to conserve water and protect water quality.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP) administers the Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Cost Share Program to assist eligible applicants with implementation of BMPs. FDACS OAWP will provide funding for eligible projects on a continuous basis until program funds are fully encumbered.

Applicants must submit a complete Cost Share Program Application (application), including all required documentation, in order to be considered for program funding. Funding decisions will be based on the evaluation of all information submitted in the application in accordance with the criteria set forth below.

FDACS OAWP will review completed applications in the order in which they are received, and may request additional information from an applicant, including a site visit, before a funding decision is made. ## Program Funding Criteria FDACS OAWP will review completed applications based on the following minimum criteria: 1. Confirmation of applicant eligibility.

2. Confirmation of project eligibility. 3.

Evaluation of additional project considerations. ## Applicant Eligibility Requirements When applying, an applicant must meet the following requirements for their application to be considered: 1. The property where the proposed project is located has been in production for at least one year prior to applying (regardless of ownership/lease).

2. The applicant has an active Notice of Intent to Implement Agricultural BMPs (NOI) for the property where the proposed project will take place. 3.

An Implementation Verification (IV) site visit was performed within the two years preceding this application. If not, enrollment in the BMP Program must have occurred within the last 15 months. 4.

The applicant must provide a statement regarding any previous or current compliance or enforcement action by FDACS, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a Water Management District, a local municipality (city or county), or any other state or federal agency. Such applicants may be requested to provide subsequent relevant information. 5.

**For dairy applicants only:** Dairy applicants must have an up-to-date nutrient management plan or comprehensive nutrient management plan. Applicants that do not satisfy the applicant eligibility criteria can work with FDACS to become eligible. ## Project Eligibility Requirements 1.

Is on the approved list or meets the criteria as a new project type; 2. Will be used to implement a BMP checklist item or items in the relevant BMP manual adopted by rule in Title 5M, Florida Administrative Code (F. A.

C); 3. Is appropriate for the size of the operation; 4. Has the necessary precision/technology features.

Certain projects require being paired with precision or technology to work effectively. This includes any technology feature that improves the water quality and water quantity; and 5. Has not already been 100% funded by an alternative grant program (confirmation there is no duplication of benefits).

If it is determined by FDACS, the recipient, or any other state or federal partner that duplication of benefits occurred, the applicant may be required to repay any cost share reimbursement received under this program. ## Additional Project Considerations FDACS OAWP will also take the following items into consideration when evaluating applications, and will prioritize applications based on the following: 1.

Does the proposed project take place in a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)? 2. Has the applicant ever been awarded cost share under the program before?

3. Has the applicant been awarded or received any alternative funding for the proposed project? (e.g., the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a Water Management District) ## Project Types Eligible for Cost Share Funding Project types eligible for program funding are provided in the expandable lists below.

### Nutrient Management Project Types 1. Precision Nutrient Application/Nutrient Applicator — Dry Fertilizer Variable Rate Technology(VRT) 2. Precision Nutrient Application/Nutrient Applicator — Dry Fertilizer Band Variable Rate Technology(VRT) 3.

Precision Nutrient Application/GPS — Unit 4. Precision Nutrient Application/GPS — Receiver/Display 5. Precision Nutrient Application/GPS — Autosteer 6.

Precision Nutrient Application/Variable Rate Controller 7. Precision Nutrient Application/Real Time Kinematics (RTK) System 8. Precision Nutrient Application/Grid Sampling 9.

Precision Nutrient Application/Laser Leveling 10. Precision Nutrient Application/Nutrient Applicator — Liquid Band 11. Precision Nutrient Application/Fertigation Chemigation System 12.

Precision Nutrient Application/Mobile Nurse Tank Used for Fertigation 13. Precision Nutrient Application/Nutrient Applicator with Variable Rate 14. Precision Nutrient Application/Nurse Tank for Liquid Applicators 15.

