What’s the Latest on Environmental and Water-Related Litigation in Florida?

Click here to listen to the podcast by Florida Specifier

Adams & Reese Government Relations Advisor Patrick Gillespie and Senior Policy Advisor Jeff Littlejohn, who serve on the Florida Specifier editorial board, participated in the publication’s podcast to discuss Florida’s legislative session and key environmental and water-related legislation to watch.

The Florida Specifier is among the first state-based news sources in the country published for environmental professionals. Gillespie serves as the publication’s editor-in-chief. The podcast, produced by the editorial board, covers policy insight, industry updates, and is a must-listen for environmental professionals, policymakers, and anyone invested in Florida’s natural resources.

Together with fellow editorial board members Brett Cyphers and Ryan Matthews, Gillespie and Littlejohn dive into the fast-moving first week of Florida’s legislative session, analyzing the impact of delayed committee meetings, the challenges of processing, and the likelihood of fewer than 225 bills making it to the governor’s desk.

The discussion highlights key environmental and water-related legislation to watch, including SB-7002 on Water Management Districts, the Safe Waterways Act, and the Everglades restoration budget. The team also explores the shifting political landscape, with changes at both the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) influencing Florida’s environmental policies.

Additionally, the four preview the latest edition of The Florida Specifier, covering articles on fluoride in drinking water, federal environmental policy changes under the new administration, and an exclusive interview with industry leader Shawn Hamilton.

At Adams & Reese, Gillespie assists clients in navigating Florida’s regulatory and procurement landscape by leveraging over 20 years of experience in government, project management, and communications. Gillespie formerly served as Deputy Secretary of Business Operations for the Florida Department of Management Services. Gillespie’s experience also encompasses project and policy development, government affairs, procurement, communications, IT, advocacy, and public relations. Having served under two Florida governors, he has learned how to manage high-profile projects, engaging with government offices and the media, developing policies, and implementing legislative strategies.

At Adams & Reese, Littlejohn is an experienced leader in environmental regulatory and policy. Representing private and public clients, he offers regulatory solutions, policy support, and executive direction, based on his background in private sector consulting engineering, GR, and executive leadership within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. His ability to navigate complex regulations stems from his professional practice in structural, environmental, coastal, and maritime project design, coupled with his understanding of policy-setting functions and strong relationships with various governmental agencies and leaders. Additionally, Littlejohn holds leadership positions in the National Stormwater Trust and Florida Environmental Network and previously served as a principal at Isiminger & Stubbs Engineering.