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2021 Florida Statutes (Including 2021B Session)
Chapter 373
WATER RESOURCES
WATER RESOURCES
CHAPTER 373
WATER RESOURCES
PART I
STATE WATER RESOURCE PLAN(ss. 373.012-373.200)
PART II
PERMITTING OF CONSUMPTIVE USES OF WATER(ss. 373.203-373.250)
PART III
REGULATION OF WELLS(ss. 373.302-373.342)
PART IV
MANAGEMENT AND STORAGE OF SURFACE WATERS(ss. 373.403-373.468)
PART V
FINANCE AND TAXATION(ss. 373.470-373.591)
PART VI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS(ss. 373.603-373.69)
PART VII
WATER SUPPLY POLICY, PLANNING, PRODUCTION, ANDFUNDING
(ss. 373.701-373.715)
PART VIII
FLORIDA SPRINGS AND AQUIFER PROTECTIONACT
(ss. 373.801-373.813)
PART I
STATE WATER RESOURCE PLAN373.012 Topographic mapping.
373.013 Short title.
373.016 Declaration of policy.
373.019 Definitions.
373.023 Scope and application.
373.026 General powers and duties of the department.
373.033 Saltwater barrier line.
373.036 Florida water plan; district water management plans.
373.0363 Southern Water Use Caution Area Recovery Strategy.
373.037 Pilot program for alternative water supply development in restricted allocation areas.
373.0397 Floridan and Biscayne aquifers; designation of prime groundwater recharge areas.
373.042 Minimum flows and minimum water levels.
373.0421 Establishment and implementation of minimum flows and minimum water levels.
373.043 Adoption and enforcement of rules by the department.
373.044 Rules; enforcement; availability of personnel rules.
373.046 Interagency agreements.
373.0465 Central Florida Water Initiative.
373.0466 Central Florida Water Initiative Grant Program.
373.047 Cooperation between districts.
373.056 State agencies, counties, drainage districts, municipalities, or governmental agencies or public corporations authorized to convey or receive land from water management districts.
373.069 Creation of water management districts.
373.0691 Transfer of areas.
373.0693 Basins; basin boards.
373.0695 Duties of basin boards; authorized expenditures.
373.0697 Basin taxes.
373.0698 Creation and operation of basin boards; other laws superseded.
373.073 Governing board.
373.076 Vacancies in the governing board; removal from office.
373.079 Members of governing board; oath of office; staff.
373.083 General powers and duties of the governing board.
373.084 District works, operation by other governmental agencies.
373.085 Use of works or land by other districts or private persons.
373.086 Providing for district works.
373.087 District works using aquifer for storage and supply.
373.088 Application fees for certain real estate transactions.
373.089 Sale or exchange of lands, or interests or rights in lands.
373.093 Lease of lands or interest in land and personal property.
373.096 Releases.
373.099 Execution of instruments.
373.103 Powers which may be vested in the governing board at the department’s discretion.
373.106 Permit required for construction involving underground formation.
373.107 Citation of rule.
373.109 Permit application fees.
373.113 Adoption of rules by the governing board.
373.1131 Consolidated action on permits.
373.1135 Small business program.
373.114 Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission; review of district rules and orders; department review of district rules.
373.116 Procedure for water use and impoundment construction permit applications.
373.117 Certification by professional engineer.
373.1175 Signing and sealing by professional geologists.
373.118 General permits; delegation.
373.119 Administrative enforcement procedures; orders.
373.123 Penalty.
373.129 Maintenance of actions.
373.136 Enforcement of regulations and orders.
373.139 Acquisition of real property.
373.1391 Management of real property.
373.1395 Limitation on liability of water management district with respect to areas made available to the public for recreational purposes without charge.
373.1401 Management of lands of water management districts.
373.145 Information program regarding hydrologic conditioning and consumption of major surface and groundwater sources.
373.146 Publication of notices, process, and papers.
373.149 Existing districts preserved.
373.1501 South Florida Water Management District as local sponsor.
373.1502 Regulation of comprehensive plan project components.
373.171 Rules.
373.1725 Notice of intent by publication.
373.175 Declaration of water shortage; emergency orders.
373.185 Local Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances.
373.187 Water management district implementation of Florida-friendly landscaping.
373.199 Florida Forever Water Management District Work Plan.
373.200 Seminole Tribe Water Rights Compact.
373.012 Topographic mapping.—
(1) In order to accelerate topographic mapping in this state by the United States Geological Survey, the Department of Transportation is hereby authorized and directed to set aside, to pledge, and to make available annually out of its State Transportation Trust Fund the sum of $30,000; and the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund is hereby authorized and directed to set aside, to pledge and to make available annually out of the Land Acquisition Trust Fund the sum of $10,000; and the South Florida Water Management District out of its funds to be derived out of the proceeds of special assessments of its flood control taxes, is authorized and directed to set aside, to pledge and to make available annually such sum as may be required to meet the needs for topographic mapping of areas affecting said district. Such sums shall be delivered to the Treasurer of the United States or to other proper officer, to be applied by the Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey, as to said Department of Transportation and to said Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, toward the payment of not exceeding one-half the cost of standard topographic mapping in this state conducted by the United States Geological Survey and as to said flood control district to be applied toward the payment of such proportion or part of such cost as said district may determine. Provided, however, that said sums authorized in this section for the Department of Transportation and for the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund shall not prevent either of said agencies from providing additional amounts for topographic mapping of areas which either agency may consider of priority status in the interest of said agencies.
(2) To further accelerate the rate at which topographic mapping may be carried on in Florida, any state agency having funds available for the purpose, any county or drainage or reclamation or flood control district organized under the laws of this state, any person, firm or corporation, is authorized to contribute to the cost of such mapping by depositing with the Department of Transportation such amounts as may be determined to be applied in like manner toward topographic mapping in this state as set forth in subsection (1).
(3) The Department of Transportation, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of this state, and the South Florida Water Management District are hereby authorized to make such arrangements or enter into such agreements with the United States as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(4) The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, as and when copies of topographic maps are made available to it, shall file such maps in the same manner as other maps and plats of land surveys by the United States, and the maps shall be available for examination by any interested person.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, ch. 57-775; s. 2, ch. 61-119; s. 1, ch. 65-475; ss. 23, 27, 35, ch. 69-106; ss. 2, 3, ch. 73-57; s. 35, ch. 79-65.
373.013 Short title.—This chapter shall be known as the “Florida Water Resources Act of 1972.”
History.—s. 1, part I, ch. 72-299.
373.016 Declaration of policy.—
(1) The waters in the state are among its basic resources. Such waters have not heretofore been conserved or fully controlled so as to realize their full beneficial use.
(2) The department and the governing board shall take into account cumulative impacts on water resources and manage those resources in a manner to ensure their sustainability.
(3) It is further declared to be the policy of the Legislature:
(a) To provide for the management of water and related land resources;
(b) To promote the conservation, replenishment, recapture, enhancement, development, and proper utilization of surface and groundwater;
(c) To develop and regulate dams, impoundments, reservoirs, and other works and to provide water storage for beneficial purposes;
(d) To promote the availability of sufficient water for all existing and future reasonable-beneficial uses and natural systems;
(e) To prevent damage from floods, soil erosion, and excessive drainage;
(f) To minimize degradation of water resources caused by the discharge of stormwater;
(g) To preserve natural resources, fish, and wildlife;
(h) To promote the public policy set forth in s. 403.021;
(i) To promote recreational development, protect public lands, and assist in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors; and
(j) Otherwise to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.
In implementing this chapter, the department and the governing board shall construe and apply the policies in this subsection as a whole, and no specific policy is to be construed or applied in isolation from the other policies in this subsection.
(4)(a) Because water constitutes a public resource benefiting the entire state, it is the policy of the Legislature that the waters in the state be managed on a state and regional basis. Consistent with this directive, the Legislature recognizes the need to allocate water throughout the state so as to meet all reasonable-beneficial uses. However, the Legislature acknowledges that such allocations have in the past adversely affected the water resources of certain areas in this state. To protect such water resources and to meet the current and future needs of those areas with abundant water, the Legislature directs the department and the water management districts to encourage the use of water from sources nearest the area of use or application whenever practicable. Such sources shall include all naturally occurring water sources and all alternative water sources, including, but not limited to, desalination, conservation, reuse of nonpotable reclaimed water and stormwater, and aquifer storage and recovery. Reuse of potable reclaimed water and stormwater shall not be subject to the evaluation described in s. 373.223(3)(a)-(g). However, this directive to encourage the use of water, whenever practicable, from sources nearest the area of use or application shall not apply to the transport and direct and indirect use of water within the area encompassed by the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project, nor shall it apply anywhere in the state to the transport and use of water supplied exclusively for bottled water as defined in s. 500.03(1)(d), nor shall it apply to the transport and use of reclaimed water for electrical power production by an electric utility as defined in s. 366.02(2).
(b) In establishing the policy outlined in paragraph (a), the Legislature realizes that under certain circumstances the need to transport water from distant sources may be necessary for environmental, technical, or economic reasons.
(5) The Legislature recognizes that the water resource problems of the state vary from region to region, both in magnitude and complexity. It is therefore the intent of the Legislature to vest in the Department of Environmental Protection or its successor agency the power and responsibility to accomplish the conservation, protection, management, and control of the waters of the state and with sufficient flexibility and discretion to accomplish these ends through delegation of appropriate powers to the various water management districts. The department may exercise any power herein authorized to be exercised by a water management district; however, to the greatest extent practicable, such power should be delegated to the governing board of a water management district.
(6) It is further declared the policy of the Legislature that each water management district, to the extent consistent with effective management practices, shall approximate its fiscal and budget policies and procedures to those of the state.
History.—s. 2, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 36, ch. 79-65; s. 70, ch. 83-310; s. 5, ch. 89-279; s. 20, ch. 93-213; s. 250, ch. 94-356; s. 1, ch. 97-160; s. 1, ch. 98-88.
373.019 Definitions.—When appearing in this chapter or in any rule, regulation, or order adopted pursuant thereto, the term:
(1) “Alternative water supplies” means salt water; brackish surface and groundwater; surface water captured predominately during wet-weather flows; sources made available through the addition of new storage capacity for surface or groundwater, water that has been reclaimed after one or more public supply, municipal, industrial, commercial, or agricultural uses; the downstream augmentation of water bodies with reclaimed water; stormwater; and any other water supply source that is designated as nontraditional for a water supply planning region in the applicable regional water supply plan.
(2) “Capital costs” means planning, design, engineering, and project construction costs.
(3) “Coastal waters” means waters of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico within the jurisdiction of the state.
(4) “Department” means the Department of Environmental Protection or its successor agency or agencies.
(5) “District water management plan” means the regional water resource plan developed by a governing board under s. 373.036.
(6) “Domestic use” means the use of water for the individual personal household purposes of drinking, bathing, cooking, or sanitation. All other uses shall not be considered domestic.
(7) “Florida water plan” means the state-level water resource plan developed by the department under s. 373.036.
(8) “Governing board” means the governing board of a water management district.
(9) “Groundwater” means water beneath the surface of the ground, whether or not flowing through known and definite channels.
(10) “Impoundment” means any lake, reservoir, pond, or other containment of surface water occupying a bed or depression in the earth’s surface and having a discernible shoreline.
(11) “Independent scientific peer review” means the review of scientific data, theories, and methodologies by a panel of independent, recognized experts in the fields of hydrology, hydrogeology, limnology, and other scientific disciplines relevant to the matters being reviewed under s. 373.042.
(12) “Multijurisdictional water supply entity” means two or more water utilities or local governments that have organized into a larger entity, or entered into an interlocal agreement or contract, for the purpose of more efficiently pursuing water supply development or alternative water supply development projects listed pursuant to a regional water supply plan.
(13) “Nonregulated use” means any use of water which is exempted from regulation by the provisions of this chapter.
(14) “Other watercourse” means any canal, ditch, or other artificial watercourse in which water usually flows in a defined bed or channel. It is not essential that the flowing be uniform or uninterrupted.
(15) “Person” means any and all persons, natural or artificial, including any individual, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, corporation, company, the United States of America, and the state and all political subdivisions, regions, districts, municipalities, and public agencies thereof. The enumeration herein is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive.
(16) “Reasonable-beneficial use” means the use of water in such quantity as is necessary for economic and efficient utilization for a purpose and in a manner which is both reasonable and consistent with the public interest.
(17) “Reclaimed water” means water that has received at least secondary treatment and basic disinfection and is reused after flowing out of a domestic wastewater treatment facility. Reclaimed water is not subject to regulation pursuant to s. 373.175 or part II of this chapter until it has been discharged into waters as defined in s. 403.031(13).
(18) “Reclaimed water distribution system” means a network of pipes, pumping facilities, storage facilities, and appurtenances designed to convey and distribute reclaimed water from one or more domestic wastewater treatment facilities to one or more users of reclaimed water.
(19) “Regional water supply plan” means a detailed water supply plan developed by a governing board under s. 373.709.
(20) “Stream” means any river, creek, slough, or natural watercourse in which water usually flows in a defined bed or channel. It is not essential that the flowing be uniform or uninterrupted. The fact that some part of the bed or channel has been dredged or improved does not prevent the watercourse from being a stream.
(21) “Surface water” means water upon the surface of the earth, whether contained in bounds created naturally or artificially or diffused. Water from natural springs shall be classified as surface water when it exits from the spring onto the earth’s surface.
(22) “Water” or “waters in the state” means any and all water on or beneath the surface of the ground or in the atmosphere, including natural or artificial watercourses, lakes, ponds, or diffused surface water and water percolating, standing, or flowing beneath the surface of the ground, as well as all coastal waters within the jurisdiction of the state.
(23) “Water management district” means any flood control, resource management, or water management district operating under the authority of this chapter.
(24) “Water resource development” means the formulation and implementation of regional water resource management strategies, including the collection and evaluation of surface water and groundwater data; structural and nonstructural programs to protect and manage water resources; the development of regional water resource implementation programs; the construction, operation, and maintenance of major public works facilities to provide for flood control, surface and underground water storage, and groundwater recharge augmentation; and related technical assistance to local governments, government-owned and privately owned water utilities, and self-suppliers to the extent assistance to self-suppliers promotes the policies as set forth in s. 373.016.
(25) “Water resource implementation rule” means the rule authorized by s. 373.036, which sets forth goals, objectives, and guidance for the development and review of programs, rules, and plans relating to water resources, based on statutory policies and directives. The waters of the state are among its most basic resources. Such waters should be managed to conserve and protect water resources and to realize the full beneficial use of these resources.
(26) “Water supply development” means the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of public or private facilities for water collection, production, treatment, transmission, or distribution for sale, resale, or end use.
(27) For the sole purpose of serving as the basis for the unified statewide methodology adopted pursuant to s. 373.421(1), as amended, “wetlands” means those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and a duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soils. Soils present in wetlands generally are classified as hydric or alluvial, or possess characteristics that are associated with reducing soil conditions. The prevalent vegetation in wetlands generally consists of facultative or obligate hydrophytic macrophytes that are typically adapted to areas having soil conditions described above. These species, due to morphological, physiological, or reproductive adaptations, have the ability to grow, reproduce, or persist in aquatic environments or anaerobic soil conditions. Florida wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bayheads, bogs, cypress domes and strands, sloughs, wet prairies, riverine swamps and marshes, hydric seepage slopes, tidal marshes, mangrove swamps and other similar areas. Florida wetlands generally do not include longleaf or slash pine flatwoods with an understory dominated by saw palmetto. Upon legislative ratification of the methodology adopted pursuant to s. 373.421(1), as amended, the limitation contained herein regarding the purpose of this definition shall cease to be effective.
(28) “Works of the district” means those projects and works, including, but not limited to, structures, impoundments, wells, streams, and other watercourses, together with the appurtenant facilities and accompanying lands, which have been officially adopted by the governing board of the district as works of the district.
History.—s. 3, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 37, ch. 79-65; s. 1, ch. 80-259; s. 5, ch. 82-101; s. 6, ch. 89-279; s. 21, ch. 93-213; s. 15, ch. 94-122; s. 251, ch. 94-356; s. 1, ch. 96-339; s. 1, ch. 96-370; s. 2, ch. 97-160; s. 1, ch. 2005-291; s. 10, ch. 2010-205; s. 1, ch. 2012-150; s. 2, ch. 2016-1.
373.023 Scope and application.—
(1) All waters in the state are subject to regulation under the provisions of this chapter unless specifically exempted by general or special law.
(2) No state or local government agency may enforce, except with respect to water quality, any special act, rule, regulation, or order affecting the waters in the state controlled under the provisions of this act, whether enacted or promulgated before or after the effective date of this act, until such special act, rule, regulation, or order has been filed with the department. However, any agency empowered to issue emergency orders affecting such waters may enforce such emergency orders prior to filing such orders with the department. Any rule or regulation in effect on the effective date of this act which is not filed with the department within 180 days after the effective date of this act shall be deemed repealed if the notice hereinafter called for shall have been received by the state or local agency issuing such rule or regulation. The department is directed to notify by certified or registered mail every state or local government agency known to be authorized to enforce any special act, rule, regulation or order affecting the waters of the state regarding the provisions of this subsection. The department is directed to review periodically such special acts, rules, regulations, and orders and to recommend to the appropriate agencies or the Legislature the amendment, consolidation, or revocation of inconsistencies or duplications therein.
(3) Any state or local governmental agency or other person having the power of eminent domain or condemnation under the laws of this state must notify the department or the governing board of a water management district prior to exercising that power.
History.—s. 4, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 1, ch. 73-190.
373.026 General powers and duties of the department.—The department, or its successor agency, shall be responsible for the administration of this chapter at the state level. However, it is the policy of the state that, to the greatest extent possible, the department may enter into interagency or interlocal agreements with any other state agency, any water management district, or any local government conducting programs related to or materially affecting the water resources of the state. All such agreements shall be subject to the provisions of s. 373.046. In addition to its other powers and duties, the department shall, to the greatest extent possible:
(1) Conduct, independently or in cooperation with other agencies, topographic surveys, research, and investigations into all aspects of water use and water quality.
(2) Be the central repository for all scientific and factual information generated by local governments, water management districts, and state agencies relating to water resources and, to that end, collect, maintain, and make available such information to public and private users within the state and assist in the acquisition of scientific and factual data from water management districts, local governments, and the United States Geological Survey. All local governments, water management districts, and state agencies are directed to cooperate with the department or its agents in making available to it for this purpose such scientific and factual data as they may have, generate, or possess, as the department deems necessary. The department is authorized to prescribe the format and ensure quality control for all data collected or submitted.
(a) Additionally, the department shall annually publish a bibliography of all water resource investigations conducted in the state.
(b) The department is additionally directed to establish priorities for the development of a computerized groundwater database upon the following principles:
1. Regions deemed prone to groundwater contamination due to land use.
2. Regions that have an identifiable direct connection with any confined aquifer utilized as a drinking water aquifer.
3. Any region dependent on a single-source aquifer.
(3) Cooperate with other state agencies, water management districts, and regional, county, or other local governmental organizations or agencies created for the purpose of utilizing and conserving the waters in this state; assist such organizations and agencies in coordinating the use of their facilities; and participate in an exchange of ideas, knowledge, and data with such organizations and agencies. For this purpose, the department may maintain an advisory staff of experts.
(4) Prepare and provide for dissemination to the public of current and useful information relating to the water resources of the state.
(5) Identify by continuing study those areas of the state where saltwater intrusion is a threat to freshwater resources and report its findings to the water management districts, boards of county commissioners, and public concerned.
(6) Conduct, either independently or in cooperation with any person or governmental agency, a program of study, research, and experimentation and evaluation in the field of weather modification.
(7) Exercise general supervisory authority over all water management districts. The department may exercise any power herein authorized to be exercised by a water management district.
(8)(a) Provide such coordination, cooperation, or approval necessary to the effectuation of any plan or project of the Federal Government in connection with or concerning the waters in the state. Unless otherwise provided by state or federal law, the department shall, subject to confirmation by the Legislature, have the power to approve or disapprove such federal plans or projects on behalf of the state. If such plan or project is for a coastal inlet, the department shall first determine the impact of the plan or project on the sandy beaches in the state. If the department determines that the plan will have a significant adverse impact on the sandy beaches, the department may not approve the plan or project unless it is revised to mitigate those impacts.
(b) To ensure to the greatest extent possible that project components will go forward as planned, the department shall collaborate with the South Florida Water Management District in implementing the comprehensive plan as defined in s. 373.470(2)(b), the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Protection Plan as defined in s. 373.4595(2), and the River Watershed Protection Plans as defined in s. 373.4595(2). Before any project component is submitted to Congress for authorization or receives an appropriation of state funds, the department must approve, or approve with amendments, each project component within 60 days following formal submittal of the project component to the department. Prior to the release of state funds for the implementation of the comprehensive plan, department approval shall be based upon a determination of the South Florida Water Management District’s compliance with s. 373.1501(5). Once a project component is approved, the South Florida Water Management District shall provide to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a schedule for implementing the project component, the estimated total cost of the project component, any existing federal or nonfederal credits, the estimated remaining federal and nonfederal share of costs, and an estimate of the amount of state funds that will be needed to implement the project component. All requests for an appropriation of state funds needed to implement the project component shall be submitted to the department, and such requests shall be included in the department’s annual request to the Governor. Prior to the release of state funds for the implementation of the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Protection Plan or the River Watershed Protection Plans, on an annual basis, the South Florida Water Management District shall prepare an annual work plan as part of the consolidated annual report required in s. 373.036(7). Upon a determination by the secretary of the annual work plan’s consistency with the goals and objectives of s. 373.4595, the secretary may approve the release of state funds. Any modifications to the annual work plan shall be submitted to the secretary for review and approval.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the use of state funds for land purchases from willing sellers is authorized for projects within the South Florida Water Management District’s approved Florida Forever water management district work plan pursuant to s. 373.199.
(d) The Executive Office of the Governor, pursuant to its duties under s. 373.536(5) to approve or disapprove, in whole or in part, the budget of each water management district, shall review all proposed expenditures for project components in the district’s budget.
(e) The department, subject to confirmation by the Legislature, shall act on behalf of the state in the negotiation and consummation of any agreement or compact with another state or states concerning waters of the state.
(9)(a) Hold annually a conference on water resources developmental programs. Each agency, commission, district, municipality, or political subdivision of the state responsible for a specific water resources development program requiring federal assistance shall present at such conference its programs and projects and the needs thereof. Notice of the time and place of the annual conference on water resources developmental programs shall be extended by mail at least 30 days prior to the date of such conference to any person who has filed a written request for notification with the department. Adequate opportunity shall be afforded for participation at the conference by interested members of the general public.
(b) Upon termination of the water conference, the department shall select those projects for presentation in the Florida program of public works which best represent the public welfare and interest of the people of the state as required for the proper development, use, conservation, and protection of the waters of the state and land resources affected thereby. Thereafter, the department shall present to the appropriate committees and agencies of the Federal Government a program of public works for Florida, requesting authorization for funds for each project.
(10) Expand the use of Internet-based self-certification services for appropriate exemptions and general permits issued by the department and the water management districts, if such expansion is economically feasible. In addition to expanding the use of Internet-based self-certification services for appropriate exemptions and general permits, the department and water management districts shall identify and develop general permits for appropriate activities currently requiring individual review which could be expedited through the use of applicable professional certification.
History.—s. 5, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 4, ch. 74-114; s. 38, ch. 79-65; s. 2, ch. 83-310; s. 11, ch. 86-138; s. 21, ch. 87-97; s. 7, ch. 89-279; s. 252, ch. 94-356; s. 26, ch. 97-160; s. 2, ch. 99-143; s. 1, ch. 2001-172; s. 2, ch. 2007-253; s. 79, ch. 2008-4; s. 31, ch. 2011-34; s. 5, ch. 2012-205; s. 34, ch. 2015-229.
373.033 Saltwater barrier line.—
(1) The department may, at the request of the board of county commissioners of any county, at the request of the governing board of any water management district, or any municipality or water district responsible for the protection of a public water supply, or, having determined by adoption of an appropriate resolution that saltwater intrusion has become a matter of emergency proportions, by its own initiative, establish generally along the seacoast, inland from the seashore and within the limits of the area within which the petitioning board has jurisdiction, a saltwater barrier line inland of which no canal shall be constructed or enlarged, and no natural stream shall be deepened or enlarged, which shall discharge into tidal waters without a dam, control structure or spillway at or seaward of the saltwater barrier line, which shall prevent the movement of salt water inland of the saltwater barrier line. Provided, however, that the department is authorized, in cases where saltwater intrusion is not a problem, to waive the requirement of a barrier structure by specific permit to construct a canal crossing the saltwater barrier line without a protective device and provided, further that the agency petitioning for the establishment of the saltwater barrier line shall concur in the waiver.
(2) Application by a board of county commissioners or by the governing board of a water management district, a municipality or a water district for the establishment of a saltwater barrier line shall be made by adoption of an appropriate resolution, agreeing to:
(a) Reimburse the department the cost of necessary investigation, including, but not limited to, subsurface exploration by drilling, to determine the proper location of the saltwater barrier line in that county or in all or part of the district over which the applying agency has jurisdiction.
(b) Require compliance with the provisions of this law by county or district forces under their control; by those individuals or corporations filing plats for record and by individuals, corporations or agencies seeking authority to discharge surface or subsurface drainage into tidal waters.
(3) The board of county commissioners of any county or the governing board of any water management district, municipality or water district desiring to establish a saltwater barrier line is authorized to reimburse the department for any expense entailed in making an investigation to determine the proper location of the saltwater barrier line, from any funds available to them for general administrative purposes.
(4) The department, any board of county commissioners, and the governing board of any water management district, municipality, or water district having competent jurisdiction over an area in which a saltwater barrier is established shall be charged with the enforcement of the provisions of this section, and authority for the maintenance of actions set forth in s. 373.129 shall apply to this section.
(5) The board of county commissioners of a county, or the governing board of a water management district, a municipality, or a water district having jurisdiction over an area in which a saltwater barrier line is established, may expend funds from any available source for the purpose of constructing saltwater barrier dams, dikes, and spillways within existing canals and streams in conformity with the purpose and intent of the board in establishing the saltwater barrier line.