Conservation Tillage/No-Till Drill 16. Conservation Tillage/Rip/Strip Till 17. Conservation Tillage/Ripper Roller 18.

Conservation Tillage/Vertical Till 19. Cover Crop Management/Air Seeder 20. Cover Crop Management/Flail Mower 21.

Cover Crop Management/Roller Crimper 22. Other Nutrient Management Implements/Aerator 23. Other Nutrient Management Implements/Manure Spreader ### Irrigation Management Project Types 1.

Precision Irrigation/Soil Moisture Sensor 2. Precision Irrigation/Weather Station 3. Irrigation Upgrades/Irrigation Automation 4.

Irrigation Upgrades/Irrigation Conversion 5. Irrigation Upgrades/Irrigation Design 6. Irrigation Upgrades/Irrigation Improvement 7.

Irrigation Upgrades/Irrigation Power Plant 8. Irrigation Upgrades/Alternative Irrigation Power Plan for Emergency Situations 9. Irrigation Upgrades/Flow Meters ### Water Resource Protection Project Types 1.

Water Conservation/Tailwater Recovery 2. Water Conservation/Water Storage and Retention 3. Water Conservation/Water Control Structure 4.

Water Conservation/Irrigation Drain Tile 5. Fencing/Exclusion Fencing 7. Storage Facilities/Fertilizer Storage 8.

Storage Facilities/Potting Soil Storage 9. Storage Facilities/Compost Storage 10. Soil Management/Rock Crossing 11.

Soil Management/Culverts for Crossing 12. Soil Management/Alternative Water Supply 13. Soil Management/Earthwork/High Intensity Use Area Stabilization 14.

Soil Management/Well Retrofit 15. Soil Management/Hay Unroller or Hay Wagon 16. Soil Management/Livestock Cooling Area 17.

Services/Alternative Power for Water Pumps Applicants may request an item or proposed project that is not currently listed as a project type eligible for program funding by submitting an application that: 1. Identifies the applicable BMP checklist item(s) located in the relevant BMP manual that will be implemented through the installation of the item or completion of the project. 2.

Describes why the new project type is necessary to implement the BMP(s) compared to the producer’s current practices. 3. Quantifies the estimated water quality or quantity benefit compared to the current practice.

4. Provides justification or proof of the item having a water quality or water quantity benefit (e.g., case studies, research, demonstrations or field tests). ## Cost Share Funding Percentages At a minimum, FDACS will reimburse 75% of cost share projects.

Certain projects may be able to receive more than 75% reimbursement. Awarded cost share percentage will depend on the awarded applicant’s level of data collection and reporting: * Applicant may receive up to a 75% reimbursement/cost share without a data reporting requirement. * Applicant may receive up to an 80% reimbursement/cost share by agreeing to share project-specific data with FDACS for a period of two years.

* Applicant may receive up to a 90% reimbursement/cost share by agreeing to share project-specific data with FDACS for a period of four years. The type of data required to be reported in order to be awarded a higher percentage is dependent on the project type and will be included in the scope of work to the resulting BMP cost share agreement. See the data collection requirements for approved projects [ 196 kB ] .

For new project types, the type of data required will be determined on a case-by-case basis, dependent on the specific scenario. If there are no other agency/entity funding partners, FDACS will allow for cost share reimbursement up to a maximum of 90%, or a total of $150,000 per approved project.

Exceptions to the maximum percent cost share or maximum allowable amount shall be reviewed and approved in writing by the Director of OAWP, or designee, on a case-by-case basis. ## How to Request Project Funding Before applying, make sure you have the following: 1. At least two itemized quotes for the proposed project.

Cost share amounts, if awarded, will be based on the lowest quote. If only one quote is available, the applicant must provide sufficient justification for a single source vendor. 2.

If the applicant is an entity, the name of the entity, as it is on that entity’s W9. 3. Any other documentation that may be helpful or required (e.g., photographs, maps, documents pertaining to compliance actions, etc.).

