Clean Up Florida Waters — Realtors Organizing for the Environment
See Photos from the 2025 Water Cleanup Event
Around the state, local boards/associations, brokerages, YPN networks and others took to the waters for the first statewide water cleanup project. Take a look at their photos commemorating this amazing event.
Every year, Realtors® from every corner of our Sunshine State rise to the occasion, banding together to protect what makes Florida so special — our lakes, rivers, beaches, and waterways. It’s more than a cleanup… it’s a celebration of the places we love to boat, paddle, fish, swim and explore with family and friends!
Whether you’re organizing an event or joining one in your community, this is your invitation to make a meaningful impact for today and for the generations to come.
Why it matters
Florida’s waterways are the heartbeat of our lifestyle and our economy. They’re where memories are made — from sunrise fishing trips to sunset beach strolls. But these incredible places need our help. Year after year, Realtors®, partners, families and friends come together to:
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Remove tons of trash from lakes, streams, bays, the Intracoastal Waterway and our oceans
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Restore the natural beauty that draws people to live and visit here
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Protect wildlife habitat and improve water quality for all to enjoy
In 2025, our clean-up events removed 27,049 pounds of trash to protect this precious natural resource. That’s more than the weight of a fully loaded garbage truck. The Florida Realtors Clean Up Florida Waters events — 134 in all — spanned 218 miles and included about 1,200 participants who logged a collective 450 volunteer hours.
Click here to learn more about Florida Realtors' mission to water quality and the environment.
Get Involved — here’s how
Our official statewide effort shines brightest in July, and that’s when thousands of people across Florida gather to make the biggest splash. But creativity counts — if July doesn’t work for your group or community, you’re welcomed and encouraged to host your event any time during the year.
Join an existing cleanup or start your own — and make it your own kind of impactful!
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Connect locally: Reach out to your District Vice President, local Realtor® association or Young Professionals Network to find or plan events near you. Find them using our digital Florida Realtors Leadership Reference Guide.)
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Organize your crew: Pick a waterway that needs love, recruit volunteers (Realtors, neighbors, friends and families), and bring the energy.
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Elevate your event: Engage local businesses and sponsors for food, swag, hydration stands and celebration stations — and make your cleanup an experience.
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Share your story: Track hours, photos and successes — and share with the National Association of Realtors® so your community’s service can inspire others statewide.
Sponsorship dollars can turn your cleanup initiative into an event
Identify movers and shakers within your local Realtor community to secure sponsorships from local merchants who depend on the waterways for their livelihoods: marinas, water tour companies, sports shops, fishing expedition companies, etc. Use these monies for food, drinks and snacks during the event, or an after-party.
Many times, local merchants will donate swag — always appreciated by volunteers! Also, welcome in-kind donations from organizations that wish to sponsor swag bags, hydration stations, event tents and supplies related to the clean-up effort.
Smart Growth and Placemaking Grants are also available from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Let NAR know you're a good neighbor!
Tally volunteer hours to show the immense impact Realtor volunteers make across Florida. Then, share details and photos about your volunteer projects so NAR can feature your efforts on social media. Shining a spotlight on your community service can inspire others to give back.
Got questions?
We’ve got answers…or at least we know who to contact. Please direct your questions to Omar Ho-Sang at omarh@floridarealtors.org.