There are a number of environmental issues in Florida. A large portion of Florida is a biologically diverse ecosystem, with large wetlands in the Everglades. Management of environmental issues related to the everglades and the larger coastal waters and wetlands have been important to the history of Florida and the development of multiple parts of the economy of Florida, including the influential agricultural industry. This biodiversity leaves much of Florida's ecological ecosystem vulnerable to invasive species and human sources of industrial pollution and waste.

Everglades

The Everglades ecoregion

The Everglades are tropical wetlands located in the southern portion of Florida that have been designated under the Ramsar Convention as one of only three wetland areas of global importance. A restoration of the Everglades is being carried out with a $7.8 billion, 30-year project aimed at its preservation and restoration.

Invasive species

The state has more invasive amphibians and reptiles than any place else in the world.

African Redheaded Agama Lizard

The pet industry was responsible for 84% of the 137 non-native species introduced from 1863 to 2010.

Flora

Approximately 1,300 of Florida's plant species (31 percent of the total) are non-natives which have become established; 10 percent of these are considered invasive. The three most ecologically damaging are Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius),

which has taken over 703,500 acres (2,800 km2) in south and central Florida, and forms single-species environments; melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia),

which has invaded 488,800 acres (2,000 km2) - more than 12 percent of total land area in South Florida, and was spreading at an estimated 50 acres (202,300 m2) per day; and Australian pine (Casuarina spp.)

which covered 372,723 acres (1,500 km2), and whose fallen needles release a chemical into the soil which inhibits the growth of native plants.

Fauna

Florida has a large number of non-native species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission tracks 31 species of mammals, 196 species of birds, 48 species of reptiles, 4 species of amphibians, and 55 species of fish that have been observed in the state. Several species, including the cane toad (Bufo marinus),

Gambian pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus),

(Varanus niloticus),

and Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus),

have created significant impact on the delicate ecosystems of the state, especially in the tropical southern third of the state.

Florida's fresh waters are host to 34 confirmed breeding species of exotic (introduced) fish, a higher number than any other place on earth.

Waste

Florida's 21 million residents and 80 million visitors generate about 30 million tons of solid waste every year.

Increasing landfill space has been an issue. About $500,000 per 1 acre.

Municipal experiments in "single-stream recycling" disposal had the goal of recycling 75% of its waste.

Refers to a system in which all paper fibers, plastics, metals, and other containers are mixed in a collection truck, instead of being sorted by the depositor into separate commodities.

St. Lucie County is planning to experiment with burning trash through plasma arc gamification to generate energy and reduce landfill space.

Small plasma torches typically use an inert gas such as argon where larger torches require nitrogen. The electrodes vary from copper or tungsten to hafnium or zirconium, along with various other alloys. A strong electric current under high voltage passes between the two electrodes as an electric arc. Pressurized inert gas is ionized passing through the plasma created by the arc. The torch's temperature ranges from (3,600 to 25,200 °F). The temperature of the plasma reaction determines the structure of the plasma and forming gas.

Florida soil is naturally high in phosphorus. Coupled with fertilizer, this often has resulted in excessive phosphorus in water runoff to nearby bodies of water. As a result, Florida has required certain municipalities to limit the application of fertilizer containing phosphorus.

Climate change

Floridians are experiencing increased flooding due to sea level rise and are concerned about the possibility of more frequent or more intense hurricanes.

The state has been described as America's "ground zero" for climate change, global warming, and sea level rise, because "the majority of its population and economy is concentrated along low-elevation oceanfront.