In Florida waterbodies, nitrogen and phosphorus are most often the limiting nutrients. Aquatic plants may not respond as directly to nutrient limitation in the water as do algae because many of these plants can also take their required nutrients from the bottom sediments, through their roots, as well as from the open water.

In most freshwater lakes in Florida, the limiting nutrient is believed to be phosphorous. However, in watersheds where soils contain sizeable deposits of phosphorous, nitrogen will usually be the limiting nutrient. Nitrogen may be the limiting nutrient in some saltwater systems. Less commonly, silica can be the limiting nutrient in some waters. Trace nutrients (like molybdenum and zinc) that are necessary for the growth of plants and algae may also be in limited supply in some circumstances.