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SB 2508 — Environmental Resources
by Appropriations Committee
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Appropriations Committee (AP)
The bill, relating to Environmental Resources, conforms statutes to funding decisions relating to environmental resources in the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Specifically, the bill:
- Expands the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to authorize the DACS to purchase fee interests in land, in addition to less-than-fee interests in land, such as conservation easements.
- Authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to enter into agreements with public entities to expedite evaluation of environmental resource permits and Section 404 permits related to a project or activity that serves a public purpose.
- Requires the South Florida Water Management District (district) to annually certify before the release of state funds that its recommendations to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (corps) are consistent with its district programs and plans.
- Requires water shortages within the Lake Okeechobee Region to be managed pursuant to Rules 40E-21 and 40E-22 F.A.C., and provides that any changes to such rules may not take effect until ratified by the Legislature and presented to the Governor, or if the Legislature fails to act and present to the Governor during the next regular legislative session, such rules shall take effect after the next regular legislative session.
- Reenacts s. 570.93, F.S., relating to a cost-share program for agricultural irrigation systems.
- Transfers, through a type II transfer, the William J. (Billy Joe) Rish State Park from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to the DEP.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2022, except where otherwise provided.
Vote: Senate 33-0; House 99-8