Outstanding Florida Waters

Outstanding Florida Waters (OFW) is a special designation under Florida rule that triggers heightened protection of water quality and habitat. Many spring-fed rivers (Wekiva, Silver, Rainbow, Ichetucknee) and natural-shoreline lakes are listed. Activities that would lower water quality in an OFW are prohibited. Native shoreline vegetation removal in OFW typically requires an Environmental Resource Permit even when riparian-rights exemption would otherwise apply.