Thousands of real estate agents from all over Florida gather for a month each year to clean lakes, beaches, and other waterways.
For many of us, Florida's waterways are a happy place. This is the place to boat, waterski, kayak, paddleboard, play in the water, see manatees, and fish for the next big manatee.
Throughout the month of July, Florida Realtors® and community partners will work together to clean up lakes, rivers, streams, bays, the Intracoastal Waterway, bays, and oceans. Participate in the state association's largest cleanup from July 1st to 31st.
Every effort makes a difference.
Click here to learn more about Florida Realtors' mission for water quality and the environment.
way to participate
For more information about cleanup projects, contact your District Vice President (DVP), local association, and local YPN network. (Use our Digital Florida Realtors Leadership Reference Guide to find out.) Join their program or create your own in your community.
If you'd like to organize your own event, identify waterways that are high-profile, easily accessible, and likely to benefit from a litter-picking event. Invite local real estate agent associations, brokers/teams, and community organizations to participate. Have your local organization, YPN network, or government/nonprofit organization planned a water purification event? Consider joining forces.
Then set a date, gather your gear, and recruit volunteers (bring your family and friends, not just your real estate agent!).
In 2022, approximately 2,000 real estate agents and residents removed more than 8.185 tons of trash and debris from 56 miles of waterways across the state.
Funds from sponsors can turn your cleanup into an event
Identify movers and shakers within the local real estate agent community and secure sponsorships from local merchants whose livelihoods depend on our waterways, such as marinas, water tour companies, sports shops, and fishing expedition companies. Use these money for food, drinks, and snacks during the period. Events and after-parties.
Local merchants often donate memorabilia, which is always appreciated by volunteers. We also welcome in-kind donations from organizations wishing to sponsor swag bags, hydration stations, event tents, and supplies related to the cleanup efforts.
Smart Growth and Placemaking grants are also available through the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Let NAR know you're a good neighbor.
Volunteer hours are tallied to show the tremendous impact real estate agent volunteers have across Florida. Then, share details and photos of your volunteer project so NAR can highlight your efforts on social media. By spotlighting your community service, you can inspire others to contribute.
do you have any questions?
We have the answers…or at least we know who to contact. Please send your questions to her Mindy Wilson at mindyw@floridarealtors.org. She will get you to the right person.