History.—s. 2, ch. 63-210; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 40, ch. 79-65; s. 85, ch. 79-164; s. 10, ch. 2000-212.
Note.—Former s. 373.194.
373.036 Florida water plan; district water management plans.—
(1) FLORIDA WATER PLAN.—In cooperation with the water management districts, regional water supply authorities, and others, the department shall develop the Florida water plan. The Florida water plan shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) The programs and activities of the department related to water supply, water quality, flood protection and floodplain management, and natural systems.
(b) The water quality standards of the department.
(c) The district water management plans.
(d) Goals, objectives, and guidance for the development and review of programs, rules, and plans relating to water resources, based on statutory policies and directives. The state water policy rule, renamed the water resource implementation rule pursuant to s. 373.019(25), shall serve as this part of the plan. Amendments or additions to this part of the Florida water plan shall be adopted by the department as part of the water resource implementation rule. In accordance with s. 373.114, the department shall review rules of the water management districts for consistency with this rule. Amendments to the water resource implementation rule must be adopted by the secretary of the department and be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives within 7 days after publication in the Florida Administrative Register. Amendments shall not become effective until the conclusion of the next regular session of the Legislature following their adoption.
(2) DISTRICT WATER MANAGEMENT PLANS.—
(a) Each governing board shall develop a district water management plan for water resources within its region, which plan addresses water supply, water quality, flood protection and floodplain management, and natural systems. The district water management plan shall be based on at least a 20-year planning period, shall be developed and revised in cooperation with other agencies, regional water supply authorities, units of government, and interested parties, and shall be updated at least once every 5 years. The governing board shall hold a public hearing at least 30 days in advance of completing the development or revision of the district water management plan.
(b) The district water management plan shall include, but not be limited to:
1. The scientific methodologies for establishing minimum flows and levels under s. 373.042, and all established minimum flows and levels.
2. Identification of one or more water supply planning regions that singly or together encompass the entire district.
3. Technical data and information prepared under s. 373.711.
4. A districtwide water supply assessment, which determines for each water supply planning region:
a. Existing legal uses, reasonably anticipated future needs, and existing and reasonably anticipated sources of water and conservation efforts; and
b. Whether existing and reasonably anticipated sources of water and conservation efforts are adequate to supply water for all existing legal uses and reasonably anticipated future needs and to sustain the water resources and related natural systems.
5. Any completed regional water supply plans.
(c) If necessary for implementation, the governing board shall adopt by rule or order relevant portions of the district water management plan, to the extent of its statutory authority.
(d) In the formulation of the district water management plan, the governing board shall give due consideration to:
1. The attainment of maximum reasonable-beneficial use of water resources.
2. The maximum economic development of the water resources consistent with other uses.
3. The management of water resources for such purposes as environmental protection, drainage, flood control, and water storage.
4. The quantity of water available for application to a reasonable-beneficial use.
5. The prevention of wasteful, uneconomical, impractical, or unreasonable uses of water resources.
6. Presently exercised domestic use and permit rights.
7. The preservation and enhancement of the water quality of the state.
8. The state water resources policy as expressed by this chapter.
(e) At its option, a governing board may substitute an annual strategic plan for the requirement to develop a district water management plan and the district water management plan annual report required by subparagraph (7)(b)1., provided that nothing herein affects any other provision or requirement of law concerning the completion of the regional water supply plan and the strategic plan meets the following minimum requirements:
1. The strategic plan establishes the water management district’s strategic priorities for at least a future 5-year period.
2. The strategic plan identifies the goals, strategies, success indicators, funding sources, deliverables, and milestones to accomplish the strategic priorities.
3. The strategic plan development process includes at least one publicly noticed meeting to allow public participation in its development.
4. The strategic plan includes separately, as an addendum, an annual work plan report on the implementation of the strategic plan for the previous fiscal year, addressing success indicators, deliverables, and milestones.
(3) The department and governing board shall give careful consideration to the requirements of public recreation and to the protection and procreation of fish and wildlife. The department or governing board may prohibit or restrict other future uses on certain designated bodies of water which may be inconsistent with these objectives.
(4) The governing board may designate certain uses in connection with a particular source of supply which, because of the nature of the activity or the amount of water required, would constitute an undesirable use for which the governing board may deny a permit.
(5) The governing board may designate certain uses in connection with a particular source of supply which, because of the nature of the activity or the amount of water required, would result in an enhancement or improvement of the water resources of the area. Such uses shall be preferred over other uses in the event of competing applications under the permitting systems authorized by this chapter.
(6) The department, in cooperation with the Executive Office of the Governor, or its successor agency, may add to the Florida water plan any other information, directions, or objectives it deems necessary or desirable for the guidance of the governing boards or other agencies in the administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(7) CONSOLIDATED WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT.—
(a) By March 1, annually, each water management district shall prepare and submit to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, the department, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a consolidated water management district annual report on the management of water resources. In addition, copies must be provided by the water management districts to the chairs of all legislative committees having substantive or fiscal jurisdiction over the districts and the governing board of each county in the district having jurisdiction or deriving any funds for operations of the district. Copies of the consolidated annual report must be made available to the public, either in printed or electronic format.
(b) The consolidated annual report shall contain the following elements, as appropriate to that water management district:
1. A district water management plan annual report or the annual work plan report allowed in subparagraph (2)(e)4.
2. The department-approved minimum flows and minimum water levels annual priority list and schedule required by s. 373.042(3).
3. The annual 5-year capital improvements plan required by s. 373.536(6)(a)3.
4. The alternative water supplies annual report required by s. 373.707(8)(n).
5. The final annual 5-year water resource development work program required by s. 373.536(6)(a)4.
6. The Florida Forever Water Management District Work Plan annual report required by s. 373.199(7).
7. The mitigation donation annual report required by s. 373.414(1)(b)2.
8. Information on all projects related to water quality or water quantity as part of a 5-year work program, including:
a. A list of all specific projects identified to implement a basin management action plan, including any projects to connect onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems to central sewerage systems and convert onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems to enhanced nutrient-reducing onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, or a recovery or prevention strategy;
b. A priority ranking for each listed project for which state funding through the water resources development work program is requested, which must be made available to the public for comment at least 30 days before submission of the consolidated annual report;
c. The estimated cost for each listed project;
d. The estimated completion date for each listed project;
e. The source and amount of financial assistance to be made available by the department, a water management district, or other entity for each listed project; and
f. A quantitative estimate of each listed project’s benefit to the watershed, water body, or water segment in which it is located.
9. A grade for each watershed, water body, or water segment in which a project listed under subparagraph 8. is located representing the level of impairment and violations of adopted minimum flow or minimum water levels. The grading system must reflect the severity of the impairment of the watershed, water body, or water segment.
(c) Each of the elements listed in paragraph (b) is to be addressed in a separate chapter or section within the consolidated annual report, although information common to more than one of these elements may be consolidated as deemed appropriate by the individual water management district.
(d) Each water management district may include in the consolidated annual report such additional information on the status or management of water resources within the district as it deems appropriate.
(e) In addition to the elements specified in paragraph (b), the South Florida Water Management District shall include in the consolidated annual report the following elements:
1. The Lake Okeechobee Protection Program annual progress report required by s. 373.4595(6).
2. The Everglades annual progress reports specified in s. 373.4592(4)(d)5., (13), and (14).
3. The Everglades restoration annual report required by s. 373.470(7).
4. The Everglades Trust Fund annual expenditure report required by s. 373.45926(3).
History.—s. 6, part I, ch. 72-299; ss. 2, 3, ch. 73-190; s. 122, ch. 79-190; s. 3, ch. 97-160; s. 7, ch. 98-88; s. 164, ch. 99-13; s. 4, ch. 2005-36; s. 38, ch. 2006-1; s. 11, ch. 2010-205; s. 24, ch. 2011-4; s. 32, ch. 2011-34; s. 4, ch. 2012-150; s. 33, ch. 2013-14; s. 73, ch. 2014-17; s. 3, ch. 2016-1; s. 37, ch. 2018-110; s. 3, ch. 2020-150.
373.0363 Southern Water Use Caution Area Recovery Strategy.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Central Florida Coordination Area” means all of Polk, Osceola, Orange, and Seminole Counties, and southern Lake County, as designated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, and the St. Johns River Water Management District.
(b) “District” means the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
(c) “Southern Water Use Caution Area” means an area that the district designated, after extensive collection of data and numerous studies, in order to comprehensively manage water resources in the Southern West-Central Groundwater Basin, which includes all of Desoto, Hardee, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties and parts of Charlotte, Highlands, Hillsborough, and Polk Counties.
(d) “Southern Water Use Caution Area Recovery Strategy” means the district’s planning, regulatory, and financial strategy for ensuring that adequate water supplies are available to meet growing demands while protecting and restoring the water and related natural resources of the area.
(e) “West-Central Florida Water Restoration Action Plan” means the district’s regional environmental restoration and water-resource sustainability program for the Southern Water Use Caution Area.
(2) The Legislature finds that:
(a) In response to the growing demands from public supply, agriculture, mining, power generation, and recreational users, groundwater withdrawals in the Southern Water Use Caution Area have steadily increased for nearly a century before peaking in the mid-1970s. These withdrawals resulted in declines in aquifer levels throughout the groundwater basin, which in some areas exceeded 50 feet.
(b) While groundwater withdrawals have since stabilized as a result of the district’s management efforts, depressed aquifer levels continue to result in saltwater intrusion, reduced flows in the Upper Peace River, lowered water levels, and adverse water quality impacts for some lakes in the Lake Wales Ridge areas of Polk and Highlands Counties.
(c) In response to these resource concerns, and as directed by s. 373.036, the district determined that traditional sources of water in the region are not adequate to supply water for all existing and projected reasonable and beneficial uses and to sustain the water resources and related natural systems.
(d) The expeditious implementation of the Southern Water Use Caution Area Recovery Strategy is needed to meet the minimum flow requirement for the Upper Peace River, slow saltwater intrusion, provide for improved lake levels and water quality along the Lake Wales Ridge, and ensure sufficient water supplies for all existing and projected reasonable and beneficial uses.
(e) Sufficient research has been conducted and sufficient plans developed to immediately expand and accelerate programs to sustain the water resources and related natural systems in the Southern Water Use Caution Area.
(f) The implementation of components of the Southern Water Use Caution Area Recovery Strategy, which are contained in the West-Central Florida Water Restoration Action Plan, is for the benefit of the public health, safety, and welfare and is in the public interest.
(g) The implementation of the West-Central Florida Water Restoration Action Plan is necessary to meet the minimum flow requirement for the Upper Peace River, slow saltwater intrusion, provide for improved lake levels and water quality along the Lake Wales Ridge, and ensure sufficient water supplies for all existing and projected reasonable and beneficial uses.
(h) A continuing source of funding is needed to effectively implement the West-Central Florida Water Restoration Action Plan.
(3) The district shall implement the West-Central Florida Water Restoration Action Plan in a manner that furthers progressive strategies for the management of water resources, is watershed-based, provides for consideration of water quality issues, and includes monitoring, the development and implementation of best management practices, and structural and nonstructural projects, including public works projects. The district shall coordinate its implementation of the plan with regional water supply authorities, public and private partnerships, and local, state, and federal partners in order to maximize opportunities for the most efficient and timely expenditures of public funds.
(4) The West-Central Florida Water Restoration Action Plan includes:
(a) The Central West Coast Surface Water Enhancement Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to make additional surface waters available for public supply through restoration of surface waters, natural water flows, and freshwater wetland communities. This initiative is designed to allow limits on groundwater withdrawals in order to slow the rate of saltwater intrusion. The initiative shall be an ongoing program in cooperation with the Peace River-Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority created under s. 373.713.
(b) The Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to expedite the implementation of production-scale, best management practices in the agricultural sector, which will result in reductions in groundwater withdrawals and improvements in water quality, water resources, and ecology. The initiative is a cost-share reimbursement program to provide funding incentives to agricultural landowners for the implementation of best management practices. The initiative shall be implemented by the district in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Cooperative funding programs approved by the governing board shall not be subject to the rulemaking requirements of chapter 120. However, any portion of an approved program which affects the substantial interests of a party shall be subject to s. 120.569.
(c) The Ridge Lakes Restoration Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to protect, restore, and enhance natural systems and flood protection by improving and protecting the water quality of approximately 130 lakes located along the Lake Wales Ridge in Polk and Highlands Counties, which quality is threatened by stormwater runoff, wastewater effluent, fertilizer applications, groundwater pollution, degradation of shoreline habitats, and hydrologic alterations. This initiative shall be accomplished through the construction of systems designed to treat the stormwater runoff that threatens the water quality of such lakes. Such systems include swales, retention basins, and long infiltration basins, if feasible.
(d) The Upper Peace River Watershed Restoration Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to improve the quality of waters and ecosystems in the watershed of the Upper Peace River by recharging aquifers, restoring the flow of surface waters, and restoring the capacity of natural systems to store surface waters. The Legislature finds that such improvements are necessary because the quantity and quality of the fresh water that flows to the basin of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor are adversely affected by the significant alteration and degradation of the watershed of the Upper Peace River and because restoration of the watershed of the Upper Peace River is a critical component of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Surface Water Improvement and Management Plan, and the Southern Water Use Caution Area Recovery Strategy. This initiative shall include an Upper Peace River Component. In addition to the initiative’s other purposes, this component will provide a critical link to a major greenway that extends from the lower southwest coast of this state through the watershed of the Peace River and the Green Swamp and further north to the Ocala National Forest.
(e) The Central Florida Water Resource Development Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to create and implement a long-term plan that takes a comprehensive approach to limit groundwater withdrawals in the Southern Water Use Caution Area and to identify and develop alternative water supplies for Polk County. The project components developed pursuant to this initiative are eligible for state and regional funding under s. 373.707 as an alternative water supply, as defined in s. 373.019, or as a supplemental water supply under the rules of the Southwest Florida Water Management District or the South Florida Water Management District. The initiative shall be implemented by the district as an ongoing program in cooperation with Polk County and the South Florida Water Management District.
(5) As part of the consolidated annual report required pursuant s. 373.036(7), the district may include:
(a) A summary of the conditions of the Southern Water Use Caution Area, including the status of the components of the West-Central Florida Water Restoration Action Plan.
(b) An annual accounting of the expenditure of funds. The accounting must, at a minimum, provide details of expenditures separately by plan component and any subparts of a plan component, and include specific information about amount and use of funds from federal, state, and local government sources. In detailing the use of these funds, the district shall indicate those funds that are designated to meet requirements for matching funds.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2009-243; s. 12, ch. 2010-205; s. 74, ch. 2014-17.
373.037 Pilot program for alternative water supply development in restricted allocation areas.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Central Florida Water Initiative Area” means all of Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Seminole Counties, and southern Lake County, as designated by the Central Florida Water Initiative Guiding Document of January 30, 2015.
(b) “Lower East Coast Regional Water Supply Planning Area” means the areas withdrawing surface and groundwater from Water Conservation Areas 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, Grassy Waters Preserve/Water Catchment Area, Pal Mar, J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area, Loxahatchee Slough, Loxahatchee River, Riverbend Park, Dupuis Reserve, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Kitching Creek, Moonshine Creek, Cypress Creek, Hobe Grove Ditch, the Holey Land and Rotenberger Wildlife Management Areas, and the freshwater portions of the Everglades National Park, as designated by the South Florida Water Management District.
(c) “Restricted allocation area” means an area within a water supply planning region of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, or the St. Johns River Water Management District where the governing board of the water management district has determined that existing sources of water are not adequate to supply water for all existing and future reasonable-beneficial uses and to sustain the water resources and related natural systems for the planning period pursuant to ss. 373.036 and 373.709 and where the governing board of the water management district has applied allocation restrictions with regard to the use of specific sources of water. For the purposes of this section, the term includes the Central Florida Water Initiative Area, the Lower East Coast Regional Water Supply Planning Area, the Southern Water Use Caution Area, and the Upper East Coast Regional Water Supply Planning Area.
(d) “Southern Water Use Caution Area” means all of Desoto, Hardee, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties and parts of Charlotte, Highlands, Hillsborough, and Polk Counties, as designated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
(e) “Upper East Coast Regional Water Supply Planning Area” means the areas withdrawing surface and groundwater from the Central and Southern Florida canals or the Floridan Aquifer, as designated by the South Florida Water Management District.
(2) The Legislature finds that:
(a) Local governments, regional water supply authorities, and government-owned and privately owned water utilities face significant challenges in securing funds for implementing large-scale alternative water supply projects in certain restricted allocation areas due to a variety of factors, such as the magnitude of the water resource challenges, the large number of water users, the difficulty of developing multijurisdictional solutions across district, county, or municipal boundaries, and the expense of developing large-scale alternative water supply projects identified in the regional water supply plans pursuant to s. 373.709.
(b) These factors make it necessary to provide other options for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, and the St. Johns River Water Management District to be able to take the lead in developing and implementing one alternative water supply project within a restricted allocation area as a pilot alternative water supply development project.
(c) Each pilot project must provide water supply and environmental benefits. Consideration should be given to projects that provide reductions in damaging discharges to tide or that are part of a recovery or prevention strategy for minimum flows and minimum water levels.
(3) The water management districts specified in paragraph (2)(b) may, at their sole discretion, designate and implement an existing alternative water supply project that is identified in each district’s regional water supply plan as its one pilot project or amend their respective regional water supply plans to add a new alternative water supply project as their district pilot project. A pilot project designation made pursuant to this section should be made no later than July 1, 2017, and is not subject to the rulemaking requirements of chapter 120 or subject to legal challenge pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57. A water management district may designate an alternative water supply project located within another water management district if the project is located in a restricted allocation area designated by the other water management district and a substantial quantity of water provided by the alternative water supply project will be used within the boundaries of the water management district that designated the alternative water supply project.
(4) In addition to the other powers granted and duties imposed under this chapter, if a district specified in paragraph (2)(b) elects to implement a pilot project pursuant to this section, its governing board has the following powers and is subject to the following restrictions in implementing the pilot project:
(a) The governing board may not develop and implement a pilot project on privately owned land without the voluntary consent of the landowner, which consent may be evidenced by deed, easement, license, contract, or other written legal instrument executed by the landowner after July 1, 2016.
(b) The governing board may not engage in local water supply distribution or sell water to the pilot project participants.
(c) The governing board may join with one or more other water management districts and counties, municipalities, special districts, publicly owned or privately owned water utilities, multijurisdictional water supply entities, regional water supply authorities, self-suppliers, or other entities for the purpose of carrying out its powers, and may contract with any such other entities to finance or otherwise implement acquisitions, construction, and operation and maintenance, if such contracts are consistent with the public interest and based upon independent cost estimates, including comparisons with other alternative water supply projects. The contracts may provide for contributions to be made by each party to the contract for the division and apportionment of resulting costs, including operations and maintenance, benefits, services, and products. The contracts may contain other covenants and agreements necessary and appropriate to accomplish their purposes.
(5) A water management district may provide up to 50 percent of funding assistance for a pilot project.
(6) If a water management district specified in paragraph (2)(b) elects to implement a pilot project, it shall submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by July 1, 2020, on the effectiveness of its pilot project. The report must include all of the following information:
(a) A description of the alternative water supply project selected as a pilot project, including the quantity of water the project has produced or is expected to produce and the consumptive users who are expected to use the water produced by the pilot project to meet their existing and future reasonable-beneficial uses.
(b) Progress made in developing and implementing the pilot project in comparison to the development and implementation of other alternative water supply projects in the restricted allocation area.
(c) The capital and operating costs to be expended by the water management district in implementing the pilot project in comparison to other alternative water supply projects being developed and implemented in the restricted allocation area.
(d) The source of funds to be used by the water management district in developing and implementing the pilot project.
(e) The benefits to the district’s water resources and natural systems from implementation of the pilot project.
(f) A recommendation as to whether the traditional role of water management districts regarding the development and implementation of alternative water supply projects, as specified in ss. 373.705 and 373.707, should be revised and, if so, identification of the statutory changes necessary to expand the scope of the pilot program.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2016-1.
373.0397 Floridan and Biscayne aquifers; designation of prime groundwater recharge areas.—Upon preparation of an inventory of prime groundwater recharge areas for the Floridan or Biscayne aquifers, but prior to adoption by the governing board, the water management district shall publish a legal notice of public hearing on the designated areas for the Floridan and Biscayne aquifers, with a map delineating the boundaries of the areas, as provided in chapter 50. The notice shall be at least one-fourth page and shall read as follows:
NOTICE OF PRIME RECHARGE
AREA DESIGNATION
The (name of taxing authority) proposes to designate specific land areas as areas of prime recharge to the (name of aquifer) Aquifer.
All concerned citizens are invited to attend a public hearing on the proposed designation to be held on (date and time) at (meeting place) .
A map of the affected areas follows.
The governing board of the water management district shall adopt a designation of prime groundwater recharge areas to the Floridan and Biscayne aquifers by rule within 120 days after the public hearing, subject to the provisions of chapter 120.
History.—s. 2, ch. 85-42; s. 5, ch. 2005-36; s. 26, ch. 2021-17.
373.042 Minimum flows and minimum water levels.—
(1) Within each section, or within the water management district as a whole, the department or the governing board shall establish the following:
(a) Minimum flow for all surface watercourses in the area. The minimum flow for a given watercourse is the limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area.
(b) Minimum water level. The minimum water level is the level of groundwater in an aquifer and the level of surface water at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area.
The minimum flow and minimum water level shall be calculated by the department and the governing board using the best information available. When appropriate, minimum flows and minimum water levels may be calculated to reflect seasonal variations. The department and the governing board shall consider, and at their discretion may provide for, the protection of nonconsumptive uses in the establishment of minimum flows and minimum water levels.
(2)(a) If a minimum flow or minimum water level has not been adopted for an Outstanding Florida Spring, a water management district or the department shall use the emergency rulemaking authority provided in paragraph (c) to adopt a minimum flow or minimum water level no later than July 1, 2017, except for the Northwest Florida Water Management District, which shall use such authority to adopt minimum flows and minimum water levels for Outstanding Florida Springs no later than July 1, 2026.
(b) For Outstanding Florida Springs identified on a water management district’s priority list developed pursuant to subsection (3) which have the potential to be affected by withdrawals in an adjacent district, the adjacent district or districts and the department shall collaboratively develop and implement a recovery or prevention strategy for an Outstanding Florida Spring not meeting an adopted minimum flow or minimum water level.
(c) The Legislature finds as provided in s. 373.801(3)(b) that the adoption of minimum flows and minimum water levels or recovery or prevention strategies for Outstanding Florida Springs requires immediate action. The department and the districts are authorized, and all conditions are deemed to be met, to use emergency rulemaking provisions pursuant to s. 120.54(4) to adopt minimum flows and minimum water levels pursuant to this subsection and to adopt recovery or prevention strategies concurrently with a minimum flow or minimum water level pursuant to s. 373.805(2). The emergency rules shall remain in effect during the pendency of procedures to adopt rules addressing the subject of the emergency rules.
(d) As used in this subsection, the term “Outstanding Florida Spring” has the same meaning as in s. 373.802.
(3) By November 15, annually, each water management district shall submit to the department for review and approval a priority list and schedule for the establishment of minimum flows and minimum water levels for surface watercourses, aquifers, and surface waters within the district. The priority list and schedule shall identify those listed water bodies for which the district will voluntarily undertake independent scientific peer review; any reservations proposed by the district to be established pursuant to s. 373.223(4); and those listed water bodies that have the potential to be affected by withdrawals in an adjacent district for which the department’s adoption of a reservation pursuant to s. 373.223(4) or a minimum flow or minimum water level pursuant to subsection (1) may be appropriate. By March 1, annually, each water management district shall include its approved priority list and schedule in the consolidated annual report required by s. 373.036(7). The priority list shall be based upon the importance of the waters to the state or region and the existence of or potential for significant harm to the water resources or ecology of the state or region, and shall include those waters which are experiencing or may reasonably be expected to experience adverse impacts. Each water management district’s priority list and schedule shall include all first magnitude springs, and all second magnitude springs within state or federally owned lands purchased for conservation purposes. The specific schedule for establishment of spring minimum flows and minimum water levels shall be commensurate with the existing or potential threat to spring flow from consumptive uses. Springs within the Suwannee River Water Management District, or second magnitude springs in other areas of the state, need not be included on the priority list if the water management district submits a report to the Department of Environmental Protection demonstrating that adverse impacts are not now occurring nor are reasonably expected to occur from consumptive uses during the next 20 years. The priority list and schedule is not subject to any proceeding pursuant to chapter 120. Except as provided in subsection (4), the development of a priority list and compliance with the schedule for the establishment of minimum flows and minimum water levels pursuant to this subsection satisfies the requirements of subsection (1).
(4) Minimum flows or minimum water levels for priority waters in the counties of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas shall be established by October 1, 1997. Where a minimum flow or minimum water level for the priority waters within those counties has not been established by the applicable deadline, the secretary of the department shall, if requested by the governing body of any local government within whose jurisdiction the affected waters are located, establish the minimum flow or minimum water level in accordance with the procedures established by this section. The department’s reasonable costs in establishing a minimum flow or minimum water level shall, upon request of the secretary, be reimbursed by the district.
(5) A water management district shall provide the department with technical information and staff support for the development of a reservation, minimum flow or minimum water level, or recovery or prevention strategy to be adopted by the department by rule. A water management district shall apply any reservation, minimum flow or minimum water level, or recovery or prevention strategy adopted by the department by rule without the district’s adoption by rule of such reservation, minimum flow or minimum water level, or recovery or prevention strategy.
(6)(a) Upon written request to the department or governing board by a substantially affected person, or by decision of the department or governing board, before the establishment of a minimum flow or minimum water level and before the filing of any petition for administrative hearing related to the minimum flow or minimum water level, all scientific or technical data, methodologies, and models, including all scientific and technical assumptions employed in each model, used to establish a minimum flow or minimum water level shall be subject to independent scientific peer review. Independent scientific peer review means review by a panel of independent, recognized experts in the fields of hydrology, hydrogeology, limnology, biology, and other scientific disciplines, to the extent relevant to the establishment of the minimum flow or minimum water level.
