Florida-based Ferraro Law is playing a leading role in one of the largest environmental legal battles in the country: the national class-action lawsuit over PFAS contamination—commonly known as “forever chemicals.” These toxic PFAS chemicals have been found in the water supply and drinking water across the country, including in dozens of municipalities throughout South Florida. The widespread contamination of the water supply by these substances has raised significant concerns.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used for decades in firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, food packaging, and personal care products. Known for their resistance to heat, oil, and water, PFAS have also been linked to serious health risks, including certain cancers, liver damage, thyroid disease, and reproductive harm. Due to their toxicity and persistence, PFAS are considered a serious health concern. Because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, they’ve earned the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Introduction to Forever Chemicals

Forever chemicals, scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products since the 1940s. Their unique ability to resist heat, water, and oil has made them common in items like nonstick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foams. However, this same resilience means PFAS do not easily break down in the environment or the human body, leading to their accumulation over time—a trait that has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

The persistence of PFAS in drinking water and the environment has raised significant environmental and health risks. Studies have linked PFAS contamination to various health concerns, including kidney and testicular cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the dangers posed by PFAS and is actively working to address PFAS contamination by setting national drinking water limits and issuing guidance for PFAS testing. These efforts are part of a broader push for environmental protection and to safeguard public health.

Individuals who have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water or other sources may be eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit. Legal action can help those affected seek compensation for injuries and hold responsible parties accountable. As awareness of the risks associated with forever chemicals grows, so does the importance of addressing PFAS contamination at both the local and national levels.

PFAS Water Contamination in Florida

Florida has emerged as one of the states most impacted by PFAS water contamination, with numerous communities discovering PFAS chemicals in their drinking water supplies. The sources of this contamination are varied, including industrial facilities, military installations, and airports where PFAS-containing products such as firefighting foams have been used extensively. As a result, many Floridians face the risk of exposure to these toxic substances through their tap water.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has responded by ramping up PFAS testing across the state and issuing guidance to help water utilities and residents eliminate PFAS from their drinking water. Despite these efforts, the presence of PFAS in water supplies remains a serious health risk, with potential long-term consequences for affected communities.

Residents who have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water may be eligible to file a lawsuit. These legal actions aim to secure compensation for health problems and costs associated with removing PFAS from water systems. As awareness of the dangers of PFAS water contamination grows, more Floridians are taking steps to protect their health and hold polluters accountable through water contamination lawsuits.

Health Problems Linked to PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to a range of health problems, many of which can have lasting and serious effects on the human body. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has shown that even low levels of PFAS exposure may increase the risk of kidney cancer and other serious health conditions. Additional health effects associated with PFAS exposure include reproductive issues, developmental delays in children, and increased cancer risks.

Because PFAS are toxic substances that accumulate in the human body over time, the health risks posed by these chemicals are a significant concern for anyone exposed to PFAS contaminated water or products. Individuals who have experienced health problems as a result of PFAS exposure may be eligible to file a PFAS cancer lawsuit or other personal injury claims. Consulting with a law firm experienced in PFAS litigation is essential to determine the best course of action and to seek compensation for injuries related to PFAS exposure.

A Lead Role in National PFAS Litigation

James Ferraro Jr. of Ferraro Law is named in court records as one of the lead attorneys in the national class-action case. According to the Sun Sentinel, Ferraro represented several cities in Florida, Georgia, and Massachusetts in the litigation, which sought damages from manufacturers including 3M, DuPont, Tyco Fire Products, and BASF. These companies are identified as PFAS manufacturers, responsible for producing PFAS compounds that have led to widespread environmental and health concerns.

The lawsuit alleged that these companies knowingly released PFAS compounds into the environment and public water systems, despite being aware of their potential harm to people, animals, and ecosystems. This case is part of broader water contamination litigation and PFAS-related lawsuits seeking accountability for the damage caused by these chemicals.

These PFAS class-action lawsuits are being heard in federal court, reflecting the national scope and significance of the legal proceedings.

The ongoing legal actions are part of a larger trend of PFAS lawsuits across the country.

