Launched in 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary initiative of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that designates and recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. The program’s environmental guidelines allow the hospitality industry to evaluate its operations, set goals and take specific actions to continuously improve environmental performance.

The Florida Green Lodging Program is administered primarily online. To become designated, facilities must   conduct a thorough property assessment and implement a specified number of environmental practices in six areas of sustainable operations:

• Communication and Education (Customers, Employees, Public)
• Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling
• Water Conservation
• Energy Efficiency
• Indoor Air Quality
• Transportation

The Florida Green Lodging designation is valid for three years from date of issuance. To maintain designation, properties are required to submit environmental performance data (water, waste, energy) annually. Properties must also implement at least two new environmental practices from any of the six areas of sustainable operations.

The Florida Green Lodging Program benefits not only the environment but also helps designated properties save money and increase occupancy rates. By reducing water and energy use and reducing waste generation operating costs go down. Business is generated for state meetings and conferences through HB 7135 which gives preference to designated Florida Green Lodging properties. Designated properties also receive marketing and technical assistance benefits through the Florida Green Lodging Web site, where each designated property is featured and 24/7 Web access is available to Best Management Practices and Technical Assistance.

Contact Information

JoAnn Shearer, Green Lodging Program Coordinator
Email: GreenLodging@dep.state.fl.us
Phone: (850) 245-2116