(b) If independent scientific peer review is requested, it shall be initiated at an appropriate point agreed upon by the department or governing board and the person or persons requesting the peer review. If no agreement is reached, the department or governing board shall determine the appropriate point at which to initiate peer review. The members of the peer review panel shall be selected within 60 days of the point of initiation by agreement of the department or governing board and the person or persons requesting the peer review. If the panel is not selected within the 60-day period, the time limitation may be waived upon the agreement of all parties. If no waiver occurs, the department or governing board may proceed to select the peer review panel. The cost of the peer review shall be borne equally by the district and each party requesting the peer review, to the extent economically feasible. The panel shall submit a final report to the governing board within 120 days after its selection unless the deadline is waived by agreement of all parties. Initiation of peer review pursuant to this paragraph shall toll any applicable deadline under chapter 120 or other law or district rule regarding permitting, rulemaking, or administrative hearings, until 60 days following submittal of the final report. Any such deadlines shall also be tolled for 60 days following withdrawal of the request or following agreement of the parties that peer review will no longer be pursued. The department or the governing board shall give significant weight to the final report of the peer review panel when establishing the minimum flow or minimum water level.
(c) If the final data, methodologies, and models, including all scientific and technical assumptions employed in each model upon which a minimum flow or level is based, have undergone peer review pursuant to this subsection, by request or by decision of the department or governing board, no further peer review shall be required with respect to that minimum flow or minimum water level.
(d) No minimum flow or minimum water level adopted by rule or formally noticed for adoption on or before May 2, 1997, shall be subject to the peer review provided for in this subsection.
(7) If a petition for administrative hearing is filed under chapter 120 challenging the establishment of a minimum flow or minimum water level, the report of an independent scientific peer review conducted under subsection (6) is admissible as evidence in the final hearing, and the administrative law judge must render the order within 120 days after the filing of the petition. The time limit for rendering the order shall not be extended except by agreement of all the parties. To the extent that the parties agree to the findings of the peer review, they may stipulate that those findings be incorporated as findings of fact in the final order.
(8) The rules adopted pursuant to this section are not subject to s. 120.541(3).
History.—s. 6, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 2, ch. 73-190; s. 2, ch. 96-339; s. 5, ch. 97-160; s. 52, ch. 2002-1; s. 1, ch. 2002-15; s. 6, ch. 2005-36; s. 1, ch. 2013-229; s. 5, ch. 2016-1; s. 16, ch. 2017-3; s. 38, ch. 2018-110.
Note.—Former s. 373.036(7).
373.0421 Establishment and implementation of minimum flows and minimum water levels.—
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—
(a) Considerations.—When establishing minimum flows and minimum water levels pursuant to s. 373.042, the department or governing board shall consider changes and structural alterations to watersheds, surface waters, and aquifers and the effects such changes or alterations have had, and the constraints such changes or alterations have placed, on the hydrology of an affected watershed, surface water, or aquifer, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall allow significant harm as provided by s. 373.042(1) caused by withdrawals.
(b) Exclusions.—
1. The Legislature recognizes that certain water bodies no longer serve their historical hydrologic functions. The Legislature also recognizes that recovery of these water bodies to historical hydrologic conditions may not be economically or technically feasible, and that such recovery effort could cause adverse environmental or hydrologic impacts. Accordingly, the department or governing board may determine that setting a minimum flow or minimum water level for such a water body based on its historical condition is not appropriate.
2. The department or the governing board is not required to establish minimum flows or minimum water levels pursuant to s. 373.042 for surface water bodies less than 25 acres in area, unless the water body or bodies, individually or cumulatively, have significant economic, environmental, or hydrologic value.
3. The department or the governing board shall not set minimum flows or minimum water levels pursuant to s. 373.042 for surface water bodies constructed before the requirement for a permit, or pursuant to an exemption, a permit, or a reclamation plan which regulates the size, depth, or function of the surface water body under the provisions of this chapter, chapter 378, or chapter 403, unless the constructed surface water body is of significant hydrologic value or is an essential element of the water resources of the area.
The exclusions of this paragraph shall not apply to the Everglades Protection Area, as defined in s. 373.4592(2)(i).
(2) If, at the time a minimum flow or minimum water level is initially established for a water body pursuant to s. 373.042 or is revised, the existing flow or water level in the water body is below, or is projected to fall within 20 years below, the applicable minimum flow or minimum water level, the department or governing board, as part of the regional water supply plan described in s. 373.709, shall concurrently adopt or modify and implement a recovery or prevention strategy. If a minimum flow or minimum water level has been established for a water body pursuant to s. 373.042, and the existing flow or water level in the water body falls below, or is projected to fall within 20 years below, the applicable minimum flow or minimum water level, the department or governing board shall expeditiously adopt a recovery or prevention strategy. A recovery or prevention strategy shall include the development of additional water supplies and other actions, consistent with the authority granted by this chapter, to:
(a) Achieve recovery to the established minimum flow or minimum water level as soon as practicable; or
(b) Prevent the existing flow or water level from falling below the established minimum flow or minimum water level.
The recovery or prevention strategy must include a phased-in approach or a timetable which will allow for the provision of sufficient water supplies for all existing and projected reasonable-beneficial uses, including development of additional water supplies and implementation of conservation and other efficiency measures concurrent with and, to the maximum extent practical, to offset reductions in permitted withdrawals, consistent with this chapter. The recovery or prevention strategy may not depend solely on water shortage restrictions declared pursuant to s. 373.175 or s. 373.246.
(3) To ensure that sufficient water is available for all existing and future reasonable-beneficial uses and the natural systems, the applicable regional water supply plan prepared pursuant to s. 373.709 shall be amended to include any water supply development project or water resource development project identified in a recovery or prevention strategy. Such amendment shall be approved concurrently with relevant portions of the recovery or prevention strategy.
(4) The water management district shall notify the department if an application for a water use permit is denied based upon the impact that the use will have on an adopted minimum flow or minimum water level. Upon receipt of such notice, the department shall, as soon as practicable and in cooperation with the water management district, conduct a review of the applicable regional water supply plan prepared pursuant to s. 373.709. Such review shall include an assessment by the department of the adequacy of the plan in addressing the legislative intent of s. 373.705(2)(a) which provides that sufficient water be available for all existing and future reasonable-beneficial uses and natural systems and that the adverse effects of competition for water supplies be avoided. If the department determines, based upon this review, that the regional water supply plan does not adequately address the legislative intent of s. 373.705(2)(a), the water management district shall immediately initiate an update of the plan consistent with s. 373.709.
(5) The provisions of this section are supplemental to any other specific requirements or authority provided by law. Minimum flows and minimum water levels shall be reevaluated periodically and revised as needed.
History.—s. 6, ch. 97-160; s. 36, ch. 2004-5; s. 13, ch. 2010-205; s. 6, ch. 2016-1.
373.043 Adoption and enforcement of rules by the department.—The department has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter.
History.—s. 8, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 5, ch. 74-114; s. 81, ch. 98-200.
373.044 Rules; enforcement; availability of personnel rules.—The governing board of the district is authorized to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter. Rules and orders may be enforced by mandatory injunction or other appropriate action in the courts of the state. Rules relating to personnel matters shall be made available to the public and affected persons at no more than cost but need not be published in the Florida Administrative Code or the Florida Administrative Register.
History.—s. 4, ch. 29790, 1955; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 3, ch. 84-341; s. 82, ch. 98-200; s. 34, ch. 2013-14.
Note.—Former s. 378.151.
373.046 Interagency agreements.—
(1) The department may enter into interagency agreements with or among any other state agencies conducting programs or exercising powers related to or affecting the water resources of the state. Such agreements may establish principal-agency or contract relationships; provide for cross-deputization of enforcement personnel; provide for consolidation of facilities, equipment, or personnel; or provide such other relationships as may be deemed beneficial to the public interest. Such interagency agreements shall be promulgated in the same manner as rules and regulations, subject to chapter 120. All state agencies conducting programs or exercising powers relating to or affecting the water resources of the state are hereby authorized to delegate such authority to the department or any of the several water management districts pursuant to such interagency agreements.
(2) The St. Johns River Water Management District and the Southwest Florida Water Management District shall enter into an interagency agreement allowing the Southwest Florida Water Management District to process all permit applications for activities within Polk County requiring a permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District.
(3) Each water management district is authorized to adopt rules or enter into interagency agreements with the Department of Environmental Protection providing that the water management districts shall have an opportunity to review and comment upon matters within the jurisdiction of each district that are addressed by reclamation activities subject to the provisions of ss. 378.201-378.212 or s. 378.601. Activities covered by such rules or interagency agreements shall not be subject to the permitting requirement of part IV of this chapter. However, to the extent that any dam, impoundment, dike, levee, work, or appurtenant work remains after completion of all reclamation activities, such facilities shall be subject to the requirements of part IV of this chapter pertaining to operation, maintenance, and abandonment. A water management district, upon entering into such interagency agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection, shall provide notice of such action by publication in a newspaper having general circulation in the affected area.
(4) The Legislature recognizes and affirms the division of responsibilities between the department and the water management districts as set forth in ss. III. and X. of each of the operating agreements codified as rules 17-101.040(12)(a)3., 4., and 5., Florida Administrative Code. Section IV.A.2.a. of each operating agreement regarding individual permit oversight is rescinded. The department is responsible for permitting those activities under part IV of this chapter which, because of their complexity and magnitude, need to be economically and efficiently evaluated at the state level, including, but not limited to, mining, hazardous waste management facilities, and solid waste management facilities that do not qualify for a general permit under chapter 403. With regard to postcertification information submittals for activities authorized under chapters 341 and 403 siting act certifications, the department, after consultation with the appropriate water management district and other agencies having applicable regulatory jurisdiction, shall determine the permittee’s compliance with conditions of certification which are based upon the nonprocedural requirements of part IV of this chapter. The water management districts and the department may modify the division of responsibilities referenced in this section and enter into further interagency agreements by rulemaking, including incorporation by reference, pursuant to chapter 120, to provide for greater efficiency and to avoid duplication in the administration of part IV of this chapter by designating activities that will be regulated by either the water management districts or the department. In developing such interagency agreements, the water management districts and the department shall consider the technical and fiscal ability of each water management district to implement all or some of the provisions of part IV of this chapter. This subsection does not rescind or restrict the authority of the districts to regulate silviculture and agriculture pursuant to part IV of this chapter or s. 403.927.
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 403.927, when any operating agreement is developed pursuant to subsection (4), the department shall have regulatory responsibility under part IV of this chapter for aquaculture activities that meet or exceed the thresholds for aquaculture general permits authorized pursuant to ss. 379.2523 and 403.814.
(6) When the geographic area of a project or local government crosses water management district boundaries, the affected districts may designate a single affected district by interagency agreement to implement in that area, under the rules of the designated district, all or part of the applicable regulatory responsibilities under this chapter. Interagency agreements entered into under this subsection which apply to the geographic area of a local government must have the concurrence of the affected local government. The application under this subsection, by rule, of any existing district rule that was adopted or formally noticed for adoption on or before May 11, 1995, is not subject to s. 70.001.
(7) If the geographic area of a resource management activity, study, or project crosses water management district boundaries, the affected districts may designate a single affected district to conduct all or part of the applicable resource management responsibilities under this chapter, with the exception of those regulatory responsibilities that are subject to subsection (6). If funding assistance is provided to a resource management activity, study, or project, the district providing the funding must ensure that some or all of the benefits accrue to the funding district. This subsection does not impair any interagency agreement in effect on July 1, 2013.
History.—s. 9, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 3, ch. 85-211; s. 41, ch. 89-279; s. 22, ch. 93-213; s. 253, ch. 94-356; s. 16, ch. 96-247; s. 7, ch. 97-160; s. 20, ch. 98-333; s. 17, ch. 2000-364; s. 200, ch. 2008-247; s. 69, ch. 2010-5; s. 83, ch. 2010-102; s. 2, ch. 2013-229.
373.0465 Central Florida Water Initiative.—
(1) The Legislature finds that:
(a) Historically, the Floridan Aquifer system has supplied the vast majority of the water used in the Central Florida Coordination Area.
(b) Because the boundaries of the St. Johns River Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District meet within the Central Florida Coordination Area, the three districts and the Department of Environmental Protection have worked cooperatively to determine that the Floridan Aquifer system is locally approaching the sustainable limits of use and are exploring the need to develop sources of water to meet the long-term water needs of the area.
(c) The Central Florida Water Initiative is a collaborative process involving the Department of Environmental Protection, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, regional public water supply utilities, and other stakeholders. As set forth in the Central Florida Water Initiative Guiding Document of January 30, 2015, the initiative has developed an initial framework for a unified process to address the current and long-term water supply needs of Central Florida without causing harm to the water resources and associated natural systems.
(d) Developing water sources as an alternative to continued reliance on the Floridan Aquifer will benefit existing and future water users and natural systems within and beyond the boundaries of the Central Florida Water Initiative.
(2)(a) As used in this section, the term “Central Florida Water Initiative Area” means all of Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Seminole Counties, and southern Lake County, as designated by the Central Florida Water Initiative Guiding Document of January 30, 2015.
(b) The department, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall:
1. Provide for a continuation of the collaborative process in the Central Florida Water Initiative Area among the state agencies, affected water management districts, regional public water supply utilities, and other stakeholders;
2. Build upon the guiding principles and goals set forth in the Central Florida Water Initiative Guiding Document of January 30, 2015, and the work that has already been accomplished by the Central Florida Water Initiative participants;
3. Develop and implement, as set forth in the Central Florida Water Initiative Guiding Document of January 30, 2015, a single multidistrict regional water supply plan, including any needed recovery or prevention strategies and a list of water supply development projects or water resource projects; and
4. Provide for a single hydrologic planning model to assess the availability of groundwater in the Central Florida Water Initiative Area.
(c) In developing the water supply planning program consistent with the goals set forth in this subsection, the department, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall:
1. Consider limitations on groundwater use together with opportunities for new, increased, or redistributed groundwater uses that are consistent with the conditions established under s. 373.223;
2. Establish a coordinated process for the identification of water resources requiring new or revised conditions. Any new or revised condition must be consistent with s. 373.223;
3. Consider existing recovery or prevention strategies;
4. Include a list of water supply options sufficient to meet the water needs of all existing and future reasonable-beneficial uses consistent with the conditions established under s. 373.223; and
5. Identify, as necessary, which of the water supply sources are preferred water supply sources pursuant to s. 373.2234.
(d) The department, in consultation with the St. Johns River Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, shall adopt uniform rules for application within the Central Florida Water Initiative Area that include:
1. A single, uniform definition of the term “harmful to the water resources” consistent with the term’s usage in s. 373.219;
2. A single method for calculating residential per capita water use;
3. A single process for permit reviews;
4. A single, consistent process, as appropriate, to set minimum flows and minimum water levels and water reservations;
5. A goal for residential per capita water use for each consumptive use permit;
6. An annual conservation goal for each consumptive use permit consistent with the regional water supply plan;
7. A drought allocation for supplemental irrigation for agricultural uses which is based on a 2-in-10-year rainfall condition or, if the applicant so requests, is based on a 5-in-10-year rainfall condition alone or combined with the 2-in-10-year 1rainfall condition. The applicable water management district may also condition, for information only purposes, consumptive use permits to advise permittees that their annual use of water should be less than the drought allocation in all years except for the drought condition that is the basis for the allocation or a more severe drought; and
8. A process for the applicable water management district to annually examine an agricultural user’s 5-year moving average supplemental irrigation water use against the annual supplemental irrigation needs in the 5-in-10-year rainfall condition beginning no earlier than 5 years following the effective date of the rules adopted under this section. If this annual examination indicates that the agricultural user’s 5-year moving average use exceeds that needed in such rainfall condition for reasons other than prolonged periods of below average rainfall, the water management district may modify the agricultural user’s permit to include an annual supplemental irrigation allocation based on both the amount of supplemental irrigation required during a 2-in-10-year rainfall condition and the amount of supplemental irrigation required during a 5-in-10-year rainfall condition as provided in rules adopted pursuant to this section. In such case, the supplemental irrigation allocation based on the 5-in-10-year rainfall condition shall be valid for only 5 years unless the agricultural user’s 5-year moving average use continues to exceed the amount of supplemental irrigation needed during a 5-in-10-year rainfall condition for reasons other than prolonged periods of drought.
Subparagraphs 7. and 8. may not be construed to limit the ability of the department or a water management district to establish different supplemental irrigation requirements as part of an existing or future recovery or prevention strategy adopted pursuant to s. 373.0363, s. 373.042, or s. 373.0421. The uniform rules must include existing recovery strategies within the Central Florida Water Initiative Area adopted before July 1, 2016. The department may grant variances to the uniform rules if there are unique circumstances or hydrogeological factors that make application of the uniform rules unrealistic or impractical.
(e) The department shall initiate rulemaking for the uniform rules by December 31, 2016. The department’s uniform rules shall be applied by the water management districts only within the Central Florida Water Initiative Area. Upon adoption of the rules, the water management districts shall implement the rules without further rulemaking pursuant to s. 120.54. The rules adopted by the department pursuant to this section are considered the rules of the water management districts.
(f) Water management district planning programs developed pursuant to this subsection shall be approved or adopted as required under this chapter. However, such planning programs may not serve to modify planning programs in areas of the affected districts that are not within the Central Florida Water Initiative Area, but may include interregional projects located outside the Central Florida Water Initiative Area which are consistent with planning and regulatory programs in the areas in which they are located.
History.—s. 7, ch. 2016-1; s. 3, ch. 2021-153.
373.0466 Central Florida Water Initiative Grant Program.—Subject to appropriation, a grant program for the Central Florida Water Initiative is established within the Department of Environmental Protection.
(1) The department, in cooperation with the relevant water management districts, shall provide grants for projects that benefit the Central Florida Water Initiative Area and that promote alternative water supplies and protect groundwater resources.
(2) In allocating such funds, priority must be given to projects that use reclaimed water, create new surface water storage, enhance natural systems, recharge groundwater, optimize beneficial uses of water, expand water conservation programs, or are able to demonstrate that a significant financial hardship exists as a result of complying with rules applicable to the Central Florida Water Initiative Area.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2021-153.
373.047 Cooperation between districts.—Any water management district is authorized to advise flood control districts or other water management districts of the state in processing matters with the federal government and to render such technical assistance as may be helpful to the efficient operation of such other districts.
History.—s. 1, ch. 61-245; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 2, ch. 86-22.
Note.—Former s. 378.52.
373.056 State agencies, counties, drainage districts, municipalities, or governmental agencies or public corporations authorized to convey or receive land from water management districts.—
(1)(a) When it is found to be in the public interest and for the public convenience and welfare, and for the public benefit, and necessary for carrying out the works or improvement of any water management district referred to in this chapter for the protection of property and the inhabitants in the district against the effects of water, either from its surplus or deficiency, and for assisting the district in acquiring land for the purposes of the district at least public expense, any state agency, any county, any drainage district, any municipality, or any governmental agency or public corporation in this state holding title to land is hereby authorized, in the discretion of the proper officer or officers, the county commissioners of any county, or the governing board of any agency referred to in this section, to convey the title to or to dedicate land, title to which is in such agency, including tax-reverted land, or to grant use rights therein to any water management district.
(b) The land to which this section applies shall be located within the boundaries of the water management district.
(2) Land granted or conveyed to the district or dedicated to the purposes thereof, or use rights in such land granted thereto, shall be for the public purposes of the district, and may be made subject to the condition that in the event such land is not so used, or if used and subsequently its use for such purpose is abandoned, that granted shall cease as to the district and shall automatically revert to the granting agency.
(3) Any county, municipality, drainage district, or other taxing agency holding title to land through tax reversion, foreclosure, or forfeiture, or through other procedure by which tax title vested in such agency, may, pending the determination of needs of such district, withhold from sale or other disposition from time to time such land as in the judgment of such agency may be needed or helpful in facilitating the purposes of this chapter. In the event more than one taxing agency holds tax title to the same land, resulting in multiple reversion, each of the agencies may grant to such district such right, title, or interest as it may have in such land.
(4) Any water management district within this chapter shall have authority to convey or lease to any governmental entity, other agency described herein or to the United States Government, including its agencies, land or rights in land owned by such district not required for its purposes under such terms and conditions as the governing board of such district may determine. In addition to other general law authorizing the grant of utility easements, any water management district may grant utility easements on land owned by such district to any private or public utility for the limited purpose of obtaining utility service to district property under such terms and conditions as the governing board of such district may determine.
(5) Any land granted or conveyed to such district, or dedicated to the purposes thereof, or the use right of which has been granted thereto shall not be subject to the district taxes or other taxes or special assessments so long as such title or such rights remain in such district.
(6) All rights-of-way of a water management district which are within the boundaries of a drainage district shall not be liable for maintenance taxes of the drainage district.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ch. 25213, 1949; s. 6, ch. 61-497; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 3, ch. 86-22; s. 10, ch. 2001-256.
Note.—Former s. 378.46.
373.069 Creation of water management districts.—
(1) At 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 1976, the state shall be divided into the following water management districts:
(a) Northwest Florida Water Management District.
(b) Suwannee River Water Management District.
(c) St. Johns River Water Management District.
(d) Southwest Florida Water Management District.
(e) South Florida Water Management District.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other special or general act to the contrary, the boundaries of the respective districts named in subsection (1) shall include the areas within the following boundaries:
(a) Northwest Florida Water Management District.—Begin at the point where the section line between Sections 26 and 27, Township 4 South, Range 3 East intersects the Gulf of Mexico; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 2, Township 1 South, Range 3 East; thence east along the Tallahassee Base Line to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 1 North, Range 4 East; thence north along the range line to the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 1 North, Range 5 East; thence east along the township line to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 2 North, Range 5 East; thence north along the range line to the northeast corner of Section 24, Township 2 North, Range 5 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of the east 1/2 of Section 13, Township 2 North, Range 5 East; thence north to the northwest corner of the east 1/2 of Section 13, Township 2 North, Range 5 East; thence east along the section line to the southeast corner of Section 12, Township 2 North, Range 5 East; thence north along the range line to the northeast corner of Section 24, Township 3 North, Range 5 East; thence west along the Watson Line to the southwest corner of Lot Number 168; thence north along the line between Lot Numbers 168 and 169, 154 and 155 to the Georgia line; thence westward along the Georgia-Florida line to the intersection of the south boundary of the State of Alabama; thence west along the Alabama-Florida line to the intersection of the northwest corner Alabama-Florida Boundary; thence south along the Alabama-Florida line to the Gulf of Mexico; thence east along the Gulf of Mexico, including the waters of said Gulf within the jurisdiction of the State of Florida, to the Point of Beginning.
(b) Suwannee River Water Management District.—Begin in the Gulf of Mexico on the section line between Sections 29 and 32, Township 15 South, Range 15 East; thence east along the section lines to the southwest corner of Section 27, Township 15 South, Range 17 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 15 South, Range 17 East; thence east along the section line to the easterly right-of-way line of State Road No. 337; thence northerly along said easterly right-of-way line of State Road No. 337 to the southerly right-of-way line of State Road No. 24; thence northeasterly along said southerly right-of-way line of State Road No. 24 to the Levy-Alachua county line; thence south along the Levy-Alachua county line, also being the range line between Range 17 and 18 East to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 11 South, Range 17 East; thence easterly along the Levy-Alachua county line, also being the township line between Townships 11 and 12 South, to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 11 South, Range 18 East; thence north along the range line to the northwest corner of Section 19, Township 9 South, Range 19 East; thence east along the section line to the southeast corner of Section 13, Township 9 South, Range 19 East; thence north along the range line to the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 9 South, Range 20 East; thence eastward along the township line to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 8 South, Range 20 East; thence north along the township line to the northwest corner of Section 18, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 15, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence south along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 23, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 26, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence south along the section line to the southwest corner of the north 1/2 of Section 25, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence east along a line to the northeast corner of the south half of Section 25, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence south along the range line to the southwest corner of Section 30, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 32, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence south along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 16, Township 9 South, Range 22 East; thence eastward along the section line to the southeast corner of the west 1/8 of Section 18, Township 9 South, Range 23 East; thence northward to the northeast corner of the west 1/8 of Section 18, Township 9 South, Range 23 East; thence west to the southwest corner of Section 7, Township 9 South, Range 23 East; thence northward along the Bradford-Clay County line to the northeast corner of Section 36, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of the east 1/2 of Section 25, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence north to the northeast corner of the west 1/2 of Section 24, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 13, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 25, Township 7 South, Range 22 East; thence east along the section line to the southeast corner of Section 24, Township 7 South, Range 22 East; thence north along the Bradford-Clay County line to the intersection of the south boundary of Baker County; thence west along the Baker-Bradford County line to the intersection of the east boundary of Union County; thence west along the Union-Baker County line to the southwest corner of Section 18, Township 4 South, Range 20 East; thence north along the range line to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 3 South, Range 19 East; thence west along the township line to the intersection of the east boundary of Columbia County; thence north along the Baker-Columbia County line to the intersection of the north boundary line of the State of Florida; thence westward along the Georgia-Florida line to the northwest corner of Lot Number 155; thence south along the line between Lot Number 154 and 155, 168 and 169 to the Watson Line; thence east along the Watson Line to the northeast corner of Section 24, Township 3 North, Range 5 East; thence south along the range line between Ranges 5 and 6 East to the southeast corner of Section 12, Township 2 North, Range 5 East; thence west along the section line to the northwest corner of the east 1/2 of Section 13, Township 2 North, Range 5 East; thence south to the southwest corner of the east 1/2 of Section 13, Township 2 North, Range 5 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 24, Township 2 North, Range 5 East; thence south along the range line between Ranges 5 and 6 East to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 2 North, Range 5 East; thence west along the township line between Townships 1 and 2 North to the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 1 North, Range 5 East; thence south along the range line between Ranges 4 and 5 East to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 1 North, Range 4 East; thence west along the Tallahassee Base Line to the northwest corner of Section 2, Township 1 South, Range 3 East; thence south along the section line to the Gulf of Mexico; thence along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, including the waters of said gulf within the jurisdiction of the State of Florida, to the point of the beginning.