Major Settlements Reached

Multiple South Florida cities are now receiving substantial financial settlements as part of the national PFAS class-action lawsuit. These payouts are intended to help offset the significant costs associated with investigating, treating, and preventing PFAS contamination in public water systems and addressing contaminated water supplies.

  • Fort Lauderdale is receiving nearly $35 million, including approximately $28.9 million from 3M, $2.9 million from DuPont, and additional payments from Tyco Fire Products and BASF Corp. According to city officials, 65.6% of the 3M settlement is expected to be delivered this year, with the remainder paid annually through 2033. While the city has not finalized how the funds will be allocated, officials have indicated that a portion—approximately $4.8 million—may be directed toward creating an emergency reserve fund. PFAS levels detected in the city’s water, confirmed by positive PFAS tests, played a key role in identifying Fort Lauderdale as eligible for the settlement.
  • Boca Raton will receive $32 million over the next five years. City officials plan to invest the funds in the construction of a $55 million water treatment system, projected to be completed by 2029 or 2030. The new facility will allow the city to meet stricter federal PFAS standards and comply with maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFAS well ahead of the 2031 deadline. The city’s current plant already removes some PFAS but cannot meet the upcoming 4 parts per trillion threshold.
  • Delray Beach is set to receive $15 million, with 40% of that total arriving in the coming months. The city may allocate some of the settlement toward a $280 million water treatment plant expected to break ground this year. Vice Mayor Rob Long also mentioned interest in using part of the funds to help reduce the financial burden of anticipated water rate increases. Positive PFAS tests and elevated PFAS levels in the city’s water supply were factors in the settlement.
  • Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, and Sunrise are receiving a combined $35 million, according to attorney James Ferraro Jr., who represents multiple municipalities involved in the case. While individual settlement amounts for these cities were not detailed, they joined the class-action litigation as part of a broader effort to recover costs associated with PFAS exposure and treatment of contaminated water supplies.

Each of these cities joined the lawsuit seeking compensation for a range of expenses, including the investigation, monitoring, removal, and remediation of PFAS contamination in their water systems. The problem of contaminated water supply and contaminated groundwater has affected many municipalities, leading to significant public health concerns. Ferraro noted that the size of each settlement was largely driven by the volume of water each system processes—not necessarily the extent of contamination.

“All public water systems in South Florida are in the same boat in terms of PFAS,” Ferraro told the Sun Sentinel. “They’re pulling water from the Biscayne aquifer so there’s a similar range of PFAS contamination. These chemicals can be harmful to human health.”

The settlements mark a significant milestone in the effort to hold chemical manufacturers accountable and to equip municipalities with the resources they need to protect public health and comply with tightening federal regulations. These PFAS water contamination lawsuits are part of a broader legal response to the widespread issue of PFAS-contaminated water supplies.

What’s Next in PFAS Contamination Cases

Although the settlements will help fund infrastructure upgrades and emergency reserves, Ferraro cautioned that many cities will need additional support to meet future federal requirements. PFAS contamination lawyers can assist municipalities in navigating future legal and regulatory challenges. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to lower the enforceable PFAS threshold in drinking water to 4 parts per trillion by 2031—a significant reduction from the previous limit of 70 parts per trillion.

Ongoing monitoring and compliance will be essential, and resources such as the Environmental Working Group provide valuable information and advocacy on PFAS pollution. The accumulation of PFAS in human bodies remains a serious health concern, as PFAS pollution continues to pose risks to communities and public health.

“They have to come to the reality that settlement funds are a huge help,” Ferraro said, “but for some public water systems, it’s not going to be the end all.”

About Ferraro Law

Headquartered in Miami, Ferraro Law has built a reputation for representing individuals and municipalities in high-stakes environmental and toxic tort cases, including those involving aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). In the PFAS litigation, the firm played a central role in helping Florida communities seek compensation and accountability from some of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers for contamination caused by PFAS. These cases often involve exposure to toxic chemicals, with health risks such as liver and thyroid cancer linked to PFAS exposure.