4. The NOI number for the parcel the proposed project will be implemented on. 5.

The exact BMP checklist item(s) the applicant is proposing to implement with the proposed project. 6. The approximate number of acres the proposed project will serve and the total number of acres of the entire operation.

7. The date of the applicant’s last BMP IV site visit, unless in a storm impact area where IVs have been deferred, or enrolled in the last 15 months. You may request program funding for a proposed project via our BMP Cost Share Program Portal.

Alternatively, you may download and complete the BMP Cost Share Program Application [ ] and submit it to OAWPCostShare@FDACS. gov. Submitting a hard copy application may take more time to process and review. **Please note:** Florida has a broad public records law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes).

Most written communications and documents sent to or from state employees are public records obtainable by the public on request. The application and any supporting attachments may be considered public record and will only be withheld from disclosure if deemed confidential pursuant to the laws of the state of Florida. Awarded applicants will be required to sign a BMP Cost Share Agreement [ 490.

2 kB ] with the appropriate Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)**. ** Funding under this program will not be awarded until an agreement has been fully executed between the appropriate SWCD and the applicant. The agreement will specify the responsibilities of the applicant, a schedule, and the terms of payment for the project**.

Do not buy any items or begin any work until after all parties have signed the agreement. ** ## Need Additional Information? ### Frequently Asked Questions Select a question to expand the answer.

#### I am not enrolled in the BMP Program. Can I still get cost share? No. Cost share applicants must be enrolled in the BMP Program.

If you are not enrolled, please email AgBMPHelp@FDACS. gov for more information about enrolling in the BMP Program. #### Can I work with a local representative to apply for cost share?

Yes. We encourage you to contact local field staff in your area**. **If you do not know who your local field staff representative is, please emailAgBMPHelp@FDACS.

gov. #### Can the applicant have a different name than what is on the NOI? Yes, but you must provide proof of your relationship with the producer listed in the NOI (e.g., Sunbiz, DBA or other documents). Please note that if an entity is applying, the applicant name must match what is on that entity’s W9, as the specified applicant is who will ultimately be receiving the reimbursement.

#### What is the difference between the applicant and contact person? The applicant may be the producer, landowner, land lessee or land manager. If the applicant is an individual person and not an entity, they may be the contact person as well.

Alternatively, an applicant (whether an entity or an individual person) may designate another individual to be their contact to handle communications related to their cost share program application. #### What documents do I need to upload to apply? 1.

At least two itemized quotes for each proposed project or item; 2. Project mapping or diagrams, especially for items like fences or infrastructure placement; 3. Any required water use permit for irrigation projects; and 4.

Any further justification that your proposed project meets the producer or project eligibility criteria. #### Can I have more than one item on my cost share program application? Yes.

You can include more than one item on your application if the items work together toward a common goal, and are part of a comprehensive project (i.e., not two different projects). #### Can I submit more than one cost share application? Yes.

However, FDACS OAWP will prioritize funding only one project per NOI per fiscal year. If sufficient funds remain at the end of the fiscal year, FDACS OAWP will consider funding additional projects. #### When is FDACS's fiscal year?

FDACS follows the state fiscal year, which is July 1 through June 30. #### My proposed project is not listed on any of the Project Types Eligible for Cost Share Funding lists on the website. Can I still apply for cost share?

Yes. Complete the cost share program application and select “New Project Type” on the Item dropdown list. Then, provide all requested information related to new project types in the application, including any supporting documentation that may be required.

#### Can I start work on my project or buy my item(s) after I submit my application? No. Submittal of an application does not guarantee that you will be awarded funding. If your application is approved, you must then enter into a cost share agreement with the appropriate Soil and Water Conservation District, which will be provided to you.