(c) St. Johns River Water Management District.—Begin at the intersection of the south boundary of Indian River County with the Atlantic Ocean; thence west along the Indian River-St. Lucie County line to the intersection of the west boundary of St. Lucie County; thence south along the Okeechobee-St. Lucie County line to the southeast corner of Section 1, Township 34 South, Range 36 East; thence west along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 10, Township 34 South, Range 36 East; thence south along the section line to the southeast corner of Section 9, Township 34 South, Range 36 East; thence west along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 18, Township 34 South, Range 36 East; thence south along the range line between Ranges 35 and 36 East to the southeast corner of Section 12, Township 34 South, Range 35 East; thence west along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 13, Township 34 South, Range 35 East; thence south along the section line to the southeast corner of Section 35, Township 34 South, Range 35 East; thence west along the township line between Townships 34 and 35 south to the southwest corner of Section 35, Township 34 South, Range 34 East; thence north along the section line to the Okeechobee-Osceola County line; thence west along the Okeechobee-Osceola County line to the southwest corner of Section 34, Township 32 South, Range 33 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 31 South, Range 33 East; thence east along the township line between Townships 30 and 31 South to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 30 South, Range 33 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 33 and 34 East to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 30 South, Range 33 East; thence west along the township line between Townships 29 and 30 south to the southwest corner of Section 31, Township 29 South, Range 33 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 32 and 33 East to the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 28 South, Range 33 East; thence east along the township line between Townships 27 and 28 south to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 27 South, Range 32 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 32 and 33 East to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 26 South, Range 32 East; thence west along the township line between Townships 25 and 26 South to the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 25 South, Range 32 East; thence north along the section line to the Orange-Osceola County line; thence westerly along the Orange-Osceola County line to the Southwest corner of Section 31, Township 24 South, Range 32 East; thence north along the range line to the intersection with the northerly right-of-way line of State Road 528, also known as the Bee Line Expressway; thence westerly along the northerly right-of-way line of State Road 528 to the intersection with the northerly right-of-way line of State Road 528A; thence westerly along the northerly right-of-way line of State Road 528A to the westerly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway 441; thence northerly along the right-of-way line to the section line between sections 22 and 27 of Township 22 South, Range 29 East; thence west along the section lines to the Northeast corner of Section 25, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence south along the range line between Ranges 28 and 29 East to the Southeast corner of Section 36, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence west along the township line between Townships 22 and 23 South to the Northeast corner of Section 2, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence south to the Southeast corner of Section 11, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence west along the section lines to the Southwest corner of Section 7, Township 23 South, Range 27 East, also being the Lake-Orange County line; thence south along the range line between Ranges 26 and 27 East to the Lake-Polk County line; thence west along the county line to the southwest corner of Section 32, Township 24 South, Range 26 East; thence into Lake County, north along the section lines to the northeast corner of Section 30, Township 24 South, Range 26 East; thence west along the section lines to the northeast corner of Section 28, Township 24 South, Range 25 East; thence north along the section lines to the northeast corner of Section 16, Township 24 South, Range 25 East; thence west along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 16, Township 24 South, Range 25 East; thence north along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 8, Township 24 South, Range 25 East; thence west along the section lines to the range line between Ranges 24 and 25; thence north along the range line to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 23 South, Range 24 East, also being on the township line between Townships 22 and 23 South; thence west along the township line to the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 23 South, Range 24 East, also being on the Sumter-Lake County line; thence north along the Sumter-Lake County line, also being the range line between Ranges 23 and 24 East, to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 18 South, Range 23 East, and the Marion County line; thence west along the Sumter-Marion County line, also being the township line between Townships 17 and 18 South, to the westerly right-of-way line of Interstate Highway 75; thence northerly along the westerly right-of-way line of Interstate Highway 75 to the Alachua-Marion County line, said line also being the township line between Townships 11 and 12 South; thence west along the Alachua-Marion County line to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 12 South, Range 19 East, and the Levy County line; thence westerly along the Levy-Alachua County line, also being the township line between Townships 11 and 12 South, to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 11 South, Range 18 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 18 and 19 East to the northwest corner of Section 19, Township 9 South, Range 19 East; thence east along the section line to the southeast corner of Section 13, Township 9 South, Range 19 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 19 and 20 East to the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 9 South, Range 20 East; thence easterly along the township line between Townships 8 and 9 South to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 8 South, Range 20 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 20 and 21 East to the northwest corner of Section 18, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 15, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence south along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 23, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 26, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence south along the section line to the southwest corner of the north 1/2 of Section 25, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence east to the northeast corner of the south 1/2 of Section 25, Township 8 South, Range 21 East; thence south along the range line between Ranges 21 and 22 East to the southwest corner of Section 30, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 32, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence south along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 16, Township 9 South, Range 22 East; thence eastward along the section line to the southeast corner of the west 1/8 of Section 18, Township 9 South, Range 23 East; thence northward to the northeast corner of the west 1/8 of Section 18, Township 9 South, Range 23 East; thence west to the southwest corner of Section 7, Township 9 South, Range 23 East; thence northward along the Bradford-Clay County line to the northeast corner of Section 36, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of the east 1/2 of Section 25, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence north to the northeast corner of the west 1/2 of Section 24, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 13, Township 8 South, Range 22 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 25, Township 7 South, Range 22 East; thence east along the section line to the Bradford-Clay County line; thence north along the Bradford-Clay County line to the intersection of the south boundary of Baker County; thence west along the Baker-Bradford County line to the intersection of the east boundary of Union County; thence west along the Baker-Union County line to the southwest corner of Section 18, Township 4 South, Range 20 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 19 and 20 East to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 3 South, Range 19 East; thence west along the township line between Townships 2 and 3 South to the Baker-Columbia County line; thence north along the Baker-Columbia County line to the north boundary line of the State of Florida; thence easterly along the Florida-Georgia line to the Atlantic Ocean; thence southerly along the Atlantic Ocean, including the waters of said ocean within the jurisdiction of the State of Florida to the point of beginning.
(d) Southwest Florida Water Management District.—Begin at the intersection of the north boundary of Lee County with the Gulf of Mexico; thence eastward along the Lee-Charlotte County line to the Southeast corner of Section 33, Township 42 South, Range 24 East; thence North into Charlotte County, along the section lines to the Northeast corner of Section 4, Township 42 South, Range 24 East; thence East along the township line between Townships 41 and 42 South to the Southeast corner of Section 36, Township 41 South, Range 25 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 41 South, Range 26 East; thence east along the section line to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 40 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the range line between Ranges 26 and 27 to the Northeast corner of Section 1, Township 40 South, Range 26 East, and the Charlotte-Desoto County line; thence east along the Charlotte-Desoto County line to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 39 South, Range 27 East; thence north along the DeSoto-Highlands County line to the intersection of the South boundary of Hardee County; thence north along the Hardee-Highlands County line to the southwest corner of Township 35 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the north boundary of Township 36 South to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 36 South, Range 28 East; thence south along the range line to the southeast corner of Section 12, Township 37 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 15, Township 37 South, Range 29 East; thence south along the section line to the southeast corner of Section 34, Township 37 South, Range 29 East; thence east along the township line to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 38 South, Range 29 East; thence south along the range line to the southeast corner of Section 1, Township 39 South, Range 29 East; thence east along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 11, Township 39 South, Range 30 East; thence north along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 35, Township 38 South, Range 30 East; thence east along the township line to the southeast corner of the west 1/4 of Section 35, Township 38 South, Range 30 East; thence north along the 1/4-section line of Sections 35, 26, and 23, Township 38 South, Range 30 East to the northeast corner of the west 1/4 section of Section 23, Township 38 South, Range 30 East; thence west along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 23, Township 38 South, Range 30 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 2, Township 37 South, Range 30 East; thence west along the township line to the southwest corner of Section 34, Township 36 South, Range 30 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 36 South, Range 30 East; thence west along the township line to the southwest corner of Section 31, Township 35 South, Range 30 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 29 and 30 East, through Townships 35, 34, and 33 South, to the northeast corner of Township 33 South, Range 29 East, being on the Highlands-Polk County line; thence west along the Highlands-Polk County line to the southeast corner of Township 32 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 28 and 29 East, in Townships 32 and 31 South, to the northeast corner of Section 12 in Township 31 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 7, Township 31 South, Range 29 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 17, Township 30 South, Range 29 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of the west 1/2 of Section 17, Township 30 South, Range 29 East; thence north along the 1/2-section line to the northeast corner of the west 1/2 of Section 5, Township 30 South, Range 29 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 32, Township 29 South, Range 29 East; thence north along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 19 in Township 29 South, Range 29 East; thence west along the north boundaries of Section 19, Township 29 South, Range 29 East, and Sections 24, 23, 22, 21, and 20, Township 29 South, Range 28 East, to the northwest corner of said Section 20; thence north along the section line to the intersection of said section line with the west shore line of Lake Pierce in Township 29 South, Range 28 East; thence following the west shore of Lake Pierce to its intersection again with the west section line of Section 5, Township 29 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 5, Township 29 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the township line to the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of the southwest 1/4 of the southwest 1/4 of Section 28, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the 1/4-section line to the intersection of said 1/4-section line with Lake Pierce; thence follow the shore line northeasterly to its intersection with the 1/2-section line of Section 28, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence north on the 1/2-section line to the northwest corner of the southeast 1/4 of Section 28, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence east to the northeast corner of the southeast 1/4 of Section 28, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence south along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 29 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 3, Township 29 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 23, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 16, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 16, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 8, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 5, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence west along the township line to the intersection of said township line with Lake Marion; thence following the south shore line of Lake Marion to its intersection again with said township line; thence west along the township line to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 37 South, Range 27 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 27 and 28 East to the intersection of said range line with Lake Marion; thence following the west shore of Lake Marion to its intersection again with the range line between Ranges 27 and 28 East; thence north along said range line, in Townships 27 and 26 South, to the northeast corner of Township 26 South, Range 27 East, being on the Polk-Osceola County line; thence west along the Polk-Osceola County line to the northwest corner of Township 26 South, Range 27 East; thence north along the section line to the Lake-Polk County line; thence west along the county line to the southwest corner of Section 32, Township 24 South, Range 26 East; thence into Lake County, north along the section lines to the northeast corner of Section 30, Township 24 South, Range 26 East; thence west along the section lines to the northeast corner of Section 28, Township 24 South, Range 25 East; thence north along the section lines to the northeast corner of Section 16, Township 24 South, Range 25 East; thence west along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 16, Township 24 South, Range 25 East; thence north along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 8, Township 24 South, Range 25 East; thence west along the section lines to the range line between Ranges 24 and 25; thence north along the range line to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 23 South, Range 24 East, also being on the township line between Townships 22 and 23 South; thence west along the township line to the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 23 South, Range 24 East also being on the Sumter-Lake County line; thence north along the Sumter-Lake County line, also being the range line between Ranges 23 and 24, to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 18 South, Range 23 East and the Marion County line; thence west, along the Sumter-Marion County line, also being the township line between Townships 17 and 18 South, to the westerly right-of-way line of Interstate Highway 75; thence northerly along the westerly right-of-way line of Interstate Highway 75 to the Alachua-Marion County line, said line also being the township line between Townships 11 and 12 South; thence west along the Alachua-Marion County line to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 12 South, Range 19 East and the Levy County line; thence westerly along the Levy-Alachua County line, also being the township line between Townships 11 and 12 South, to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 11 South, Range 17 East; thence north along the Levy-Alachua County line, also being the range line between Ranges 17 and 18 East, to the southerly right-of-way line of State Road No. 24; thence southwesterly along said southerly right-of-way line to the easterly right-of-way line of State Road No. 337; thence southerly, along said easterly right-of-way line of State Road No. 337, to the south line of Section 35, Township 14 South, Range 17 East; thence west along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 15 South, Range 17 East; thence south along the section lines to the southwest corner of Section 27, Township 15 South, Range 17 East; thence west to the Gulf of Mexico; thence south along the Gulf of Mexico, including the waters of said gulf within the jurisdiction of the State of Florida, to the point of beginning.
(e) South Florida Water Management District.—Begin at the intersection of the north boundary of Lee County with the Gulf of Mexico; thence easterly along the Lee-Charlotte County line to the southwest corner of Section 34, Township 42 South, Range 24 East; thence northerly along the section lines to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 42 South, Range 24 East; thence easterly along the Township line between Townships 41 and 42 South to the southwest corner of Section 31, Township 41 South, Range 26 East; thence northerly along the Range line between Ranges 25 and 26 East to the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 41 South, Range 26 East; thence easterly along the Township line between Townships 40 and 41 South to the southwest corner of Section 31, Township 40 South, Range 27 East; thence northerly along the Range line between Ranges 26 and 27 East to the Charlotte-DeSoto County line; thence easterly along the Charlotte-Desoto County line to the west line of Highlands County; thence northerly along the Highlands-Desoto County line and along the Highlands-Hardee County line to the northwest corner of Township 36 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the north boundary of Township 36 South to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 36 South, Range 28 East; thence south along the range line to the southeast corner of Section 12, Township 37 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 15, Township 37 South, Range 29 East; thence south along the section line to the southeast corner of Section 34, Township 37 South, Range 29 East; thence east along the township line to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 38 South, Range 29 East; thence south along the range line to the southeast corner of Section 1, Township 39 South, Range 29 East; thence east along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 11, Township 39 South, Range 30 East; thence north along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 35, Township 38 South, Range 30 East; thence east along the township line to the southeast corner of the west 1/4 of Section 35, Township 38 South, Range 30 East; thence north along the 1/4-section line of Sections 35, 26, and 23, Township 38 South, Range 30 East to the northeast corner of the west 1/4 section of Section 23, Township 38 South, Range 30 East; thence west along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 23, Township 38 South, Range 30 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 2, Township 37 South, Range 30 East; thence west along the township line to the southwest corner of Section 34, Township 36 South, Range 30 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 36 South, Range 30 East; thence west along the township line to the southwest corner of Section 31, Township 35 South, Range 30 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 29 and 30 East, through Townships 35, 34, and 33 South, to the northwest corner of Township 33 South, Range 30 East, being on the Highlands-Polk County line; thence west along the Highlands-Polk County line to the southwest corner of Township 32 South, Range 29 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 28 and 29 East, in Townships 32 and 31 South, to the northwest corner of Section 7 in Township 31 South, Range 29 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 7, Township 31 South, Range 29 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 17, Township 30 South, Range 29 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of the west 1/2 of Section 17, Township 30 South, Range 29 East; thence north along the 1/2-section line to the northeast corner of the west 1/2 of Section 5, Township 30 South, Range 29 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 32, Township 29 South, Range 29 East; thence north along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 19 in Township 29 South, Range 29 East; thence west along the south boundaries of Section 18, Township 29 South, Range 29 East and Sections 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 in Township 29 South, Range 28 East, to the southwest corner of said Section 17; thence north along the section line to the intersection of said section line with the west shore line of Lake Pierce in Township 29 South, Range 28 East; thence following the west shore of Lake Pierce to its intersection again with the west section line of Section 5, Township 29 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 5, Township 29 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the township line to the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of the southwest 1/4 of the southwest 1/4 of Section 28, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the 1/4-section line to the intersection of said 1/4-section line with Lake Pierce; thence follow the shore line northeasterly to its intersection with the 1/2-section line of Section 28, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence north on the 1/2-section line to the northwest corner of the southeast 1/4 of Section 28, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the 1/2-section line to the northeast corner of the southeast 1/4 of Section 28, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence south along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 29 South, Range 28 East; thence east along the section line to the northeast corner of Section 3, Township 29 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 23, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 16, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 16, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of Section 8, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of Section 5, Township 28 South, Range 28 East; thence west along the township line to the intersection of said township line with Lake Marion; thence following the south shore line of Lake Marion to its intersection again with said township line; thence west along the township line to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 27 South, Range 27 East; thence north along the range line between Ranges 27 and 28 East to the intersection of said range line with Lake Marion; thence following the west shore of Lake Marion to its intersection again with the range line between Ranges 27 and 28 East; thence north along said range line, in Townships 27 and 26 South, to the northwest corner of Township 26 South, Range 28 East, being on the Polk-Osceola County line; thence west along the Polk-Osceola County line to the southwest corner of Township 25 South, Range 27 East; thence northerly along the range line between Ranges 26 and 27 East to the northwest corner of Section 18, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence easterly along the section lines to the southwest corner of Section 12, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence northerly along the section lines to the northwest corner of Section 1, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence easterly along the Township line between Townships 22 and 23 South to the southwest corner of Section 31, Township 22 South, Range 29 East; thence northerly along the Range line between Ranges 28 and 29 East to the northwest corner of Section 30, Township 22 South, Range 29 East; thence easterly along the section lines to the westerly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway 441; thence southerly along the westerly right-of-way line to the intersection with the northerly right-of-way line of State Road 528A; thence easterly along the northerly right-of-way line to the intersection with the northerly right-of-way line of State Road 528, also known as the Bee Line Expressway; thence easterly along the northerly right-of-way line of State Road 528 to the intersection with the range line between Township 23 South, Range 31 East and Township 23 South, Range 32 East; thence southerly along the Range line between Ranges 31 and 32 East to the Orange-Osceola County line; thence easterly along said county line between Townships 24 and 25 South to the northeast corner of Section 5, Township 25 South, Range 32 East; thence southerly along the section lines to the southeast corner of Section 32, Township 25 South, Range 32 East; thence easterly along the Township line between Townships 25 and 26 South to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 26 South, Range 32 East; thence southerly along the Range line between Ranges 32 and 33 East to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 27 South, Range 32 East; thence westerly along the township line between Townships 27 and 28 South, to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 28 South, Range 32 East; thence southerly along the Range line between Ranges 32 and 33 East to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 29 South, Range 32 East; thence easterly along the Township line between Townships 29 and 30 South to the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 30 South, Range 33 East; thence southerly along the Range line between Ranges 33 and 34 East to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 30 South, Range 33 East; thence westerly along the Township line between Townships 30 and 31 South to the northeast corner of Section 4, Township 31 South, Range 33 East; thence southerly along the section lines to the Osceola-Okeechobee County line; thence easterly along said county line to the northeast corner of Section 3, Township 33 South, Range 34 East; thence southerly along the section lines to the southeast corner of Section 34, Township 34 South, Range 34 East; thence easterly along the Township line between Townships 34 and 35 South to the southwest corner of Section 36, Township 34 South, Range 35 East; thence northerly along the section lines to the northwest corner of Section 13, Township 34 South, Range 35 East; thence easterly along the section line to the Range line between Ranges 35 and 36 East; thence northerly along said Range line to the northwest corner of Section 18, Township 34 South, Range 36 East; thence easterly along the section lines to the southwest corner of Section 10, Township 34 south, Range 36 East; thence northerly along the section line to the northwest corner of said Section 10; thence easterly along the section lines to the Okeechobee-St. Lucie County line; thence northerly along said county line to the south line of Indian River County; thence easterly along the St. Lucie-Indian River County line to the Atlantic Ocean; thence southerly along the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico; thence northerly along the Gulf of Mexico, including the waters of said Ocean and of said Gulf and the islands therein within the jurisdiction of the State of Florida, to the point of beginning.
History.—s. 12, part 1, ch. 72-299; s. 6, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 75-125; s. 1, ch. 76-243; s. 113, ch. 77-104; s. 1, ch. 78-65; s. 12, ch. 2003-265; s. 3, ch. 2009-243.
373.0691 Transfer of areas.—
(1) At the time of change of boundaries of the respective districts under s. 373.069(3), 1976 Supplement to Florida Statutes 1975, all contractual obligations with respect to an area being transferred to another district shall be assumed by the district receiving such area; all real property interests owned by a district within an area to be transferred shall be conveyed to the district receiving such area; and all equipment, vehicles, other personal property, and records owned, located, and used by a district solely within an area being transferred shall be delivered to the district receiving such area. However, if an area is transferred from a district with a contractual obligation to the United States of America for the operation and maintenance of works within such area, then the deliveries and conveyances required in this section shall be deferred until the United States has approved the assumption of the contractual obligations by the receiving district.
(2) Effective at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2003, that portion of Polk County formerly within the St. Johns River Water Management District as set forth in s. 373.069 is transferred to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. With respect to the area transferred and at the time of change of boundaries, all contractual obligations of the St. Johns River Water Management District, all real property interests owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District, all regulatory responsibilities of the St. Johns River Water Management District, all equipment and other personal property used solely by the St. Johns River Water Management District in that area, and all records of the St. Johns River Water Management District shall be transferred and delivered to the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
(3) The change of boundaries shall not affect the continuing authority, obligations, and commitments of the water management districts, except as set forth in this section.
History.—s. 2, ch. 76-243; s. 165, ch. 99-13; s. 15, ch. 2003-265.
373.0693 Basins; basin boards.—
(1)(a) Any areas within a district may be designated by the district governing board as subdistricts or basins. The designations of such basins shall be made by the district governing board by resolutions thereof. The governing board of the district may change the boundaries of such basins, or create new basins, by resolution.
(b) No subdistrict or basin in the St. Johns River Water Management District other than established by this act shall become effective until approved by the Legislature.
(2) Each basin shall be under the control of a basin board which shall be composed of not less than three members, but shall include one representative from each of the counties included in the basin.
(3) Each member of the various basin boards shall serve for a period of 3 years or until a successor is appointed, but not more than 180 days after the end of the term, except that the board membership of each new basin shall be divided into three groups as equally as possible, with members in such groups to be appointed for 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Each basin board shall choose a vice chair and a secretary to serve for a period of 1 year. The term of office of a basin board member shall be construed to commence on March 2 preceding the date of appointment and to terminate March 1 of the year of the end of a term or may continue until a successor is appointed, but not more than 180 days after the end of the expired term.
(4) Members of basin boards shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate at the next regular session of the Legislature; and the refusal or failure of the Senate to confirm an appointment shall create a vacancy in the office to which the appointment was made.
(5) Basin board members shall receive no compensation for services as such; but, while officially on work for the district, they shall receive their actual travel expenses between their respective places of residence and the place where official district business is conducted, subsistence, lodging, and other expenses in the amount actually incurred. These expenses may not exceed the statutory amount allowed state officers and employees. This subsection applies retroactively to the effective date of the creation of each of the five separate water management districts.
(6)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other general or special law to the contrary, a member of the governing board of the district residing in the basin or, if no member resides in the basin, a member of the governing board designated by the chair of the governing board shall be the chair of the basin board. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the basin board, except that the vice chair may preside in his or her absence. The chair shall be the liaison officer of the district in all affairs in the basin and shall be kept informed of all such affairs.
(b) Basin boards within the Southwest Florida Water Management District shall meet regularly as determined by a majority vote of the basin board members. Subject to notice requirements of chapter 120, special meetings, both emergency and nonemergency, may be called either by the chair or the elected vice chair of the basin board or upon request of two basin board members. The district staff shall include on the agenda of any basin board meeting any item for discussion or action requested by a member of that basin board. The district staff shall notify any basin board, as well as their respective counties, of any vacancies occurring in the district governing board or their respective basin boards.
(7) At 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 1976, the Manasota Watershed Basin of the Ridge and Lower Gulf Coast Water Management District, which is annexed to the Southwest Florida Water Management District by change of its boundaries pursuant to chapter 76-243, Laws of Florida, shall be formed into a subdistrict or basin of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, subject to the same provisions as the other basins in such district. Such subdistrict shall be designated initially as the Manasota Basin. The members of the governing board of the Manasota Watershed Basin of the Ridge and Lower Gulf Coast Water Management District shall become members of the governing board of the Manasota Basin of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Notwithstanding other provisions in this section, beginning on July 1, 2001, the membership of the Manasota Basin Board shall be comprised of two members from Manatee County and two members from Sarasota County. Matters relating to tie votes shall be resolved pursuant to subsection (6) by the chair designated by the governing board to vote in case of a tie vote.
(8)(a) At 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 1988, the area transferred from the Southwest Florida Water Management District to the St. Johns River Water Management District by change of boundaries pursuant to chapter 76-243, Laws of Florida, shall cease to be a subdistrict or basin of the St. Johns River Water Management District known as the Oklawaha River Basin and said Oklawaha River Basin shall cease to exist. However, any recognition of an Oklawaha River Basin or an Oklawaha River Hydrologic Basin for regulatory purposes shall be unaffected. The area formerly known as the Oklawaha River Basin shall continue to be part of the St. Johns River Water Management District.
(b) Also, the entire area of the St. Johns River Water Management District, less those areas formerly in the Oklawaha Basin, shall cease to be a subdistrict or basin of the St. Johns River Water Management District known as the Greater St. Johns River Basin and said Greater St. Johns River Basin shall cease to exist. The area formerly known as the Greater St. Johns River Basin shall continue to be part of the St. Johns River Water Management District.
(c) As of 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 1988, assets and liabilities of the former Oklawaha River and Greater St. Johns River Basins shall be assets and liabilities of the St. Johns River Water Management District. Any contracts, plans, orders, or agreements of such basins shall continue to be in effect, but may be modified or repealed by the St. Johns River Water Management District in accordance with law. For all purposes for assessing and levying the millage rate authorized under s. 373.503, subsequent to December 31, 1987, including the purposes of certifying the millage rate for fiscal year 1988-1989, pursuant to chapter 200, said millage rate shall be levied retroactive to January 1, 1988.
(9) At 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 1976, a portion of the Big Cypress Basin of the Ridge and Lower Gulf Coast District which is being annexed into the South Florida Water Management District by change of boundaries pursuant to chapter 76-243, Laws of Florida, shall be formed into a subdistrict or basin of the South Florida Water Management District. Such portion shall be designated as the Big Cypress Basin. On or before December 31, 1976, the Governor shall appoint not fewer than five persons residing in the area to serve as members of the governing board of the basin, effective at the time of transfer and subject to confirmation by the Senate as provided in subsection (4).
(a) The initial boundaries of the Big Cypress Basin shall be established by resolution of the governing board of Central and Southern Florida Flood Control District, after notice and hearing, and generally shall encompass the Big Cypress Swamp and southwestern coastal area hydrologic cataloging unit, as indicated on River Basin and Hydrologic Unit Map of Florida—1975, Florida Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Geology Map Series No. 72.
(b) If the governing board shall fail to establish the initial boundaries on or before December 31, 1976, the initial boundaries shall be the same boundaries as described for the Big Cypress Basin of the Ridge and Lower Gulf Coast District.
