Florida’s Air Quality Excellence Recognized in National Report
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As the nation observes Clean Air Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) draws attention to the 2026 State of the Air Report by the American Lung Association. The report highlights Florida counties’ exceptional air quality, with 21 counties among the cleanest nationwide for ozone pollution. Notably, no Florida counties made the list of the 25 Most Polluted Places to Live.
“Florida’s natural resources are central to our economy, our quality of life and the communities we call home,” stated DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “The findings in this report reinforce the progress Florida continues to make through a long-term commitment to sound science and strong environmental standards.”
While nearly half of Americans reside in areas with failing grades for ozone or particle pollution, Florida’s communities stand out for their pristine air quality across multiple measures. Recognized areas for low ozone pollution include Crestview – Fort Walton Beach – Destin, Gainesville – Lake City, Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, and Tallahassee – Bainbridge.
Other areas receiving high marks for air quality include Pensacola, noted for short-term particle pollution cleanliness, and the Gainesville-Lake City and Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville areas, acknowledged for year-round particle pollution. Escambia County also earned recognition for short-term particle pollution.
These accolades are part of Florida’s broader success in maintaining excellent air quality. Florida, the most populous state to meet or exceed all federal air quality standards for five consecutive years, has seen a 78% reduction in industrial emissions since 2000. Ozone levels, once a widespread pollutant, have decreased by nearly half over the past two decades.
The state boasts one of the nation’s most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks, featuring 180 monitors at 90 sites. This network not only meets federal standards but also provides real-time data to residents, aiding in monitoring local conditions and supporting response efforts during environmental events like wildfires and droughts.
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