The Emerald Coast Branch is the youngest Branch in the State. The Florida Chapter's Executive Board was petitioned in 1997 for permission to form a branch in the panhandle. The petition was granted and bylaws were accepted. A ten-county section of northwest Florida formed the new Branch, which included Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties.

Because of the vast region between the counties and cities of the Branch, quarterly meetings alternate between Escambia County and Okaloosa County. The Branch is very active in fundrasing to establish a scholarship for individuals that were interested in a career in Public Works.