(c) The governing board of the South Florida Water Management District subsequently may change the boundaries of the basin, but may not abolish the basin.
(10) At 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 1976, the entire area of the South Florida Water Management District, including all areas being annexed into the district pursuant to chapter 76-243, Laws of Florida, but less those areas in the Big Cypress Basin, shall be formed into a subdistrict or basin of the South Florida Water Management District. Such area shall be designated as the Okeechobee Basin.
(a) The governing board of the South Florida Water Management District shall also serve as the governing board of the Okeechobee Basin.
(b) The governing board of the South Florida Water Management District may change the boundaries of the Okeechobee Basin or may subdivide the basin into smaller basins to be governed by basin boards to be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate as provided in subsection (4). However, the basin may not be enlarged to include the area included within the initial boundaries of the Big Cypress Basin.
(c) The local effort required in connection with construction, operation, and maintenance of the cooperative federal project referred to as the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project, which remains after the upper St. Johns portion is transferred to the St. Johns River Water Management District, shall be funded by tax levies on all taxable property within the Okeechobee Basin. In the event the Okeechobee Basin is subdivided into smaller basins, as authorized in paragraph (b), the governing board shall ascertain the equitable pro rata share for each smaller basin and charge back such share so as to ensure that the portion of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project remaining in the South Florida Water Management District shall continue to be funded on an equal basis throughout the entire Okeechobee Basin as initially described on December 31, 1976.
History.—s. 6, ch. 73-190; s. 3, ch. 76-243; s. 1, ch. 77-382; s. 1, ch. 79-50; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 1, ch. 82-64; s. 4, ch. 84-341; s. 1, ch. 85-146; ss. 6, 25, 26, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 595, ch. 95-148; s. 20, ch. 97-100; s. 8, ch. 97-160; s. 7, ch. 2001-256; s. 7, ch. 2001-258; s. 1, ch. 2003-265; s. 4, ch. 2009-243.
373.0695 Duties of basin boards; authorized expenditures.—
(1) The various boards shall be responsible for discharging the following described functions in their respective basins:
(a) The preparation of engineering plans for development of the water resources of the basin and the conduct of public hearings on such plans.
(b) The development and preparation of overall basin plan of secondary water control facilities for the guidance of subdrainage districts and private land owners in the development of their respective systems of water control which will be connected to the primary works of the basin to complement the engineering plan of primary works for the basin.
(c) The preparation of the annual budget for the basin and the submission of such budget to the governing board of the district for inclusion in the district budget.
(d) The consideration and prior approval of final construction plans of the district for works to be constructed in the basin.
(e) The administration of the affairs of the basin.
(f) Planning for and, upon request by a county, municipality, private utility, or regional water supply authority, providing water supply and transmission facilities for the purpose of assisting such counties, municipalities, private utilities, or regional water supply authorities within or serving the basin.
(2) Basin board moneys shall be utilized for:
(a) Engineering studies of works of the basin.
(b) Payment for the preparation of final plans and specifications for construction of basin works executed by the district.
(c) Payment of costs of construction of works of the basin executed by the district.
(d) Payment for maintenance and operation of basin works as carried out by the district.
(e) Administrative and regulatory activities of the basin.
(f) Payment for real property interests for works of the basin.
(g) Payment of costs of road, bridge, railroad, and utilities modifications and changes resulting from basin works.
(3) The works of the basin shall be those adopted by the respective basin boards. Such works may be adopted jointly with other basins and may be within or without the area of the basin.
(4) In the exercise of the duties and powers granted herein, the basin boards shall be subject to all the limitations and restrictions imposed on the water management districts in s. 373.703.
History.—s. 6, ch. 73-190; s. 3, ch. 74-114; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 9, ch. 95-323; s. 14, ch. 2010-205.
373.0697 Basin taxes.—The respective basins may, pursuant to s. 9(b), Art. VII of the State Constitution, by resolution request the governing board of the district to levy ad valorem taxes within such basin. Upon receipt of such request, a basin tax levy shall be made by the governing board of the district to finance basin functions enumerated in s. 373.0695, notwithstanding the provisions of any other general or special law to the contrary, and subject to the provisions of s. 373.503(3).
(1) The amount of money to be raised by said tax levy shall be determined by the adoption of an annual budget by the district board of governors, and the average millage for the basin shall be that amount required to raise the amount called for by the annual budget when applied to the total assessment of the basin as determined for county taxing purposes. However, no such tax shall be levied within the basin unless and until the annual budget and required tax levy shall have been approved by formal action of the basin board, and no county in the district shall be taxed under this provision at a rate to exceed 1 mill.
(2) The taxes provided for in this section shall be extended by the county property appraiser on the county tax roll in each county within, or partly within, the basin and shall be collected by the tax collector in the same manner and time as county taxes, and the proceeds therefrom paid to the district for basin purposes. Said taxes shall be a lien, until paid, on the property against which assessed and enforceable in like manner as county taxes. The property appraisers, tax collectors, and clerks of the circuit court of the respective counties shall be entitled to compensation for services performed in connection with such taxes at the same rates as apply to county taxes.
(3) It is hereby determined that the taxes authorized by this subsection are in proportion to the benefits to be derived by the several parcels of real estate within the basin from the works authorized herein.
History.—s. 6, ch. 73-190; s. 2, ch. 75-125; s. 5, ch. 76-243.
373.0698 Creation and operation of basin boards; other laws superseded.—The provisions of ss. 373.0693-373.0697 shall govern the creation and operation of basin boards within any water management district, the provisions of any other general or special law to the contrary notwithstanding.
History.—s. 5, ch. 84-341.
373.073 Governing board.—
(1)(a) The governing board of each water management district shall be composed of 9 members who shall reside within the district, except that the Southwest Florida Water Management District shall be composed of 13 members who shall reside within the district. Members of the governing boards shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate at the next regular session of the Legislature, and the refusal or failure of the Senate to confirm an appointment creates a vacancy in the office to which the appointment was made. The term of office for a governing board member is 4 years and commences on March 2 of the year in which the appointment is made and terminates on March 1 of the fourth calendar year of the term or may continue until a successor is appointed, but not more than 180 days. Terms of office of governing board members shall be staggered to help maintain consistency and continuity in the exercise of governing board duties and to minimize disruption in district operations.
(b) Commencing January 1, 2011, the Governor shall appoint the following number of governing board members in each year of the Governor’s 4-year term of office:
1. In the first year of the Governor’s term of office, the Governor shall appoint four members to the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and appoint three members to the governing board of each other district.
2. In the second year of the Governor’s term of office, the Governor shall appoint three members to the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and two members to the governing board of each other district.
3. In the third year of the Governor’s term of office, the Governor shall appoint three members to the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and two members to the governing board of each other district.
4. In the fourth year of the Governor’s term of office, the Governor shall appoint three members to the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and two members to the governing board of each other district.
For any governing board vacancy that occurs before the date scheduled for the office to be filled under this paragraph, the Governor shall appoint a person meeting residency requirements of subsection (2) for a term that will expire on the date scheduled for the term of that office to terminate under this subsection. In addition to the residency requirements for the governing boards as provided by subsection (2), the Governor shall consider appointing governing board members to represent an equitable cross-section of regional interests and technical expertise.
(2) Membership on governing boards shall be selected from candidates who have significant experience in one or more of the following areas, including, but not limited to: agriculture, the development industry, local government, government-owned or privately owned water utilities, law, civil engineering, environmental science, hydrology, accounting, or financial businesses. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other general or special law to the contrary, vacancies in the governing boards of the water management districts shall be filled according to the following residency requirements, representing areas designated by the United States Water Resources Council in United States Geological Survey, River Basin and Hydrological Unit Map of Florida—1975, Map Series No. 72:
(a) Northwest Florida Water Management District:
1. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Perdido River Basin-Perdido Bay Coastal Area-Lower Conecuh River-Escambia River Basin” hydrologic units and that portion of the “Escambia Bay Coastal Area” hydrologic unit which lies west of Pensacola Bay and Escambia Bay.
2. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Blackwater River Basin-Yellow River Basin-Choctawhatchee Bay Coastal Area” hydrologic units and that portion of the “Escambia Bay Coastal Area” hydrologic unit which lies east of Pensacola Bay and Escambia Bay.
3. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Choctawhatchee River Basin-St. Andrews Bay Coastal Area” hydrologic units.
4. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Lower Chattahoochee-Apalachicola River-Chipola River Basin-Coastal Area between Ochlockonee River Apalachicola Rivers-Apalachicola Bay coastal area and offshore islands” hydrologic units.
5. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Ochlockonee River Basin-St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers and coastal area between Aucilla and Ochlockonee River Basin” hydrologic units.
6. Four members shall be appointed at large, except that no county shall have more than two members on the governing board.
(b) Suwannee River Water Management District:
1. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Aucilla River Basin” hydrologic unit.
2. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Coastal Area between Suwannee and Aucilla Rivers” hydrologic unit.
3. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Withlacoochee River Basin-Alapaha River Basin-Suwannee River Basin above the Withlacoochee River” hydrologic units.
4. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Suwannee River Basin below the Withlacoochee River excluding the Santa Fe River Basin” hydrologic unit.
5. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Santa Fe Basin-Waccasassa River and coastal area between Withlacoochee and Suwannee River” hydrologic units.
6. Four members shall be appointed at large, except that no county shall have more than two members on the governing board.
(c) St. Johns River Water Management District:
1. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “St. Marys River Basin-Coastal area between St. Marys and St. Johns Rivers” hydrologic units.
2. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “St. Johns River Basin below Oklawaha River-Coastal area between the St. Johns River and Ponce de Leon Inlet” hydrologic units.
3. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Oklawaha River Basin” hydrologic unit.
4. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “St. Johns River Basin above the Oklawaha River” hydrologic unit.
5. One member shall reside in the area generally designated as the “Coastal area between Ponce de Leon Inlet and Sebastian Inlet-Coastal area Sebastian Inlet to St. Lucie River” hydrologic units.
6. Four members shall be appointed at large, except that no county shall have more than two members on the governing board.
(d) South Florida Water Management District:
1. Two members shall reside in Miami-Dade County.
2. One member shall reside in Broward County.
3. One member shall reside in Palm Beach County.
4. One member shall reside in Collier County, Lee County, Hendry County, or Charlotte County.
5. One member shall reside in Glades County, Okeechobee County, Highlands County, Polk County, Orange County, or Osceola County.
6. Two members, appointed at large, shall reside in an area consisting of St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties.
7. One member, appointed at large, shall reside in an area consisting of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, Osceola, Okeechobee, Polk, Highlands, and Orange Counties.
8. No county shall have more than three members on the governing board.
(e) Southwest Florida Water Management District:
1. Two members shall reside in Hillsborough County.
2. One member shall reside in the area consisting of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
3. Two members shall reside in Pinellas County.
4. One member shall reside in Manatee County.
5. Two members shall reside in Polk County.
6. One member shall reside in Pasco County.
7. One member shall be appointed at large from Levy, Citrus, Sumter, and Lake Counties.
8. One member shall be appointed at large from Hardee, DeSoto, and Highlands Counties.
9. One member shall be appointed at large from Marion and Hernando Counties.
10. One member shall be appointed at large from Sarasota and Charlotte Counties.
History.—s. 13, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 11, ch. 75-22; s. 6, ch. 76-243; s. 1, ch. 77-72; s. 3, ch. 80-259; s. 226, ch. 81-259; s. 1, ch. 82-46; ss. 1, 7, 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 1, ch. 91-18; s. 9, ch. 97-160; s. 2, ch. 2005-215; s. 1, ch. 2007-120; s. 80, ch. 2008-4; s. 5, ch. 2009-243.
373.076 Vacancies in the governing board; removal from office.—
(1) Vacancies occurring in the governing board of a district prior to the expiration of the affected term shall be filled for the unexpired term.
(2) The Governor shall have authority to remove from office any officer of said district in the manner and for cause defined by the laws of this state applicable to situations which may arise in said district.
History.—s. 14, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217.
373.079 Members of governing board; oath of office; staff.—
(1) Each member of the governing board of the district, before entering upon his or her official duties, shall take and subscribe to an oath, before some officer authorized by law to administer oaths, that the member will honestly, faithfully, and impartially perform the duties devolving upon him or her in office as member of the governing board of the district to which the member was appointed and that he or she will not neglect any of the duties imposed upon him or her by this chapter.
(2) Immediately after their appointment, and every 2 years thereafter, the governing board shall meet at some convenient place and choose some suitable person, who may or may not be a member of the governing board, and who may be required to execute bond for the faithful performance of his or her duties as the governing board may determine, as secretary. Such board shall adopt a seal with a suitable device and shall keep a well-bound book entitled, in effect, “Record of Governing Board of District,” in which shall be recorded minutes of all meetings, resolutions, proceedings, certificates, bonds given by all employees, and any and all corporate acts, which book shall at reasonable times be open to the inspection of any citizen of this state or taxpayer in the district or his or her agent or attorney.
(3) The chair and members of the board shall receive no compensation for services as such; but, while officially on work for the district, they shall receive their actual travel expenses between their respective places of residence and the place where official district business is conducted, subsistence, lodging, and other expenses in the actual amount incurred therefor. These expenses may not exceed the statutory amount allowed state officers and employees. Payment or reimbursement to governing board members for the use of private or charter aircraft may be no greater than that allowed for commercial air travel for equivalent distances. This subsection applies retroactively to the effective date of the creation of each of the five separate water management districts.
(4) The governing board of the district shall employ:
(a) An executive director, ombudsman, and such engineers, other professional persons, and other personnel and assistants as it deems necessary and under such terms and conditions as it may determine and to terminate such employment. The appointment of an executive director by the governing board is subject to approval by the Governor and must be initially confirmed by the Senate. The governing board may delegate all or part of its authority under this paragraph to the executive director. However, the governing board shall delegate to the executive director all of its authority to take final action on permit applications under part IV or petitions for variances or waivers of permitting requirements under part IV. The executive director may execute such delegated authority through designated staff members. Such delegations shall not be subject to the rulemaking requirements of chapter 120. The governing board must provide a process for referring a denial of such application or petition to the governing board for the purpose of taking final action. The executive director must be confirmed by the Senate upon employment and must be confirmed or reconfirmed by the Senate during the second regular session of the Legislature following a gubernatorial election.
(b) An inspector general, who shall report directly to the board. However, the governing boards of the Suwannee River Water Management District and the Northwest Florida Water Management District may jointly employ an inspector general, or provide for inspector general services by interagency agreement with a state agency or water management district inspector general. An inspector general must have the same qualifications and perform the applicable duties of state agency inspectors general as provided in s. 20.055.
(5) The executive director may employ a legal staff for the purposes of:
(a) Providing legal counsel to the executive director and district staff on matters relating to the day-to-day operations of the district;
(b) Representing the district in all proceedings of an administrative or judicial nature; and
(c) Otherwise assisting in the administration of the provisions of this chapter.
Attorneys employed by the governing board must represent the legal interest or position of the governing board.
(6) By resolution the governing board may determine the location of its principal office and provide for the change thereof.
(7) The governing board shall meet at least once a month and upon call of the chair. The governing board, a basin board, a committee, or an advisory board may conduct meetings by means of communications media technology in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to s. 120.54.
History.—s. 15, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 1, ch. 82-46; ss. 6, 12, ch. 84-341; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 23, ch. 93-213; s. 8, ch. 94-235; s. 254, ch. 94-356; s. 1006, ch. 95-148; s. 10, ch. 97-160; s. 21, ch. 2001-256; s. 13, ch. 2003-265; s. 6, ch. 2009-243; s. 51, ch. 2010-205; s. 7, ch. 2012-6.
373.083 General powers and duties of the governing board.—In addition to other powers and duties allowed it by law, the governing board is authorized to:
(1) Contract with public agencies, private corporations, or other persons; sue and be sued; and appoint and remove agents and employees, including specialists and consultants.
(2) Issue orders to implement or enforce any of the provisions of this chapter or regulations thereunder.
(3) Make surveys and investigations of the water supply and resources of the district and cooperate with other governmental agencies in similar activities.
(4) Solicit and accept donations or grants of funds or services from both public and private sources for the planning and implementation of district undertakings and delegations, including, but not limited to, projects, programs, works, and studies.
(5) Execute any of the powers, duties, and functions vested in the governing board through a member, the executive director, or other district staff as designated by the governing board. The governing board may establish the scope and terms of any delegation, and no delegation shall be subject to the rulemaking requirements of chapter 120. However, if the governing board delegates to the executive director its authority to take final action on permit applications under part II or petitions for variances or waivers of permitting requirements under part II, the executive director may execute such delegated authority through designated staff. However, the governing board must provide a process for referring a denial of such application or petition to the governing board for the purpose of taking final action. The authority to delegate under this subsection is supplemental to any other provision of this chapter granting authority to the governing board to delegate specific powers, duties, or functions.
History.—s. 16, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 1, ch. 97-70; s. 1, ch. 2000-133; s. 2, ch. 2001-256; s. 7, ch. 2009-243; s. 52, ch. 2010-205.
373.084 District works, operation by other governmental agencies.—The district may permit governing bodies of water conservation districts, drainage and other improvement districts, and federal, state and local governments, authorities or agencies to operate and maintain the works of the district under conditions which the governing board may deem advisable.
History.—s. 4, ch. 29790, 1955; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217.
Note.—Former s. 378.161.
373.085 Use of works or land by other districts or private persons.—
(1)(a) In order to promote water quantity and water resource development, projects that improve flood control, and conservation of lands, the district and other governmental agencies shall encourage public-private partnerships by collaborating, when possible, with those partnerships when procuring materials for infrastructure and restoration work projects, consistent with district and state procurement procedures.
(b) The governing board has authority to prescribe the manner in which local works provided by other districts or by private persons will connect with and make use of the works or land of the district, to issue permits therefor, and to cancel the permits for noncompliance with the conditions thereof or for other cause. It is unlawful to connect with or make use of the works or land of the district without consent in writing from its governing board, and the board has authority to prevent or, if done, estop or terminate the same. The use of the works or land of the district for access is governed by this section and is not subject to the provisions of s. 704.01. However, any land or works of the district which have historically been used for public access to the ocean by means of the North New River Canal and its tributaries may not be closed for this purpose unless the district can demonstrate that significant harm to the resource would result from such public use.
(2) Damage resulting from unlawful use of such works, or from violations of the conditions of permit issued by the board shall, if made by other than a public agency, be subject to such penalty as is or may be prescribed by law and in addition thereto by a date and in a manner prescribed by the board, repair of said damage to the satisfaction of said board, or deposit with said board a sum sufficient therefor, and if by a public agency, then at the expense of such agency the repair of said damage to the satisfaction of the board or the deposit with said board of a sum sufficient therefor.
History.—s. 17, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 7, ch. 84-341; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 53, ch. 2010-205.
Note.—Former s. 378.17.
373.086 Providing for district works.—
(1) In order to carry out the works for the district, and for effectuating the purposes of this chapter, the governing board is authorized to clean out, straighten, enlarge, or change the course of any waterway, natural or artificial, within or without the district; to provide such canals, levees, dikes, dams, sluiceways, reservoirs, holding basins, floodways, pumping stations, bridges, highways, and other works and facilities which the board may deem necessary; to establish, maintain, and regulate water levels in all canals, lakes, rivers, channels, reservoirs, streams, or other bodies of water owned or maintained by the district; to cross any highway or railway with works of the district and to hold, control, and acquire by donation, lease, or purchase, or to condemn any land, public or private, needed for rights-of-way or other purposes, and may remove any building or other obstruction necessary for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the works; and to hold and have full control over the works and rights-of-way of the district.
(2) The works of the district shall be those adopted by the governing board of the district. The district may require or take over for operation and maintenance such works of other districts as the governing board may deem advisable under agreement with such districts.
(3)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 120, the temporary construction, operation, or maintenance of water supply backpumping facilities to be used for storage of surplus water shall not require a permit under this chapter, chapter 253, or chapter 403 from the Department of Environmental Protection if the governing board issues an order declaring a water emergency which order is approved by the Secretary of Environmental Protection. Such approval may be given by telephone and confirmed by appropriate order at a later date. The temporary construction, operation, or maintenance of the facilities shall cease when the governing board or the secretary issues an order declaring that the emergency no longer exists. If the district intends to operate any such facilities permanently under nonemergency conditions, it shall apply for the appropriate required permits from the Department of Environmental Protection within 30 days of rescinding the emergency order.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 120, emergency orders issued pursuant to this subsection shall be valid for a period of 90 days and may be renewed for a single 90-day period.
History.—s. 16, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 2, ch. 29790, 1955; s. 1, ch. 61-147; s. 3, ch. 61-497; s. 2, ch. 63-224; s. 1, ch. 67-206; s. 1, part VI, ch. 72-299; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 4, ch. 82-101; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 255, ch. 94-356.
Note.—Former s. 378.16.
373.087 District works using aquifer for storage and supply.—The governing board may establish works of the district for the purpose of introducing water into, or drawing water from, the underlying aquifer for storage or supply. However, only water of a compatible quality shall be introduced directly into such aquifer.
History.—s. 1, ch. 72-318; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217.
373.088 Application fees for certain real estate transactions.—The governing board may adopt rules to provide for the assessment and collection of reasonable fees for the processing of applications for sale, easement, lease, exchange, release, nonuse commitment, disclaimer, quitclaim deed, or reissuance or correction of deed with respect to any interest in lands, such fees to be commensurate with the actual cost of processing such applications.
History.—s. 3, ch. 82-101; s. 34, ch. 83-218; s. 2, ch. 89-279; s. 11, ch. 90-217.
373.089 Sale or exchange of lands, or interests or rights in lands.—The governing board of the district may sell lands, or interests or rights in lands, to which the district has acquired title or to which it may hereafter acquire title in the following manner:
(1)(a) Any lands, or interests or rights in lands, determined by the governing board to be surplus may be sold by the district, at any time, for the highest price obtainable; however, the selling price may not be less than the appraised value of the lands, or interests or rights in lands, as determined by a certified appraisal obtained within 360 days before the effective date of a contract for sale.
(b) A written valuation of land determined to be surplus pursuant to this section; related documents used to form, or which pertain to, the valuation; and written offers to purchase such surplus land are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This exemption expires 2 weeks before the contract or agreement regarding the purchase, exchange, or disposal of the surplus land is first considered for approval by the district.
(c) Before expiration of the exemption established in paragraph (b), and in order to facilitate successful or expedited closure of the sale of surplus land, the district may disclose confidential and exempt valuations and valuation information which are related to surplus land, or written offers to purchase such surplus land, to potential purchasers:
1. During negotiations for the sale or exchange of the land;
2. During the marketing effort or bidding process associated with the sale, disposal, or exchange of the land;
3. When the passage of time has made the conclusions of value invalid; or
4. When negotiations or marketing efforts concerning the land are concluded.
(d) Paragraphs (b) and (c) are subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2023, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.
(2) All sales of land, or interests or rights in land, shall be for cash or upon terms and security to be approved by the governing board, but a deed therefor shall not be executed and delivered until full payment is made.
(3) Before selling any surplus land, or interests or rights in land, the district shall publish a notice of intention to sell on its website and in a newspaper published in the county in which the land, or interests or rights in the land, is situated once each week for 3 successive weeks, three insertions being sufficient. The first publication of the required notice must occur at least 30 days, but not more than 360 days, before any sale is approved by the district and must include a description of lands, or interests or rights in lands, to be offered for sale.
(4) The governing board of a district may exchange lands, or interests or rights in lands, owned by, or lands, or interests or rights in lands, for which title is otherwise vested in, the district for other lands, or interests or rights in lands, within the state owned by any person. The governing board shall fix the terms and conditions of any such exchange and may pay or receive any sum of money that the board considers necessary to equalize the values of exchanged properties. Land, or interests or rights in land, acquired under former s. 373.59, Florida Statutes 2014, may be exchanged only for lands, or interests or rights in lands, that otherwise meet the requirements of that section for acquisition.
(5) In any county having a population of 75,000 or fewer, or a county having a population of 100,000 or fewer that is contiguous to a county having a population of 75,000 or fewer, in which more than 50 percent of the lands within the county boundary are federal lands and lands titled in the name of the state, a state agency, a water management district, or a local government, those lands titled in the name of a water management district which are not essential or necessary to meet conservation purposes may, upon request of a public or private entity, be made available for purchase through the surplusing process in this section. Priority consideration must be given to buyers, public or private, who are willing to return the property to productive use so long as the property can be reentered onto the county ad valorem tax roll. Property acquired with matching funds from a local government shall not be made available for purchase without the consent of the local government.
(6) Any lands the title to which is vested in the governing board of a water management district may be surplused pursuant to the procedures set forth in this section and s. 373.056 and the following:
(a) For those lands designated as acquired for conservation purposes, the governing board shall make a determination that the lands are no longer needed for conservation purposes and may dispose of them by a two-thirds vote.
(b) For all other lands, the governing board shall make a determination that such lands are no longer needed and may dispose of them by majority vote.
(c) For the purposes of this subsection, all lands for which title has vested in the governing board prior to July 1, 1999, shall be deemed to have been acquired for conservation purposes.
(d) For any lands acquired on or after July 1, 1999, for which title is vested in the governing board, the governing board shall determine which parcels shall be designated as having been acquired for conservation purposes.
(7) Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, the governing board shall first offer title to lands acquired in whole or in part with Florida Forever funds which are determined to be no longer needed for conservation purposes to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund unless the disposition of those lands is for the following purposes:
(a) Linear facilities, including electric transmission and distribution facilities, telecommunication transmission and distribution facilities, pipeline transmission and distribution facilities, public transportation corridors, and related appurtenances.
(b) The disposition of the fee interest in the land where a conservation easement is retained by the district to fulfill the conservation objectives for which the land was acquired.
(c) An exchange of the land for other lands that meet or exceed the conservation objectives for which the original land was acquired in accordance with subsection (4).
(d) To be used by a governmental entity for a public purpose.
(e) The portion of an overall purchase deemed surplus at the time of the acquisition.
