Florida

Summary

Through STATEMAP, Earth MRI, and NGGDPP, the Florida Geological Survey (FGS) is delivering large-scale mapping, critical mineral assessments, and data preservation that directly support infrastructure, disaster resilience, and mineral resource planning. Since 1994, Florida has mapped more than 40,000 square miles (61% of the state) at an average cost of only $220 per square mile.

STATEMAP

  • Since 1994:
    • 40,008 sq mi mapped (61% of the state).
    • 189 cores drilled (23,665 ft total).
    • 1,733 new outcrop samples collected.
    • 184 geologic cross-sections and 33 new maps published (18 half-quads, 15 full quads).
    • 20 Open-File Reports published.
    • Formation picks for 8,700+ wells (~40% of the state’s borehole collection).
  • Cost efficiency: Average total cost (federal + state match) of $219.80/sq mi.
  • Impact: Mapping supports land-use planning, groundwater studies, resource development, and hazard assessment across the state.

EARTH MRI

  • Trail Ridge Placer Deposits (NE Florida).
    • $100,000 project (2021–2023) mapping 750+ sq mi in the Florida Focus Area.
    • Delivered new surficial geologic map and geochemical dataset characterizing REE- and Ti-bearing heavy mineral sands.
  • Phosphate Mining Districts (Central & Northern Florida).
    • $246,792 pilot project (2022–2025) to characterize mine waste for critical minerals (REEs).
    • Developing national SOPs for mine waste sampling; results will inform permitting and redevelopment.
  • Airborne Geophysical Surveys.
    • Since 2022, new radiometric and magnetic surveys flown across the Panhandle, NE Florida, and industrial mineral sites.
    • Provides high-resolution data for mapping and resource planning.
  • Panhandle Mapping & Quartz Sand Resources.
    • $700,000 project (3 years, beginning 2025) to map 7 Panhandle quadrangles and statewide quartz sand resources.
    • Supports post-hurricane disaster resilience by ensuring reliable construction material supply.
    • Provides high-resolution data for mapping and resource planning.

NGGDPP (Data Preservation)

  • Borehole Inventory:
    • 67,421 sample boxes inventoried (2017).
  • Lithology:
    • 1,385 detailed lithologic descriptions entered, representing 150,000+ ft of data (2015).
  • Geophysical Logs.
    • Scanned 7,800 logs from 5,300 boreholes (2011, 2014).
    • Digitized 39,872 ft (2014) and 577,550 ft (2023) of gamma and neutron logs.
    • Current project: digitizing select oil & gas logs (2024–2027).
  • Field Notes & Photos.
    • 15,100 photos organized/scanned (2018).
    • 242 field books scanned, including 38 transcribed (2019).
  • Impact: Preserved legacy geological, geophysical, and lithologic data; expanded public accessibility through borehole databases; leveraged preservation to justify further funding.

Impact for Florida:

  • Provides authoritative geologic mapping at statewide scale to guide growth, hazard resilience, and water management.
  • Identifies and characterizes critical minerals in heavy mineral sands and mine waste.
  • Strengthens infrastructure resilience by mapping quartz sand resources needed for rebuilding after hurricanes.
  • Preserves and digitizes decades of borehole and geophysical data, ensuring public access and long-term scientific value.