Invoices dated prior to the last signature date on the agreement will **not** be eligible for reimbursement. #### What if I started my project or purchased my items before the agreement was signed? If you begin your project or buy your item(s) before the agreement is signed by both parties, the agreement will be voided, and the awarded applicant will forfeit any reimbursement they were awarded under their application.

#### So, when can I start my project or purchase my items? You may start your project or purchase your item(s) once both parties have signed the cost share agreement. #### Why am I entering an agreement with a Soil and Water Conservation District and not FDACS?

Soil and Water Conservation Districts throughout the state work with FDACS OAWP to help administer the BMP Cost Share Program. The Soil and Water Conservation Districts' responsibilities include entering the BMP cost share agreements with awarded applicants; managing these agreements; and providing the reimbursement money to the awarded applicant. #### Can I receive partial payments for my project or item(s)?

No. You will receive only one payment per agreement once your project is complete and verified and all required documentation is received and approved. #### Can the Soil and Water Conservation District increase the amount I receive after I submit my invoice(s)? No. The awarded applicant will only be reimbursed up to the amount agreed on in the cost share agreement.

FDACS OAWP understands that sometimes costs increase, but the maximum amount that the awarded applicant will receive is set forth in the cost share agreement. #### What if I ultimately decide not to complete the proposed project or buy the item(s)? You will receive no reimbursement.

If you decide not to complete the proposed project after submitting your application, or after receiving notice that your application was approved, please email us at AgBMPHelp@FDACS. gov to let FDACS OAWP know that you are withdrawing your application. If you decide not to complete the proposed project or buy the item(s) after the cost share agreement has been executed, please email us at AgBMPHelp@FDACS.

gov to let us know and request that FDACS OAWP cancels the agreement. #### What if I want to use the higher of the two quotes? You may opt to use the higher of the quotes you received.

However, the amount of reimbursement you will receive will be based on the lowest quote. #### When does the project need to be completed? All approved projects should be completed by June 1.

Reimbursement requests must be submitted by June 15 so the reimbursement can be completed within the fiscal year. #### What are my next steps after my project is complete or my item(s) purchased? Contact your local field staff representative and request a site visit.

Your field staff representative will work with you to schedule a time to come and certify the project. Please provide a copy of all invoices and cleared checks to your field staff representative. #### How do I find out who my local field staff representative is?

If you do not know who your local field staff representative is, please email AgBMPHelp@FDACS. gov to find out. #### How long does it take to get reimbursed after my project is complete or my item(s) purchased?

In most cases you will be reimbursed within approximately two weeks after all required documents have been received and approved. Reimbursements by the Soil and Water Conservation District will be made by direct deposit. #### What is the process for reimbursement?

Once a project is complete or your approved item(s) purchased, an awarded applicant will submit all required documentation to the appropriate Soil and Water Conservation District contract manager. Once this information is processed, reviewed and approved, the awarded applicant will receive their reimbursement amount in accordance with their BMP cost share agreement. #### Can a project or item exceed the $150,000 cap?

Yes. Your project or item can cost any amount. However, your reimbursement amount is the amount that is in your cost share agreement, which will typically not exceed $150,000.

Exceptions to the maximum percent cost share or maximum allowable amount shall be reviewed and approved in writing by the Director of OAWP, or designee, on a case-by-case basis. #### What are the different cost share percentages available for reimbursement? An awarded applicant may receive 75% reimbursement with no data reporting, 80% reimbursement with two years of data reporting, or 90% reimbursement with four years of data reporting.

#### If I choose 80% or 90% reimbursement with data reporting, when will FDACS collect the data needed? FDACS field staff will collect the data needed at the time of the IV site visit, which is once every two years. #### What type of data is required for reporting?

The type of data required to be reported in order to be awarded a higher percentage is dependent on the project type and will be included in the scope of work to the resulting BMP cost share agreement. See the data collection requirements for approved projects [ 196 kB ] . For new project types, the type of data required will be determined on a case-by-case basis, dependent on the specific scenario.

#### Are there additional funding resources available?