(8)(a) If a parcel of land is no longer essential or necessary for conservation purposes and is valued at $25,000 or less as determined by a certified appraisal obtained within 360 days before the effective date of a contract for the sale, as specified in subsection (1), the governing board may determine that the parcel of land is surplus and may offer to sell it to the adjacent property owners. If the governing board elects to offer for sale the parcel to adjacent property owners pursuant to this subsection, the governing board must publish the notice of intention to sell as required under subsection (3), one time only and the governing board must send the notice of intention to sell the parcel to adjacent property owners by certified mail and publish the notice on its website. For the purpose of this subsection, the term “adjacent property owners” means those owners whose property abuts the parcel.
(b) Fourteen days after publication of such notice, the district may sell the parcel to an adjacent property owner or, if there are two or more owners of adjacent property, accept sealed bids and sell the parcel to the highest bidder or reject all offers.
(c) If the parcel is not sold to an adjacent property owner pursuant to paragraph (b), the district may sell the parcel at any time to the general public for the highest price obtainable.
If the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund declines to accept title to the lands offered under this section, the land may be disposed of by the district under the provisions of this section.
History.—s. 4, ch. 29790, 1955; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 9, ch. 82-101; s. 2, ch. 85-347; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 2, ch. 91-288; s. 4, ch. 94-212; s. 5, ch. 94-240; s. 32, ch. 99-247; s. 10, ch. 2003-394; s. 15, ch. 2008-229; s. 35, ch. 2015-229; s. 26, ch. 2016-233; s. 1, ch. 2018-155; s. 1, ch. 2018-156.
Note.—Former s. 378.48.
373.093 Lease of lands or interest in land and personal property.—The governing board of the district may lease any lands or interest in land, including but not limited to oil and mineral rights, to which the district has acquired title, or to which it may hereafter acquire title in the following manner, as long as the lease is consistent with the purposes for which the lands or any interest in land was acquired:
(1) For the best price and terms obtainable, to be determined by the board.
(2) Before leasing any land, or interest in land including but not limited to oil and mineral rights, the district shall cause a notice of intention to lease to be published in a newspaper published in the county in which said land is situated and such other places as the board may determine once each week for 3 successive weeks (three insertions being sufficient), the first publication of which shall be not less than 30 nor more than 90 days prior to the date the board executes the lease, which said notice shall set forth the time and place of leasing and a description of the lands to be leased.
(3) It shall not be necessary to publish the notice as provided by subsection (2) where the lease is made to a person in connection with land acquisition by the district and the lease results in a diminution of the cost to the district in the acquisition of the land.
(4) The governing board of the district may lease existing communications towers and other similar structures which the district owns or which it may hereafter acquire, for the best price and terms obtainable, to be determined by the board.
History.—s. 4, ch. 29790, 1955; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 11, ch. 92-288; ss. 3, 12, ch. 2001-256.
Note.—Former s. 378.49.
373.096 Releases.—The governing board of the district may release any easement, reservation or right-of-way interests, conveyed to it for which it has no present or apparent future use under terms and conditions determined by the board.
History.—s. 4, ch. 29790, 1955; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 11, ch. 2001-256.
Note.—Former s. 378.50.
373.099 Execution of instruments.—Any instruments of sale, lease, release, or conveyance executed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be executed in the name of the district by its governing board acting by the chair or vice chair of said board and shall have the corporate seal of the board affixed thereto attested by its secretary and any such instrument shall be effective to pass the title or interest of the district in the property conveyed; provided, the district shall not warrant the title to any property sold, leased, released, or conveyed.
History.—s. 4, ch. 29790, 1955; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 596, ch. 95-148.
Note.—Former s. 378.51.
373.103 Powers which may be vested in the governing board at the department’s discretion.—In addition to the other powers and duties allowed it by law, the governing board of a water management district may be specifically authorized by the department to:
(1) Administer and enforce all provisions of this chapter, including the permit systems established in parts II, III, and IV of this chapter, consistent with the water resource implementation rule.
(2) Cooperate with the United States in the manner provided by Congress for flood control, reclamation, conservation, and allied purposes in protecting the inhabitants, the land, and other property within the district from the effects of a surplus or a deficiency of water when the same may be beneficial to the public health, welfare, safety, and utility.
(3) Plan, construct, operate, and maintain works of the district as defined in this chapter.
(4) Determine, establish, and control the level of waters to be maintained in all canals, lakes, rivers, channels, reservoirs, streams, or other bodies of water controlled by the district; to maintain such waters at the levels so determined and established by means of dams, locks, floodgates, dikes, and other structures; and to regulate the discharge into, or withdrawal from, the canals, lakes, rivers, channels, reservoirs, streams, or other bodies of water controlled by the district or which are a work of the district, including review of small watershed projects (Pub. L. No. 83-566).
(5) Expend, at the discretion of the governing board, for purposes of promotion, advertisement, and improvement of the program and objectives of the district, a yearly sum not to exceed 0.25 percent of the moneys collected by taxation within the district.
(6) Exercise such additional power and authority compatible with this chapter and other statutes and federal laws affecting the district as may be necessary to perform such duties and acts and to decide such matters and dispose of the same as are not specifically defined in or covered by statute.
(7) Prepare, in cooperation with the department, that part of the Florida water plan applicable to the district.
(8) Delegate to a local government by rule or agreement the power and duty to administer and enforce any of the statutes, rules, or regulations relating to stormwater permitting or surface water management which the district is authorized or required to administer, including those delegated by a state agency to the district, if the governing board determines that such a delegation is necessary or desirable. Such a delegation shall be made only if the governing board determines that the local government’s program for administering the delegated statute, rule, or regulation:
(a) Provides by ordinance, regulation, or local law for requirements compatible with or stricter or more extensive than those imposed by the statute or the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto;
(b) Provides for the enforcement of such requirements by appropriate administrative and judicial processes; and
(c) Provides for administrative organization, staff, and financial and other resources necessary to effectively and efficiently enforce such requirements.
The governing board shall give prior notice of its intention to enter into an agreement described in this subsection. At a minimum, such notice shall be published in the Florida Administrative Register at least 21 days in advance of the governing board’s action. At least once every 6 months, the district shall update its rules to include a list of the agreements adopted pursuant to this subsection to which the district is a party. The list shall identify the parties to, and the date and location of, each agreement, and shall specify the nature of the authority delegated by the agreement.
History.—s. 17, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 7, ch. 73-190; s. 2, ch. 80-259; s. 1, ch. 82-46; ss. 3, 25, ch. 88-242; ss. 1, 2, 9, ch. 89-279; ss. 11, 12, ch. 90-217; s. 1, ch. 91-231; s. 3, ch. 91-288; s. 20, ch. 97-160; s. 35, ch. 2013-14.
373.106 Permit required for construction involving underground formation.—
(1) No construction may be begun on a project involving artificial recharge or the intentional introduction of water into any underground formation except as permitted in chapter 377, without the written permission of the governing board of any water management district within which the construction will take place. Such application shall contain the detailed plans and specifications for the construction of the project.
(2) Each water management district has the exclusive authority to process and issue permits under this section and permits and licenses delegated under s. 403.812, except permits required by the department pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s. 300h until delegated by the department to the districts.
(3) A water management district may do any act necessary to replenish the groundwater of the district. The district may, among other things, for the purposes of replenishing the groundwater supplies within the district:
(a) Buy water;
(b) Exchange water;
(c) Distribute water to persons in exchange for ceasing or reducing groundwater extractions;
(d) Spread, sink, and inject water into the underground;
(e) Store, transport, recapture, reclaim, purify, treat, or otherwise manage and control water for the beneficial use of persons or property within the district; and
(f) Build the necessary works to achieve groundwater replenishment.
History.—s. 18, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 71, ch. 83-310; s. 2, ch. 84-338; s. 1, ch. 84-341.
373.107 Citation of rule.—In addition to any other provisions within this part or any rules promulgated hereunder, the permitting agency shall, when requesting information for a permit application pursuant to this part or such rules promulgated hereunder, cite a specific rule. If a request for information cannot be accompanied by a rule citation, failure to provide such information cannot be grounds to deny a permit.
History.—s. 3, ch. 79-161.
373.109 Permit application fees.—When a water management district governing board, the department, or a local government implements a regulatory system under this chapter or one which has been delegated pursuant to chapter 403, it may establish a schedule of fees for filing applications for the required permits. Such fees shall not exceed the cost to the district, the department, or the local government for processing, monitoring, and inspecting for compliance with the permit.
(1)(a) The department shall initiate rulemaking no later than December 1, 2008, to increase each application fee authorized under part IV of this chapter and adopted by rule to ensure that such fees reflect, at a minimum, any upward adjustment in the Consumer Price Index compiled by the United States Department of Labor, or similar inflation indicator, since the original fee was established or most recently revised. The department shall establish by rule the inflation index to be used for this purpose.
(b) The department shall charge a fee of at least $250 for a noticed general permit or individual permit as established in department rules.
(c) Notwithstanding s. 120.60(2), the fee for verification that an activity is exempt from regulation under s. 403.813 or part IV of this chapter shall be at least $100 or as otherwise established by department rule, but not to exceed $500.
(d) The department shall charge a fee of at least $100 and not to exceed $500 for conducting informal wetland boundary determinations as a public service to applicants or potential applicants for permits under part IV of this chapter. An informal wetland boundary determination is not an application for a permit, is not subject to the permit review timeframes established in this chapter or chapter 120, and does not constitute final agency action.
(2) The department shall review the fees authorized under part IV of this chapter at least once every 5 years and shall adjust the fees upward, as necessary, to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index or similar inflation indicator. In the event of deflation, the department shall consult with the Executive Office of the Governor and the Legislature to determine whether downward fee adjustments are appropriate based on the current budget and appropriation considerations.
(3) All moneys received under the provisions of this section shall be allocated for the use of the water management district, the department, or the local government, whichever processed the permit, and shall be in addition to moneys otherwise appropriated in any general appropriations act. All moneys received by the department under the provisions of this section shall be deposited in the Florida Permit Fee Trust Fund established by s. 403.0871 and shall be used by the department as provided therein. Moneys received by a water management district or the department under the provisions of this section shall be in addition to moneys otherwise appropriated in any general appropriations act.
(4) The failure of any person to pay the fees established hereunder constitutes grounds for revocation or denial of the permit.
(5) Effective July 1, 2008, the minimum fee amounts shall be the minimum fees prescribed in this section, and such fee amounts shall remain in effect until the effective date of fees adopted by rule by the department.
History.—s. 19, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 7, ch. 76-243; s. 8, ch. 84-341; s. 27, ch. 87-225; s. 10, ch. 89-279; s. 25, ch. 93-213; s. 18, ch. 2008-150.
373.113 Adoption of rules by the governing board.—In administering the provisions of this chapter the governing board has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement provisions of law conferring powers or duties upon it.
History.—s. 20, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 83, ch. 98-200.
373.1131 Consolidated action on permits.—
(1) Whenever the implementation of specific authority granted by this chapter, or whenever delegation of another program requiring permits or other authorizations, would result in the department or a water management district processing two or more separate permits or other authorizations for the same activity or project, the department or governing board may procedurally consolidate such separate permits or other authorizations by establishing a single application, permit application fee, noticing procedure, schedule for agency review, and final agency action on the consolidated permit or other authorization.
(2) Procedures to consolidate permitting actions under this section do not constitute rules within the meaning of s. 120.52.
(3) Whenever two or more permits or other authorizations for aquaculture activities have been consolidated into a single process, responsibility for permitting or authorizing such activities shall not be delegated to any unit of local government pursuant to s. 373.103.
History.—s. 17, ch. 96-247.
373.1135 Small business program.—Each water management district, as created in this chapter, may implement a small business program designed to help small businesses, including those owned by women and minorities, to participate in district procurement and contract activities. The purpose of the program is to spur economic development and support small businesses, including women-owned and minority-owned businesses, to successfully expand in the marketplace. Program specifics shall be provided by rule pursuant to s. 373.113.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2005-215.
373.114 Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission; review of district rules and orders; department review of district rules.—
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission, have the exclusive authority to review any order or rule of a water management district, other than a rule relating to an internal procedure of the district or a final order resulting from an evidentiary hearing held under s. 120.569 or s. 120.57 or a rule that has been adopted after issuance of a final order resulting from an evidentiary hearing held under s. 120.56, to ensure consistency with the provisions and purposes of this chapter. Subsequent to the legislative ratification of the delineation methodology pursuant to s. 373.421(1), this subsection also shall apply to an order of the department, or a local government exercising delegated authority, pursuant to ss. 373.403-373.443, except an order pertaining to activities or operations subject to conceptual plan approval pursuant to chapter 378 or a final order resulting from an evidentiary hearing held under s. 120.569 or s. 120.57.
(a) Such review may be initiated by the department or by a party to the proceeding below by filing a request for review with the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission and serving a copy on the department and on any person named in the rule or order within 20 days after adoption of the rule or the rendering of the order. For the purposes of this section, the term “party” means any affected person who submitted oral or written testimony, sworn or unsworn, of a substantive nature which stated with particularity objections to or support for the rule or order that are cognizable within the scope of the provisions and purposes of this chapter. In order for the commission to accept a request for review initiated by a party below, with regard to a specific order, three members of the commission must determine on the basis of the record below that the activity authorized by the order would substantially affect natural resources of statewide or regional significance. Review of an order may also be accepted if three members of the commission determine that the order raises issues of policy, statutory interpretation, or rule interpretation that have regional or statewide significance from the standpoint of agency precedent. The party requesting the commission to review an order must allege with particularity, and the commission must find, that:
1. The order is in conflict with statutory requirements; or
2. The order is in conflict with the requirements of a duly adopted rule.
(b) Review by the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission is appellate in nature and shall be based solely on the record below unless the commission determines that a remand for a formal evidentiary proceeding is necessary to develop additional findings of fact. If there is no evidentiary administrative proceeding resulting from a remand or referral for findings of fact by the commission, then the facts contained in the proposed agency action or proposed water management district action, including any technical staff report, shall be deemed undisputed. The matter shall be heard by the commission not more than 60 days after receipt of the request for review, unless waived by the parties; provided, however, such time limit shall be tolled by a referral or remand pursuant to this paragraph. The commission may refer a request for review to the Division of Administrative Hearings for the production of findings of fact, limited to those needed to render the decision requested, to supplement the record, if a majority of the commission determines that supplementary findings of fact are essential to determine the consistency of a rule or order with the provisions and purposes of this chapter. Alternatively, the commission may remand the matter to the agency below for additional findings of fact, limited to those needed to render the decision requested, to supplement the record, if a majority of the commission determines that supplementary findings of fact are essential to determine the consistency of a rule or order with the provisions and purposes of this chapter. Such proceedings must be conducted and the findings transmitted to the commission within 90 days of the remand or referral.
(c) If the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission determines that a rule of a water management district is not consistent with the provisions and purposes of this chapter, it may require the water management district to initiate rulemaking proceedings to amend or repeal the rule. If the commission determines that an order is not consistent with the provisions and purposes of this chapter, the commission may rescind or modify the order or remand the proceeding for further action consistent with the order of the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission only if the commission determines that the activity authorized by the order would substantially affect natural resources of statewide or regional significance. In the case of an order which does not itself substantially affect natural resources of statewide or regional significance, but which raises issues of policy that have regional or statewide significance from the standpoint of agency precedent, the commission may direct the district to initiate rulemaking to amend its rules to assure that future actions are consistent with the provisions and purposes of this chapter without modifying the order.
(d) In a review under this section of a construction permit issued pursuant to a conceptual permit under part IV, which conceptual permit is issued after July 1, 1993, a party to the review may not raise an issue which was or could have been raised in a review of the conceptual permit under this section.
(e) A request for review under this section shall not be a precondition to the seeking of judicial review pursuant to s. 120.68 or the seeking of an administrative determination of rule validity pursuant to s. 120.56.
(f) The Florida Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission may adopt rules to set forth its procedures for reviewing an order or rule of a water management district consistent with the provisions of this section.
(g) For the purpose of this section, it shall be presumed that activity authorized by an order will not affect resources of statewide or regional significance if the proposed activity:
1. Occupies an area less than 10 acres in size, and
2. Does not create impervious surfaces greater than 2 acres in size, and
3. Is not located within 550 feet of the shoreline of a named body of water designated as Outstanding Florida Waters, and
4. Does not adversely affect threatened or endangered species.
This paragraph shall not operate to hold that any activity that exceeds these limits is presumed to affect resources of statewide or regional significance. The determination of whether an activity will substantially affect resources of statewide or regional significance shall be made on a case-by-case basis, based upon facts contained in the record below.
(2) The department shall have the exclusive authority to review rules of the water management districts, other than rules relating to internal management of the districts, to ensure consistency with the water resource implementation rule as set forth in the rules of the department. Within 30 days after adoption or revision of any water management district rule, the department shall initiate a review of such rule pursuant to this section.
(a) Within 30 days after adoption of a rule, any affected person may request that a hearing be held before the secretary of the department, at which hearing evidence and argument may be presented relating to the consistency of the rule with the water resource implementation rule, by filing a request for hearing with the department and serving a copy on the water management district.
(b) If the department determines that the rule is inconsistent with the water resource implementation rule, it may order the water management district to initiate rulemaking proceedings to amend or repeal the rule.
(c) An order of the department requiring amendment or repeal of a rule may be appealed to the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission by the water management district or any other party to the proceeding before the secretary.
History.—s. 11, ch. 75-22; s. 72, ch. 83-310; s. 26, ch. 93-213; s. 21, ch. 97-160; s. 7, ch. 98-146; s. 8, ch. 2002-261.
373.116 Procedure for water use and impoundment construction permit applications.—
(1) Applications for water use permits, under part II of this chapter; for permits for construction or alteration of dams, impoundments, reservoirs, and appurtenant works, under part IV of this chapter; and for permits under s. 403.812 shall be filed with the water management district on appropriate forms provided by the governing board.
(2) Upon receipt of an application for a permit of the type referred to in subsection (1), the governing board shall cause a notice thereof to be published in a newspaper having general circulation within the affected area. In addition, the governing board shall send, by regular or electronic mail, a copy of such notice to any person who has filed a written request for notification of any pending applications affecting this particular designated area. At the option of the applicable county or city government, notice of application for the consumptive use of water shall be mailed by regular or electronic mail to the county and appropriate city government from which boundaries the withdrawal is proposed to be made.
(3) All permits issued under this section shall include the following language:
This permit does not convey to the permittee any property rights or privileges other than those specified herein, nor relieve the permittee from complying with any applicable local government, state, or federal law, rule, or ordinance.
History.—s. 21, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 73, ch. 83-310; s. 3, ch. 96-339; s. 1, ch. 2003-124; s. 3, ch. 2004-381.
373.117 Certification by professional engineer.—
(1) If an application for a permit or license to conduct an activity regulated under this chapter requires the services of a professional engineer as regulated and defined by chapter 471, the department or governing board of a water management district may require, as a condition of granting a permit or license, that a professional engineer licensed under chapter 471 certify upon completion of the permitted or licensed activity that such activity has been completed in substantial conformance with the plans and specifications approved by the department or board.
(2) The cost of such certification by a professional engineer shall be borne by the permittee.
(3) No permitted or licensed activity which is required to be so certified shall be placed into use or operation until the professional engineer’s certificate is filed with the department or board.
History.—s. 4, ch. 79-160.
373.1175 Signing and sealing by professional geologists.—
(1) If an application for a permit or license, or the performance of an activity regulated under this chapter, requires the services of a professional geologist as provided for in chapter 492, the department or governing board of a water management district may require that a professional geologist licensed under chapter 492 sign and seal any documents and reports submitted in connection with the permit application or regulated activity.
(2) The cost of such signing and sealing by a professional geologist shall be borne by the permit applicant or permittee.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent or prohibit the practice by professional engineers pursuant to chapter 471.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2005-160.
373.118 General permits; delegation.—
(1) The governing board may adopt rules establishing a general permit system under this chapter for projects, or categories of projects, which have, either singly or cumulatively, a minimal adverse impact on the water resources of the district. Such rules shall specify design or performance criteria which, if applied, would result in compliance with the conditions for issuance of permits established in this chapter and district rules.
(2) A general permit system relating to water use may provide for the granting of permits for the use of water in specified amounts within identified areas of the district. General permits for water use shall be subject to all the provisions of part II except the provisions of s. 373.229.
(3) In lieu of the publication of notice requirements of ss. 373.116, 373.229, and 373.413, the governing board may establish alternative notice requirements for general permits, which requirements take into account the nature and scope of the projects permitted and the effect the proposed activity may have on other persons.
(4) The department shall adopt by rule one or more general permits for local governments to construct, operate, and maintain public mooring fields, public boat ramps, including associated courtesy docks, and associated parking facilities located in uplands. Such general permits adopted by rule shall include provisions to ensure compliance with part IV of this chapter, subsection (1), and the criteria necessary to include the general permits in a state programmatic general permit issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers under s. 404 of the Clean Water Act, Pub. L. No. 92-500, as amended, 33 U.S.C. ss. 1251 et seq. A facility authorized under such general permits is exempt from review as a development of regional impact if the facility complies with the comprehensive plan of the applicable local government. Such facilities shall be consistent with the local government manatee protection plan required pursuant to chapter 379. Mooring fields authorized under such general permits may not exceed 100 vessels. All facilities permitted under this section shall be constructed, maintained, and operated in perpetuity for the exclusive use of the general public. The department is authorized to have delegation of authority from the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to issue leases for mooring fields that meet the requirements of such general permits. The department shall initiate the rulemaking process within 60 days after the effective date of this act.
(5) To improve efficiency, the governing board may delegate its powers and duties pertaining to general permits to the executive director. The executive director may execute such delegated authority through designated staff. However, when delegating the authority to take final action on permit applications under part II or petitions for variances or waivers of permitting requirements under part II, the governing board must provide a process for referring a denial of such application or petition to the governing board for the purpose of taking final action. Such delegations are not subject to the rulemaking requirements of chapter 120.
(6) By July 1, 2012, the department shall initiate rulemaking to adopt a general permit for stormwater management systems serving airside activities at airports. The general permit applies statewide and shall be administered by any water management district or any delegated local government pursuant to the operating agreements applicable to part IV, with no additional rulemaking required. Such rules are not subject to any special rulemaking requirements related to small business.
History.—s. 1, ch. 83-169; s. 1, ch. 2000-319; s. 6, ch. 2005-158; s. 35, ch. 2009-21; s. 8, ch. 2009-243; s. 54, ch. 2010-205; s. 73, ch. 2012-174; s. 8, ch. 2013-92.
373.119 Administrative enforcement procedures; orders.—
(1) Whenever the executive director of a water management district has reason to believe that a violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulation promulgated thereunder or permits or order issued pursuant thereto has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur, the executive director may cause a written complaint to be served upon the alleged violator or violators. The complaint shall specify the provision or provisions of this chapter or regulation or permit or order alleged to be violated or about to be violated and the facts alleged to constitute a violation thereof, and may order that necessary corrective action be taken within a reasonable time to be prescribed in such order. Any such order shall become final unless the person or persons named therein request by written petition a hearing no later than 14 days after the date such order is served.
(2) Whenever the executive director, with the concurrence and advice of the governing board, finds that an emergency exists requiring immediate action to protect the public health, safety, or welfare; the health of animals, fish or aquatic life; a public water supply; or recreational, commercial, industrial, agricultural or other reasonable uses, the executive director may, without prior notice, issue an order reciting the existence of such an emergency and requiring that such action be taken as the executive director deems necessary to meet the emergency.
(3) Any person to whom an emergency order is directed pursuant to subsection (2) shall comply therewith immediately, but on petition to the board shall be afforded a hearing as soon as possible.
History.—s. 22, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 14, ch. 78-95.
373.123 Penalty.—Any person, real or artificial, that shall construct or enlarge, or cause to be constructed or enlarged, a canal or shall enlarge or deepen a natural stream in such a manner as to permit salt water to move inland of an established saltwater barrier line, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.083. Each day such movement of salt water shall continue, shall constitute a separate offense of the provisions of this law.
History.—s. 3, ch. 63-210; s. 324, ch. 71-136; s. 25, ch. 73-190.
Note.—Former s. 373.195.
373.129 Maintenance of actions.—The department, the governing board of any water management district, any local board, or a local government to which authority has been delegated pursuant to s. 373.103(8), is authorized to commence and maintain proper and necessary actions and proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction for any of the following purposes:
(1) To enforce rules, regulations, and orders adopted or issued pursuant to this law.
(2) To enjoin or abate violations of the provisions of this law or rules, regulations, and orders adopted pursuant hereto.
(3) To protect and preserve the water resources of the state.
(4) To defend all actions and proceedings involving its powers and duties pertaining to the water resources of the state.
(5) To recover a civil penalty for each offense in an amount not to exceed $15,000 per offense. Each date during which such violation occurs constitutes a separate offense.
(a) A civil penalty recovered by a water management district pursuant to this subsection shall be retained and used exclusively by the water management district that collected the money. A civil penalty recovered by the department pursuant to this subsection must be deposited into the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund established under s. 376.307.
(b) A local government that is delegated authority pursuant to s. 373.103(8) may deposit a civil penalty recovered pursuant to this subsection into a local water pollution control program trust fund, notwithstanding paragraph (a). However, civil penalties that are deposited in a local water pollution control program trust fund and that are recovered for violations of state water quality standards may be used only to restore water quality in the area that was the subject of the action, and civil penalties that are deposited in a local water pollution control program trust fund and that are recovered for violation of requirements relating to water quantity may be used only to purchase lands and make capital improvements associated with surface water management, or other purposes consistent with the requirements of this chapter for the management and storage of surface water.
(6) To recover investigative costs, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees.
(7) To enforce part IV of this chapter in the same manner and to the same extent as provided in ss. 373.430, 403.121(1) and (2), 403.131, 403.141, and 403.161.
(8) In conflicts arising where a water management district is a party to litigation against another governmental entity, as defined in s. 164.1031, a district has an affirmative duty to engage in alternative dispute resolution in good faith as required by chapter 164.
History.—s. 16, ch. 57-380; s. 16, ch. 63-336; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 42, ch. 79-65; s. 9, ch. 84-341; s. 2, ch. 91-231; s. 4, ch. 91-288; s. 27, ch. 93-213; s. 38, ch. 96-321; s. 46, ch. 2010-205; s. 36, ch. 2015-229; s. 7, ch. 2020-158.
Note.—Former s. 373.221.
373.136 Enforcement of regulations and orders.—
(1) The governing board may enforce its regulations and orders adopted pursuant to this chapter, by suit for injunction or other appropriate action in the courts of the state.
(2) The court may award to the prevailing party or parties reasonable attorney’s fees for services rendered in actions at law and all appellate proceedings resulting therefrom under the provisions of this chapter. In addition to the above, the court may award all costs and charges incident to such actions.
(3) Any action by a citizen of the state to seek judicial enforcement of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be governed by the Florida Environmental Protection Act, s. 403.412.
History.—s. 25, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 7, ch. 99-353.
373.139 Acquisition of real property.—
(1) The Legislature declares it to be necessary for the public health and welfare that water and water-related resources be conserved and protected. The acquisition of real property for this objective shall constitute a public purpose for which public funds may be expended.
(2) The governing board of the district is empowered and authorized to acquire in fee or less than fee title to real property, easements and other interests or rights therein, by purchase, gift, devise, lease, eminent domain, or otherwise for flood control, water storage, water management, conservation and protection of water resources, aquifer recharge, water resource and water supply development, and preservation of wetlands, streams, and lakes. Eminent domain powers may be used only for acquiring real property for flood control and water storage or for curing title defects or encumbrances to real property owned by the district or to be acquired by the district from a willing seller.
(3) The initial 5-year work plan and any subsequent modifications or additions thereto shall be adopted by each water management district after a public hearing. Each water management district shall provide at least 14 days’ advance notice of the hearing date and shall separately notify each county commission within which a proposed work plan project or project modification or addition is located of the hearing date.
(a) Appraisal reports, offers, and counteroffers are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) until an option contract is executed or, if no option contract is executed, until 30 days before a contract or agreement for purchase is considered for approval by the governing board. However, each district may, at its discretion, disclose appraisal reports to private landowners during negotiations for acquisitions using alternatives to fee simple techniques, if the district determines that disclosure of such reports will bring the proposed acquisition to closure. If negotiation is terminated by the district, the appraisal report, offers, and counteroffers shall become available pursuant to s. 119.07(1). Notwithstanding this section and s. 253.025, a district and the Division of State Lands may share and disclose appraisal reports, appraisal information, offers, and counteroffers when joint acquisition of property is contemplated. A district and the Division of State Lands shall maintain the confidentiality of such appraisal reports, appraisal information, offers, and counteroffers in conformance with this section and s. 253.025, except in those cases in which a district and the division have exercised discretion to disclose such information. A district may disclose appraisal information, offers, and counteroffers to a third party who has entered into a contractual agreement with the district to work with or on the behalf of or to assist the district in connection with land acquisitions. The third party shall maintain the confidentiality of such information in conformance with this section. In addition, a district may use, as its own, appraisals obtained by a third party provided the appraiser is selected from the district’s list of approved appraisers and the appraisal is reviewed and approved by the district.
(b) The Secretary of Environmental Protection shall release moneys from the appropriate account or trust fund to a district for preacquisition costs within 30 days after receipt of a resolution adopted by the district’s governing board which identifies and justifies any such preacquisition costs necessary for the purchase of any lands listed in the district’s 5-year work plan. The district shall return to the department any funds not used for the purposes stated in the resolution, and the department shall deposit the unused funds into the appropriate account or trust fund.
(c) The Secretary of Environmental Protection shall release acquisition moneys from the appropriate account or trust fund to a district following receipt of a resolution adopted by the governing board identifying the lands being acquired and certifying that such acquisition is consistent with the 5-year work plan of acquisition and other provisions of this section. The governing board also shall provide to the Secretary of Environmental Protection a copy of all certified appraisals used to determine the value of the land to be purchased. Each parcel to be acquired must have at least one appraisal. Two appraisals are required when the estimated value of the parcel exceeds $1 million. However, when both appraisals exceed $1 million and differ significantly, a third appraisal may be obtained. If the purchase price is greater than the appraisal price, the governing board shall submit written justification for the increased price. The Secretary of Environmental Protection may withhold moneys for any purchase that is not consistent with the 5-year plan or the intent of this section or that is in excess of appraised value. The governing board may appeal any denial to the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission pursuant to s. 373.114.
(4) The governing board of the district may purchase tax certificates or tax deeds issued in accordance with chapter 197 relating to property eligible for purchase under this section.
(5) This section shall not limit the exercise of similar powers delegated by statute to any state or local governmental agency or other person.
(6) A district may dispose of land acquired under this section pursuant to s. 373.056 or s. 373.089. However, no such disposition of land shall be made if it would have the effect of causing all or any portion of the interest on any revenue bonds issued pursuant to s. 259.101 or s. 259.105 to fund the acquisition programs detailed in this section to lose the exclusion from gross income for purposes of federal income taxation. Revenue derived from such disposition may not be used for any purpose except the purchase of other lands meeting the criteria specified in this section or payment of debt service on revenue bonds or notes issued under s. 373.584.
(7) The districts have the authority to promulgate rules that include the specific process by which land is acquired; the selection and retention of outside appraisers, surveyors, and acquisition agents; and public notification. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection shall be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for review by the Legislature, no later than 30 days prior to the 2001 Regular Session and shall become effective only after legislative review. In its review, the Legislature may reject, modify, or take no action relative to such rules. The districts shall conform such rules to changes made by the Legislature, or, if no action was taken by the Legislature, such rules shall become effective.
History.—s. 26, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 1, ch. 72-318; s. 3, ch. 85-347; s. 7, ch. 86-294; s. 4, ch. 89-117; s. 5, ch. 91-288; s. 6, ch. 94-240; s. 16, ch. 96-389; s. 173, ch. 96-406; s. 12, ch. 97-160; s. 13, ch. 97-164; s. 33, ch. 99-247; s. 13, ch. 2000-170; s. 13, ch. 2001-256; s. 11, ch. 2003-394; s. 38, ch. 2016-233.
373.1391 Management of real property.—
(1)(a) Lands titled to the governing boards of the districts shall be managed and maintained, to the extent practicable, in such a way as to ensure a balance between public access, general public recreational purposes, and restoration and protection of their natural state and condition. Except when prohibited by a covenant or condition described in s. 373.056(2), lands owned, managed, and controlled by the district may be used for multiple purposes, including, but not limited to, agriculture, silviculture, and water supply, as well as boating and other recreational uses.
(b) Whenever practicable, such lands shall be open to the general public for recreational uses. General public recreational purposes shall include, but not be limited to, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, swimming, camping, hiking, canoeing, boating, diving, birding, sailing, jogging, and other related outdoor activities to the maximum extent possible considering the environmental sensitivity and suitability of those lands. These public lands shall be evaluated for their resource value for the purpose of establishing which parcels, in whole or in part, annually or seasonally, would be conducive to general public recreational purposes. Such findings shall be included in management plans which are developed for such public lands. These lands shall be made available to the public for these purposes, unless the district governing board can demonstrate that such activities would be incompatible with the purposes for which these lands were acquired. The department in its supervisory capacity shall ensure that the districts provide consistent levels of public access to district lands, consistent with the purposes for which the lands were acquired.
(c) In developing or reviewing land management plans when a dispute arises that has not been resolved by a water management district’s final agency action, that dispute must be resolved under chapter 120.
(d) For any fee simple acquisition of a parcel which is or will be leased back for agricultural purposes, or for any acquisition of a less-than-fee interest in lands that is or will be used for agricultural purposes, the district governing board shall first consider having a soil and water conservation district created pursuant to chapter 582 manage and monitor such interest.
(2) Interests in real property acquired by the districts under this section with funds other than those appropriated under the Florida Forever Act may be used for permittable water resource development and water supply development purposes under the following conditions: the minimum flows and levels of priority water bodies on such lands have been established; the project complies with all conditions for issuance of a permit under part II of this chapter; and the project is compatible with the purposes for which the land was acquired.
(3) Each district is encouraged to use volunteers to provide land management and other services. Volunteers shall be covered by liability protection and workers’ compensation in the same manner as district employees, unless waived in writing by such volunteers or unless such volunteers otherwise provide equivalent insurance.
(4) Each water management district is authorized and encouraged to enter into cooperative land management agreements with state agencies or local governments to provide for the coordinated and cost-effective management of lands to which the water management districts, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, or local governments hold title. Any such cooperative land management agreement must be consistent with any applicable laws governing land use, management duties, and responsibilities and procedures of each cooperating entity. Each cooperating entity is authorized to expend such funds as are made available to it for land management on any such lands included in a cooperative land management agreement.
(5) The following additional uses of lands acquired pursuant to the Florida Forever program and other state-funded land purchase programs shall be authorized, upon a finding by the governing board, if they meet the criteria specified in paragraphs (a)-(e): water resource development projects, water supply development projects, stormwater management projects, linear facilities, and sustainable agriculture and forestry. Such additional uses are authorized where:
(a) Not inconsistent with the management plan for such lands;
(b) Compatible with the natural ecosystem and resource values of such lands;
(c) The proposed use is appropriately located on such lands and where due consideration is given to the use of other available lands;
(d) The using entity reasonably compensates the titleholder for such use based upon an appropriate measure of value; and
(e) The use is consistent with the public interest.
A decision by the governing board pursuant to this subsection shall be given a presumption of correctness. Moneys received from the use of state lands pursuant to this subsection shall be returned to the lead managing agency.
(6) The districts have the authority to adopt rules that specify: allowable activities on district-owned lands; the amount of fees, licenses, or other charges for users of district-owned lands; the application and reimbursement process for payments in lieu of taxes; the use of volunteers for management activities; and the processes related to entering into or severing cooperative land management agreements. Rules promulgated pursuant to the subsection shall become effective only after submitted to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives for review by the Legislature not later than 30 days prior to the next regular session. In its review, the Legislature may reject, modify, or take no action relative to such rules. The districts shall conform such rules to changes made by the Legislature, or, if no action is taken, such rules shall become effective.
History.—s. 34, ch. 99-247; s. 14, ch. 2000-170; s. 16, ch. 2008-229; s. 37, ch. 2015-229.
373.1395 Limitation on liability of water management district with respect to areas made available to the public for recreational purposes without charge.—
(1) The purpose of this section is to encourage water management districts to make available land, water areas, and park areas to the public for outdoor recreational purposes by limiting their liability to persons going thereon and to third persons who may be damaged by the acts or omissions of persons going thereon.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (6), a water management district that provides the public with a park area or other land or water area for outdoor recreational purposes, or allows access over or the use of district or other lands or water areas for recreational purposes, owes no duty of care to keep that park area, district or other lands, or water areas safe for entry or use by others or to give warning to persons entering or going on that park area, district or other lands, or water areas of any hazardous conditions, structures, or activities thereon. A water management district that provides the public with a park area, district or other lands, or water areas for outdoor recreational purposes, or that allows access over or the use of a park area, district or other lands, or water areas, does not, by providing that park area, district or other lands, or water areas or by allowing access over or the use of that park area, district or other lands, or water areas, extend any assurance that such park area, district or other lands, or water areas are safe for any purpose, does not incur any duty of care toward a person who goes on that park area, district or other lands, or water areas, and is not responsible for any injury to persons or property caused by an act or omission of a person who goes on that park area, district or other lands, or water areas. This subsection does not apply if there is any charge made or usually made for entering or using the park area, district or other lands, or water areas, or if any commercial or other activity from which profit is derived from the patronage of the public, excluding the temporary sale of food, beverages, plants, or tee shirts at temporary special events or nonprofit organizational activities associated with temporary special events, is conducted on such park area, district or other lands, or water areas or any part thereof.
(3)(a) This section applies to any park area, district or other lands, or water areas whether the person goes on as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser or otherwise.
(b) The protections, immunities, and limitations of liability provided in this section to water management districts apply regardless of whether any claimant or person was engaged in an outdoor recreational purpose at the time of an accident or occurrence and applies to park areas, district or other lands, and water areas actually used by the public for recreational activities regardless of whether the park area, district or other lands, or water areas were made available to the public at the time of the accident or occurrence.
(4)(a) Except as provided in subsection (6), a water management district that leases any land or water area to the state for outdoor recreational purposes, or for access to outdoor recreational purposes, owes no duty of care to keep that land or water area safe for entry or use by others or to give warning to persons entering or going on that land or water of any hazardous conditions, structures, or activities thereon. A water management district that leases a land or water area to the state for outdoor recreational purposes does not, by giving such lease, extend any assurance that such land or water area is safe for any purpose, incur any duty of care toward a person who goes on the leased land or water area, and is not responsible for any injury to persons or property caused by an act or omission of a person who goes on the leased land or water area.
(b) This subsection applies to any person going on the leased land or water area whether the person goes as an invitee, licensee, trespasser, or otherwise.
(5) If a water management district has secured an easement or other right that is being used for the purpose of providing access through private land to lands or water areas that the water management district provides or makes available to the public for outdoor recreational purposes, the owner of the private land is covered by the liability protection provided in s. 375.251 with regard to the use of such easement by the general public or by employees and agents of the water management district or other regulatory agencies.
(6) This section does not relieve any water management district of any liability that would otherwise exist for gross negligence or a deliberate, willful, or malicious injury to a person or property. This section does not create or increase the liability of any water management district or person beyond that which is authorized by s. 768.28.
(7) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Outdoor recreational purposes” includes activities such as, but not limited to, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, bicycling, swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, hiking, pleasure driving, nature study, water skiing, motorcycling, and visiting historical, archaeological, scenic, or scientific sites.
(b) “Park area, district or other lands, or water areas” includes, but is not limited to, all park areas, district or other land, right of ways, and water areas that the water management district controls, possesses, or maintains, or in which the water management district has a property or other interest, whether in fee simple, easement, leasehold, contract, memorandum of understanding, or otherwise.
History.—s. 12, ch. 92-288; s. 1, ch. 94-144; s. 7, ch. 94-240; s. 1007, ch. 95-148; s. 1, ch. 2009-201.
373.1401 Management of lands of water management districts.—In addition to provisions contained in s. 373.1391(1) for soil and water conservation districts, the governing board of each water management district may contract with a nongovernmental person or entity, any federal or state agency, a county, a municipality, or any other governmental entity, or environmental nonprofit organization to provide for the improvement, management, or maintenance of any real property owned by or under the control of the district.
History.—s. 6, ch. 91-288; s. 14, ch. 2001-256.
373.145 Information program regarding hydrologic conditioning and consumption of major surface and groundwater sources.—In order to aid in the development of a better understanding of the unique surface and groundwater resources of this state, the water management districts shall develop an information program designed to provide information concerning existing hydrologic conditions of major surface and groundwater sources in this state and suggestions for good conservation practices within those areas. The water management districts shall utilize the most efficient means to regularly distribute this information to members of the Legislature, the media, and the public.
History.—s. 38, ch. 2002-296; s. 39, ch. 2005-2; s. 7, ch. 2005-36.
373.146 Publication of notices, process, and papers.—
(1) Whenever in this chapter the publication of any notice, process, or paper is required or provided for, unless otherwise provided by law, the publication thereof as provided in chapter 50 is considered as being sufficient.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, and except in the case of emergency meetings, water management districts may provide reasonable notice of public meetings held to evaluate responses to solicitations issued by the water management district, by publication as provided in chapter 50, no less than 7 days before such meeting.
History.—s. 44, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 27, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 35, ch. 99-247; s. 27, ch. 2021-17.
Note.—Former s. 378.44.
373.149 Existing districts preserved.—The enactment of this act shall not affect the existence of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control District created by chapter 25270, 1949, Laws of Florida, or the Southwest Florida Water Management District, created by chapter 61-691, Laws of Florida, or any contract or obligation of such districts entered into prior to the effective date of this act. The two districts shall continue to exercise the taxing powers authorized to them in the territories within their respective boundaries, except that nothing herein shall limit the department in considering and recommending to the 1973 session of the Legislature changes in the boundaries and transfers of funds, appropriations, personnel, property, or equipment between or among the existing districts and districts created by this chapter. The two districts shall continue to exercise the powers presently authorized by chapter 378 and this chapter, notwithstanding provisions contained to the contrary in this chapter, until any such powers shall be specifically revoked or modified by the department pursuant to this chapter, except that the provisions of s. 373.139 relating to acquisition of real property shall apply.
History.—s. 28, part I, ch. 72-299.
373.1501 South Florida Water Management District as local sponsor.—
(1) As used in this section and s. 373.026(8), the term:
(a) “C-111 Project” means the project identified in the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project, Real Estate Design Memorandum, Canal 111, South Miami-Dade County, Florida.
(b) “Department” means the Department of Environmental Protection.
(c) “District” means the South Florida Water Management District.
(d) “Kissimmee River Restoration Project” means the project identified in the Project Cooperation Agreement between the United States Department of the Army and the South Florida Water Management District dated March 22, 1994.
(e) “Pal-Mar Project” means the Pal-Mar (West Jupiter Wetlands) lands identified in the Save Our Rivers 2000 Land Acquisition and Management Plan approved by the South Florida Water Management District on September 9, 1999 (Resolution 99-94).
(f) “Project” means the Central and Southern Florida Project.
(g) “Project component” means any structural or operational change, resulting from the restudy, to the Central and Southern Florida Project as it existed and was operated as of January 1, 1999.
(h) “Restudy” means the Comprehensive Review Study of the Central and Southern Florida Project, for which federal participation was authorized by the federal Water Resources Development Acts of 1992 and 1996 together with related Congressional resolutions and for which participation by the South Florida Water Management District is authorized by this section. The term includes all actions undertaken pursuant to the aforementioned authorizations which will result in recommendations for modifications or additions to the Central and Southern Florida Project.
(i) “Southern Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Project” means the area described in the Critical Restoration Project Contract C-9906 Southern Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Project Addition/Imperial River Flowway and approved by the South Florida Water Management District on August 12, 1999.
(j) “Water Preserve Areas” means those areas located only within Palm Beach and Broward counties that are designated as Water Preserve Areas, as approved by the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board on September 11, 1997, and shall also include all of those lands within Cell II of the East Coast Buffer in Broward County as delineated in the boundary survey prepared by Stoner and Associates, Inc., dated January 31, 2000, SWFWMD #10953.
(k) “Ten Mile Creek Project” means the Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area identified in the Central and Southern Florida Ecosystem Critical Project Letter Report dated April 13, 1998.
(2) The Legislature finds that the restudy is important for restoring the Everglades ecosystem and sustaining the environment, economy, and social well-being of South Florida. It is the intent of the Legislature to facilitate and support the restudy through a process concurrent with Federal Government review and Congressional authorization. Nothing in this section is intended in any way to limit federal agencies or Congress in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities. It is further the intent of the Legislature that all project components be implemented through the appropriate processes of this chapter and be consistent with the balanced policies and purposes of this chapter, specifically s. 373.016.
(3) The Legislature declares that the Kissimmee River Project, the Ten Mile Creek Project, the Water Preserve Areas, the Southern Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Project, the Pal-Mar Project, and the C-111 Project are in the public interest, for a public purpose, and necessary for the public health and welfare. The governing board of the district is empowered and authorized to acquire fee title or easement by eminent domain for the limited purposes of implementing the Kissimmee River Project, the Ten Mile Creek Project, the Water Preserve Areas, the Southern Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Project, the Pal-Mar Project, and the C-111 Project. Any acquisition of real property, including by eminent domain, for those objectives constitutes a public purpose for which it is in the public interest to expend public funds. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, such properties shall not be removed from the district’s plan of acquisition, and the use of state funds for these properties is authorized. In the absence of willing sellers, any land necessary for implementing the projects in this subsection shall be acquired in accordance with state condemnation law pursuant to chapters 73 and 74.
(4) The district is authorized to act as local sponsor of the project for those project features within the district as provided in this subsection and subject to the oversight of the department as further provided in s. 373.026. The district shall exercise the authority of the state to allocate quantities of water within its jurisdiction, including the water supply in relation to the project, and be responsible for allocating water and assigning priorities among the other water uses served by the project pursuant to state law. The district may:
(a) Act as local sponsor for all project features previously authorized by Congress.
(b) Continue data gathering, analysis, research, and design of project components, participate in preconstruction engineering and design documents for project components, and further refine the Comprehensive Plan of the restudy as a guide and framework for identifying other project components.
(c) Construct pilot projects that will assist in determining the feasibility of technology included in the Comprehensive Plan of the restudy.
(d) Act as local sponsor for project components.
(5) In its role as local sponsor for the project, the district shall comply with its responsibilities under this chapter and implement project components through appropriate provisions of this chapter. In the development of project components, the district shall:
(a) Analyze and evaluate all needs to be met in a comprehensive manner and consider all applicable water resource issues, including water supply, water quality, flood protection, threatened and endangered species, and other natural system and habitat needs;
(b) Determine with reasonable certainty that all project components are feasible based upon standard engineering practices and technologies and are the most efficient and cost-effective of feasible alternatives or combination of alternatives, consistent with restudy purposes, implementation of project components, and operation of the project;
(c) Determine with reasonable certainty that all project components are consistent with applicable law and regulations, and can be permitted and operated as proposed. For purposes of such determination:
1. The district shall convene a preapplication conference with all state and federal agencies with applicable regulatory jurisdiction;
2. State agencies with applicable regulatory jurisdiction shall participate in the preapplication conference and provide information necessary for the district’s determination; and
3. The district shall request that federal agencies with applicable regulatory jurisdiction participate in the preapplication conference and provide information necessary for the district’s determination;
(d) Consistent with this chapter, the purposes for the restudy provided in the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, and other applicable federal law, provide reasonable assurances that the quantity of water available to existing legal users shall not be diminished by implementation of project components so as to adversely impact existing legal users, that existing levels of service for flood protection will not be diminished outside the geographic area of the project component, and that water management practices will continue to adapt to meet the needs of the restored natural environment.
(e) Ensure that implementation of project components is coordinated with existing utilities and public infrastructure and that impacts to and relocation of existing utility or public infrastructure are minimized.
(6) The department and the district shall expeditiously pursue implementation of project modifications previously authorized by Congress or the Legislature, including the Everglades Construction Project. Project components should complement and should not delay project modifications previously authorized.
(7) When developing or implementing water control plans or regulation schedules required for the operation of the project, the district shall provide recommendations to the United States Army Corps of Engineers which are consistent with all district programs and plans.
(8) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, nothing herein shall be construed to modify or supplant the authority of the district or the department to prevent harm to the water resources as provided in this chapter.
(9) Final agency action with regard to any project component subject to s. 373.026(8)(b) shall be taken by the department. Actions taken by the district pursuant to subsection (5) shall not be considered final agency action. Any petition for formal proceedings filed pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 shall require a hearing under the summary hearing provisions of s. 120.574, which shall be mandatory. The final hearing under this section shall be held within 30 days after receipt of the petition by the Division of Administrative Hearings.
History.—s. 1, ch. 99-143; s. 15, ch. 2000-170; s. 81, ch. 2008-4; s. 8, ch. 2016-1.
373.1502 Regulation of comprehensive plan project components.—
(1) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the “Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Regulation Act.”
(2) FINDINGS; INTENT.—
(a) The Legislature finds that implementation of the comprehensive plan, as defined in s. 373.470(2)(b), is in the public interest and is necessary for restoring, preserving, and protecting the South Florida ecosystem, providing for the protection of water quality in and the reduction of the loss of fresh water from the Everglades, and providing such features as are necessary to meet the other water-related needs of the region, including flood control, the enhancement of water supplies, and other objectives served by the project.
(b) The Legislature intends to provide efficient and effective permitting of project components, taking into account all other statutory responsibilities the department and the South Florida Water Management District are required to consider.
(3) REGULATION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES.—
(a) This subsection applies to all project components, as defined in s. 373.1501, identified in the comprehensive plan unless the project component is otherwise subject to s. 373.4592, s. 373.4595, or the department’s rules on reuse of reclaimed water. Permits issued under this subsection are in lieu of all other permits required under this chapter or chapter 403, except for permits issued under any delegated or approved federal program.
(b) The department shall issue a permit for a term of 5 years for the construction, operation, modification, or maintenance of a project component based on the criteria set forth in this section. If the department is the entity responsible for the construction, operation, modification, or maintenance of any individual project component, the district shall issue a permit for a term of 5 years based on the criteria set forth in this section. The permit application must provide reasonable assurances that:
1. The project component will achieve the design objectives set forth in the detailed design documents submitted as part of the application.
2. State water quality standards, including water quality criteria and moderating provisions, will be met. Under no circumstances shall the project component cause or contribute to violation of state water quality standards.
3. Discharges from the project component will not pose a serious danger to public health, safety, or welfare.
4. Any impacts to wetlands or threatened or endangered species resulting from implementation of the project component will be avoided, minimized, and mitigated, as appropriate.
(c) Construction activities for comprehensive plan project components may be initiated upon submission of a permit application and completion of the department’s approval under s. 373.1501, but before final agency action or notice of intended agency action. However, a permit must be obtained before the commencement or modification of operation.
(d) Permits issued under this subsection must contain reasonable conditions to ensure that water quality resulting from construction and operation of project components is adequately and accurately monitored.
(e) Permits issued under this subsection may:
1. Authorize construction, operation, modification, and maintenance of individual or multiple project components under a single permit;
2. Include any standard conditions provided by department rule which are appropriate and consistent with this subsection; or
3. Establish reporting requirements that are consolidated with other reports if all reporting requirements are met.
(f) The permitting entity shall require a processing fee in an amount sufficient to cover the costs of reviewing and acting upon any application for a permit under this section and to cover the costs of surveillance associated with any permit issued under this section.
(g) At least 60 days before the expiration of any permit issued under this subsection, the permittee may apply for a renewal for a term of 5 years. Such submittals are considered timely and sufficient under s. 120.60(4). Permits issued under this subsection may be modified upon review and approval by the department or district, as appropriate.
(h) Project components that would otherwise qualify as exempt pursuant to s. 373.406 shall not need permits under this section.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2001-172; s. 7, ch. 2002-261; s. 19, ch. 2003-394; s. 82, ch. 2008-4.
373.171 Rules.—
(1) In order to obtain the most beneficial use of the water resources of the state and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare and the interests of the water users affected, governing boards, by action not inconsistent with the other provisions of this law and without impairing property rights, may:
(a) Adopt rules or issue orders affecting the use of water, as conditions warrant, and forbidding the construction of new diversion facilities or wells, the initiation of new water uses, or the modification of any existing uses, diversion facilities, or storage facilities within the affected area.
(b) Regulate the use of water within the affected area by apportioning, limiting, or rotating uses of water or by preventing those uses which the governing board finds have ceased to be reasonable or beneficial.
(c) Issue orders and adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter.
(2) In adopting rules and issuing orders under this law, the governing board shall act with a view to full protection of the existing rights to water in this state insofar as is consistent with the purpose of this law.
(3) No rule or order shall require any modification of existing use or disposition of water in the district unless it is shown that the use or disposition proposed to be modified is detrimental to other water users or to the water resources of the state.
(4) All rules adopted by the governing board shall be filed with the Department of State as provided in chapter 120. An information copy will be filed with the Department of Environmental Protection.
(5) Cooperative funding programs are not subject to the rulemaking requirements of chapter 120. However, any portion of an approved program which affects the substantial interests of a party is subject to s. 120.569.
History.—s. 11, ch. 57-380; s. 8, ch. 63-336; ss. 10, 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 8, ch. 76-243; s. 1, ch. 77-117; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 256, ch. 94-356; s. 84, ch. 98-200; s. 3, ch. 2013-229.
373.1725 Notice of intent by publication.—In addition to rulemaking procedures required pursuant to chapter 120, the water management districts, when proposing to adopt, amend, or repeal any rule, shall provide notice of intent by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the affected area. The publication notice shall summarize the proposed rule and shall occur at least 14 days prior to the intended action.
History.—s. 12, ch. 91-288.
373.175 Declaration of water shortage; emergency orders.—
(1) The governing board of the district may by order declare that a water shortage exists within all or part of the district when insufficient ground or surface water is available to meet the needs of the users or when conditions are such as to require temporary reduction in total use within the area to protect water resources from serious harm.
(2) The governing board may impose such restrictions on one or more users of the water resource as may be necessary to protect the water resources of the area from serious harm.
(3) When a water shortage is declared, the governing board shall cause notice thereof to be published in a prominent place within a newspaper of general circulation throughout the area. Publication of such notice shall serve as notice to all users in the area of the condition of water shortage.
(4) If an emergency condition exists due to a water shortage within any area of the district and the executive director of the district, with the concurrence of the governing board, finds that the exercise of powers under this section is not sufficient to protect the public health, safety, or welfare, the health of animals, fish, or aquatic life, a public water supply, or recreational, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other reasonable uses, the executive director may, pursuant to the provisions of chapter 120, issue emergency orders reciting the existence of such an emergency and requiring that such action, including, but not limited to, apportioning, rotating, limiting, or prohibiting the use of the water resources of the district, be taken as the executive director, with the concurrence of the governing board, deems necessary to meet the emergency.
History.—s. 1, ch. 72-730; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 73-295; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 35, ch. 83-218; s. 597, ch. 95-148.
Note.—Former s. 378.152.
373.185 Local Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Local government” means any county or municipality of the state.
(b) “Florida-friendly landscaping” means quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. The principles of such landscaping include planting the right plant in the right place, efficient watering, appropriate fertilization, mulching, attraction of wildlife, responsible management of yard pests, recycling yard waste, reduction of stormwater runoff, and waterfront protection. Additional components include practices such as landscape planning and design, soil analysis, the appropriate use of solid waste compost, minimizing the use of irrigation, and proper maintenance.
(2) Each water management district shall design and implement an incentive program to encourage all local governments within its district to adopt new ordinances or amend existing ordinances to require Florida-friendly landscaping for development permitted after the effective date of the new ordinance or amendment. Each district shall assist the local governments within its jurisdiction by providing a model Florida-friendly landscaping ordinance and other technical assistance. Each district may develop its own model or use a model contained in the “Florida-Friendly Landscape Guidance Models for Ordinances, Covenants, and Restrictions” manual developed by the department. To qualify for a district’s incentive program, a local government ordinance or amendment must include, at a minimum:
(a) Landscape design, installation, and maintenance standards that result in water conservation and water quality protection or restoration. Such standards must address the use of plant groupings, soil analysis including the promotion of the use of solid waste compost, efficient irrigation systems, and other water-conserving practices.
(b) Identification of prohibited invasive exotic plant species consistent with s. 581.091.
(c) Identification of controlled plant species, accompanied by the conditions under which such plants may be used.
(d) A provision specifying the maximum percentage of irrigated turf and impervious surfaces allowed in a Florida-friendly landscaped area and addressing the practical selection and installation of turf.
(e) Specific standards for land clearing and requirements for the preservation of existing native vegetation.
(f) A monitoring program for ordinance implementation and compliance.
(3) Each water management district shall also work with the department, local governments, county extension agents or offices, nursery and landscape industry groups, and other interested stakeholders to promote, through educational programs, publications, and other district activities authorized under this chapter, the use of Florida-friendly landscaping practices, including the use of solid waste compost, in residential and commercial development. In conducting these activities, each district shall use the materials developed by the department, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida, and the Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program, including, but not limited to, the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program for homeowners, the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Builder Developer Program for developers, and the Green Industries Best Management Practices Program for landscaping professionals. Each district may develop supplemental materials as appropriate to address the physical and natural characteristics of the district. The districts shall coordinate with the department and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida if revisions to the educational materials are needed.
(a) The Legislature finds that the use of Florida-friendly landscaping and other water use and pollution prevention measures to conserve or protect the state’s water resources serves a compelling public interest and that the participation of homeowners’ associations and local governments is essential to the state’s efforts in water conservation and water quality protection and restoration.
(b) A deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land or create any requirement or limitation in conflict with any provision of part II of this chapter or a water shortage order, other order, consumptive use permit, or rule adopted or issued pursuant to part II of this chapter.
(c) A local government ordinance may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land.
(4) This section does not limit the authority of the department or the water management districts to require Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances or practices as a condition of any permit issued under this chapter.
History.—s. 3, ch. 91-41; s. 3, ch. 91-68; s. 7, ch. 2001-252; s. 17, ch. 2009-243.
373.187 Water management district implementation of Florida-friendly landscaping.—Each water management district shall use Florida-friendly landscaping, as defined in s. 373.185, on public property associated with buildings and facilities owned by the district and constructed after June 30, 2009. Each district shall also develop a 5-year program for phasing in the use of Florida-friendly landscaping on public property associated with buildings or facilities owned by the district and constructed before July 1, 2009.
History.—s. 18, ch. 2009-243.
373.199 Florida Forever Water Management District Work Plan.—
(1) Over the years, the Legislature has created numerous programs and funded several initiatives intended to restore, conserve, protect, and manage Florida’s water resources and the lands and ecosystems associated with them. Although these programs and initiatives have yielded individual successes, the overall quality of Florida’s water resources continues to degrade; natural systems associated with surface waters continue to be altered or have not been restored to a fully functioning level; and sufficient quantities of water for current and future reasonable beneficial uses and for natural systems remain in doubt.
(2) Therefore, in order to further the goals of the Florida Forever Act each water management district shall develop a 5-year work plan that identifies projects that meet the criteria in subsections (3), (4), and (5).
(3) In developing the list, each water management district shall:
(a) Integrate its existing surface water improvement and management plans, Save Our Rivers land acquisition lists, stormwater management projects, proposed water resource development projects, proposed water body restoration projects, proposed capital improvement projects necessary to promote reclamation, storage, or recovery of water, and other properties or activities that would assist in meeting the goals of Florida Forever.
(b) Work cooperatively with the applicable ecosystem management area teams and other citizen advisory groups, the Department of Environmental Protection and its district offices, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Economic Opportunity, the Department of Transportation, other state agencies, and federal agencies, where applicable.
(4) The list submitted by the districts shall include, where applicable, the following information for each project:
(a) A description of the water body system, its historical and current uses, and its hydrology; a history of the conditions which have led to the need for restoration or protection; and a synopsis of restoration efforts that have occurred to date, if applicable.
(b) An identification of all governmental units that have jurisdiction over the water body and its drainage basin within the approved surface water improvement and management plan area, including local, regional, state, and federal units.
(c) A description of land uses within the project area’s drainage basin, and of important tributaries, point and nonpoint sources of pollution, and permitted discharge activities associated with that basin.
(d) A description of strategies and potential strategies, including improved stormwater management, for restoring or protecting the water body to Class III or better surface water quality status. Such strategies may utilize alternative technologies for pollutant reduction, such as cost-effective biologically-based, hybrid wetlands/chemical and other innovative nutrient control technologies.
(e) A listing and synopsis of studies that are being or have been prepared for the water body, stormwater management project, or water resource development project.
(f) A description of the measures needed to manage and maintain the water body once it has been restored and to prevent future degradation, to manage and maintain the stormwater management system, or to manage and maintain the water resource development project.
(g) A schedule for restoration and protection of the water body, implementation of the stormwater management project, or development of the water resource development project.
(h) A clear and concise estimate of the funding needed to carry out the restoration, protection, or improvement project, or the development of new water resources, where applicable, and a clear and concise identification of the projected sources and uses of Florida Forever funds.
(i) Numeric performance measures for each project. Each performance measure shall include a baseline measurement, which is the current situation; a performance standard, which water management district staff anticipates the project will achieve; and the performance measurement itself, which should reflect the incremental improvements the project accomplishes towards achieving the performance standard. These measures shall reflect the relevant goals detailed in s. 259.105(4).
(j) A discussion of permitting and other regulatory issues related to the project.
(k) An identification of the proposed public access for projects with land acquisition components, including the Florida National Scenic Trail.
(l) An identification of those lands which require a full fee simple interest to achieve water management goals and those lands which can be acquired using alternatives to fee simple acquisition techniques and still achieve such goals. In their evaluation of which lands would be appropriate for acquisition through alternatives to fee simple, district staff shall consider criteria including, but not limited to, acquisition costs, the net present value of future land management costs, the net present value of ad valorem revenue loss to the local government, and potential for revenue generated from activities compatible with acquisition objectives.
(m) An identification of lands needed to protect or recharge groundwater and a plan for their acquisition as necessary to protect potable water supplies. Lands which serve to protect or recharge groundwater identified pursuant to this paragraph shall also serve to protect other valuable natural resources or provide space for natural resource based recreation.
(5) The list of projects shall indicate the relative significance of each project within the particular water management district’s boundaries, and the schedule of activities and sums of money earmarked should reflect those rankings as much as possible over a 5-year planning horizon.
(6) Each district shall remove the property of an unwilling seller from its 5-year work plan at the next scheduled update of the plan, if in receipt of a request to do so by the property owner.
(7) By June 1, 2001, each district shall file with the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Secretary of Environmental Protection the initial 5-year work plan as required under subsection (2). By March 1 of each year thereafter, as part of the consolidated annual report required by s. 373.036(7), each district shall report on acquisitions completed during the year together with modifications or additions to its 5-year work plan. Included in the report shall be:
(a) A description of land management activity for each property or project area owned by the water management district.
(b) A list of any lands surplused and the amount of compensation received.
(c) The progress of funding, staffing, and resource management of every project funded pursuant to former s. 259.101(3), Florida Statutes 2014, s. 259.105, or former s. 373.59(2), Florida Statutes 2014, for which the district is responsible.
The secretary shall submit the report referenced in this subsection to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund together with the Acquisition and Restoration Council’s project list as required under s. 259.105.
History.—s. 36, ch. 99-247; s. 16, ch. 2000-170; s. 9, ch. 2005-36; s. 12, ch. 2005-87; s. 17, ch. 2008-229; s. 248, ch. 2011-142; s. 38, ch. 2015-229.
373.200 Seminole Tribe Water Rights Compact.—Pursuant to the provisions of s. 285.165, the South Florida Water Management District is authorized to act in accordance with the Seminole Tribe Water Rights Compact incorporated by reference therein.
History.—s. 6, ch. 2000-133.
PART II
PERMITTING OF CONSUMPTIVEUSES OF WATER
373.203 Definitions.
373.206 Artesian wells; flow regulated.
373.207 Abandoned artesian wells.
373.209 Artesian wells; penalties for violation.
373.213 Certain artesian wells exempt.
373.216 Implementation of program for regulating the consumptive use of water.
373.217 Superseded laws and regulations.
373.219 Permits required.
373.223 Conditions for a permit.
373.2234 Preferred water supply sources.
373.2235 Effect of prior land acquisition on consumptive use permitting.
373.224 Existing permits.
373.226 Existing uses.
373.227 Water conservation; legislative findings and intent; objectives; comprehensive statewide water conservation program requirements.
373.228 Landscape irrigation design.
373.229 Application for permit.
373.2295 Interdistrict transfers of groundwater.
373.22951 Validation of prior agreements between water management districts.
373.232 Citation of rule.
373.233 Competing applications.
373.236 Duration of permits; compliance reports.
373.239 Modification and renewal of permit terms.
373.243 Revocation of permits.
373.244 Temporary permits.
373.246 Declaration of water shortage or emergency.
373.249 Existing regulatory districts preserved.
373.250 Reuse of reclaimed water.
373.203 Definitions.—
(1) “Abandoned artesian well” is defined as an artesian well:
(a) That does not have a properly functioning valve;
(b) The use of which has been permanently discontinued;
(c) That does not meet current well construction standards;
(d) That is discharging water containing greater than 500 milligrams per liter of chlorides into a drinking water aquifer;
(e) That is in such a state of disrepair that it cannot be used for its intended purpose without having an adverse impact upon an aquifer which serves as a source of drinking water or which is likely to be such a source in the future; or
(f) That does not have proper flow control on or below the land surface.
(2) An “artesian well” is defined as an artificial hole in the ground from which water supplies may be obtained and which penetrates any water-bearing rock, the water in which is raised to the surface by natural flow, or which rises to an elevation above the top of the water-bearing bed. “Artesian wells” are defined further to include all holes, drilled as a source of water, that penetrate any water-bearing beds that are a part of the artesian water system of Florida, as determined by representatives of the Florida Geological Survey or the Department of Environmental Protection.
(3) “Plugging” is defined as plugging, capping, or otherwise controlling a well as deemed appropriate by the department or by the appropriate water management district.
(4) “Waste” is defined to be the causing, suffering, or permitting any water flowing from, or being pumped from, an artesian well to run into any river, creek, or other natural watercourse or channel, or into any bay or pond (unless used thereafter for the beneficial purposes of irrigation of land, mining, or other industrial purposes of domestic use), or into any street, road or highway, or upon the land of any person, or upon the public lands of the United States or of the state, unless it is used thereon for the beneficial purposes of the irrigation thereof, industrial purposes, domestic use, or the propagation of fish. The use of any water flowing from an artesian well for the irrigation of land shall be restricted to a minimum by the use of proper structural devices in the irrigation system.
History.—ss. 3, 4, ch. 28253, 1953; s. 1, ch. 59-248; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 44, ch. 79-65; s. 6, ch. 83-310; s. 261, ch. 94-356.
Note.—Former ss. 370.051, 373.021.
373.206 Artesian wells; flow regulated.—Every person, stock company, association, corporation, county, or municipality owning or controlling the real estate upon which is located a flowing artesian well in this state shall provide each such well with a valve capable of controlling the discharge from the well and shall keep the valve so adjusted that only a supply of water is available which is necessary for ordinary use by the owner, tenant, occupant, or person in control of the land for personal use and for conducting his or her business. Upon the determination by the Department of Environmental Protection or the appropriate water management district that the water in an artesian well is of such poor quality as to have an adverse impact upon an aquifer or other water body which serves as a source of public drinking water or which is likely to be such a source in the future, such well shall be plugged in accordance with department or appropriate water management district specifications for well plugging.
History.—s. 1, ch. 28253, 1953; s. 1, ch. 65-460; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 45, ch. 79-65; s. 7, ch. 83-310; s. 262, ch. 94-356; s. 1009, ch. 95-148; s. 49, ch. 2019-3.
Note.—Former ss. 370.052, 373.031.
373.207 Abandoned artesian wells.—Each water management district shall develop a work plan which identifies the location of all known abandoned artesian wells within its jurisdictional boundaries and defines the actions which the district must take in order to ensure that each such well is plugged on or before January 1, 1992. The work plan shall include the following:
(1) An initial inventory which accounts for all known abandoned artesian wells in the district.
(2) The location and owner of each known abandoned well.
(3) The methodology proposed by the district to accomplish the plugging of all known abandoned wells within the district on or before January 1, 1992.
(4) Data relating to costs to be incurred for the plugging of all wells, including the per-well cost and personnel costs.
(5) A schedule of priority for the plugging of wells, which schedule is established to mitigate damage to the groundwater resource due to water quality degradation.
History.—s. 8, ch. 83-310; s. 263, ch. 94-356; s. 10, ch. 2005-36.
373.209 Artesian wells; penalties for violation.—
(1) No owner, tenant, occupant, or person in control of an artesian well shall knowingly and intentionally:
(a) Allow the well to flow continuously without a valve or mechanical device for checking or controlling the flow.
(b) Permit the water to flow unnecessarily.
(c) Pump a well unnecessarily.
(d) Permit the water from the well to go to waste.
(2) A well is exempt from the provisions of this section unless the Department of Environmental Protection can show that the uncontrolled flow of water from the well does not have a reasonable-beneficial use, as defined in s. 373.019.
(3) Any person who violates this section is subject to either:
(a) The remedial measures provided for in s. 373.436; or
(b) A civil penalty of $150 a day for each and every day of such violation and for each and every act of violation. The civil penalty may be recovered by the water management board of the water management district in which the well is located or by the department in a suit in a court of competent jurisdiction in the county where the defendant resides, in the county of residence of any defendant if there is more than one defendant, or in the county where the violation took place. The place of suit shall be selected by the board or department, and the suit, by direction of the board or department, shall be instituted and conducted in the name of the board or department by appropriate counsel. The payment of any such damages does not impair or abridge any cause of action which any person may have against the person violating this section.
(4) The penalties provided by this section shall apply notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary.
History.—s. 2, ch. 28253, 1953; s. 323, ch. 71-136; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 74-279; s. 46, ch. 79-65; s. 146, ch. 79-400; s. 264, ch. 94-356; s. 93, ch. 95-143; s. 8, ch. 98-88; s. 8, ch. 2020-158.
Note.—Former ss. 370.053, 373.041.
373.213 Certain artesian wells exempt.—Nothing in ss. 373.203, 373.206, 373.209, or this section shall be construed to apply to an artesian well feeding a lake already in existence prior to June 15, 1953, which lake is used or intended to be used for public bathing and/or the propagation of fish, where the continuous flow of water is necessary to maintain its purity for bathing and the water level of said lake for fish.
History.—s. 6, ch. 28253, 1953; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 167, ch. 99-13.
Note.—Former ss. 370.055, 373.061.
373.216 Implementation of program for regulating the consumptive use of water.—The governing board of each water management district shall, no later than October 31, 1983, implement a program for the issuance of permits authorizing the consumptive use of particular quantities of water covering those areas deemed appropriate by the governing board. Appropriate monitoring efforts shall be a part of any such program implemented. Notice of any required hearing on the proposed implementation of these regulations shall be published at least once a week for 2 weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the area to be affected by such regulations, the last notice appearing no less than 10 days prior to the date of the public hearing, in addition to any notice required by chapter 120.
History.—s. 1, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 8, ch. 73-190; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 8, ch. 82-101.
373.217 Superseded laws and regulations.—
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to provide a means whereby reasonable programs for the issuance of permits authorizing the consumptive use of particular quantities of water may be authorized by the Department of Environmental Protection, subject to judicial review and also subject to review by the Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission as provided in s. 373.114.
(2) It is the further intent of the Legislature that Part II of the Florida Water Resources Act of 1972, as amended, as set forth in ss. 373.203-373.249, shall provide the exclusive authority for requiring permits for the consumptive use of water and for authorizing transportation thereof pursuant to s. 373.223(2).
(3) If any provision of Part II of the Florida Water Resources Act of 1972, as amended, as set forth in ss. 373.203-373.249, is in conflict with any other provision, limitation, or restriction which is now in effect under any law or ordinance of this state or any political subdivision or municipality, or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, Part II shall govern and control, and such other law or ordinance or rule or regulation promulgated thereunder shall be deemed superseded for the purpose of regulating the consumptive use of water. However, this section shall not be construed to supersede the provisions of the Florida Electrical Power Plant Siting Act.
(4) Other than as provided in subsection (3) of this section, Part II of the Florida Water Resources Act of 1972, as amended, preempts the regulation of the consumptive use of water as defined in this act.
History.—s. 9, ch. 76-243; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 265, ch. 94-356.
373.219 Permits required.—
(1) The governing board or the department may require such permits for consumptive use of water and may impose such reasonable conditions as are necessary to assure that such use is consistent with the overall objectives of the district or department and is not harmful to the water resources of the area. However, no permit shall be required for domestic consumption of water by individual users.
(2) In the event that any person shall file a complaint with the governing board or the department that any other person is making a diversion, withdrawal, impoundment, or consumptive use of water not expressly exempted under the provisions of this chapter and without a permit to do so, the governing board or the department shall cause an investigation to be made, and if the facts stated in the complaint are verified the governing board or the department shall order the discontinuance of the use.
(3) For Outstanding Florida Springs, the department shall adopt uniform rules for issuing permits which prevent groundwater withdrawals that are harmful to the water resources and adopt by rule a uniform definition of the term “harmful to the water resources” to provide water management districts with minimum standards necessary to be consistent with the overall water policy of the state. This subsection does not prohibit a water management district from adopting a definition that is more protective of the water resources consistent with local or regional conditions and objectives.
History.—s. 2, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 9, ch. 73-190; s. 9, ch. 2016-1.
373.223 Conditions for a permit.—
(1) To obtain a permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the applicant must establish that the proposed use of water:
(a) Is a reasonable-beneficial use as defined in s. 373.019;
(b) Will not interfere with any presently existing legal use of water; and
(c) Is consistent with the public interest.
(2) The governing board or the department may authorize the holder of a use permit to transport and use ground or surface water beyond overlying land, across county boundaries, or outside the watershed from which it is taken if the governing board or department determines that such transport and use is consistent with the public interest, and no local government shall adopt or enforce any law, ordinance, rule, regulation, or order to the contrary.
(3) Except for the transport and use of water supplied by the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project, and anywhere in the state when the transport and use of water is supplied exclusively for bottled water as defined in s. 500.03(1)(d), any water use permit applications pending as of April 1, 1998, with the Northwest Florida Water Management District and self-suppliers of water for which the proposed water source and area of use or application are located on contiguous private properties, when evaluating whether a potential transport and use of ground or surface water across county boundaries is consistent with the public interest, pursuant to paragraph (1)(c), the governing board or department shall consider:
(a) The proximity of the proposed water source to the area of use or application.
(b) All impoundments, streams, groundwater sources, or watercourses that are geographically closer to the area of use or application than the proposed source, and that are technically and economically feasible for the proposed transport and use.
(c) All economically and technically feasible alternatives to the proposed source, including, but not limited to, desalination, conservation, reuse of nonpotable reclaimed water and stormwater, and aquifer storage and recovery.
(d) The potential environmental impacts that may result from the transport and use of water from the proposed source, and the potential environmental impacts that may result from use of the other water sources identified in paragraphs (b) and (c).
(e) Whether existing and reasonably anticipated sources of water and conservation efforts are adequate to supply water for existing legal uses and reasonably anticipated future needs of the water supply planning region in which the proposed water source is located.
(f) Consultations with local governments affected by the proposed transport and use.
(g) The value of the existing capital investment in water-related infrastructure made by the applicant.
Where districtwide water supply assessments and regional water supply plans have been prepared pursuant to ss. 373.036 and 373.709, the governing board or the department shall use the applicable plans and assessments as the basis for its consideration of the applicable factors in this subsection.
(4) The governing board or the department, by regulation, may reserve from use by permit applicants, water in such locations and quantities, and for such seasons of the year, as in its judgment may be required for the protection of fish and wildlife or the public health and safety. Such reservations shall be subject to periodic review and revision in the light of changed conditions. However, all presently existing legal uses of water shall be protected so long as such use is not contrary to the public interest.
(5) In evaluating an application for consumptive use of water which proposes the use of an alternative water supply project as described in the regional water supply plan and provides reasonable assurances of the applicant’s capability to design, construct, operate, and maintain the project, the governing board or department shall presume that the alternative water supply use is consistent with the public interest under paragraph (1)(c). However, where the governing board identifies the need for a multijurisdictional water supply entity or regional water supply authority to develop the alternative water supply project pursuant to s. 373.709(2)(a)2., the presumption shall be accorded only to that use proposed by such entity or authority. This subsection does not affect evaluation of the use pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs (1)(a) and (b), subsections (2) and (3), and ss. 373.2295 and 373.233.
(6) A new consumptive use permit, or the renewal or modification of a consumptive use permit, that authorizes groundwater withdrawals of 100,000 gallons or more per day from a well with an inside diameter of 8 inches or more shall be monitored for water usage at intervals using methods determined by the applicable water management district, and the results of such monitoring shall be reported to the applicable water management district at least annually. The water management districts may adopt rules to implement this subsection. In lieu of the requirements of this subsection, a water management district may enforce rules that govern water usage monitoring in effect on July 1, 2016, or may adopt rules that are more stringent than this subsection.
History.—s. 3, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 10, ch. 73-190; s. 10, ch. 76-243; s. 35, ch. 85-81; s. 4, ch. 98-88; s. 6, ch. 2005-291; s. 15, ch. 2010-205; s. 31, ch. 2015-2; s. 10, ch. 2016-1.
373.2234 Preferred water supply sources.—
(1) The governing board of a water management district is authorized to adopt rules that identify preferred water supply sources for consumptive uses for which there is sufficient data to establish that a preferred source will provide a substantial new water supply to meet the existing and projected reasonable-beneficial uses of a water supply planning region identified pursuant to s. 373.709(1), while sustaining existing water resources and natural systems. At a minimum, such rules must contain a description of the preferred water supply source and an assessment of the water the preferred source is projected to produce.
(2)(a) If an applicant proposes to use a preferred water supply source, that applicant’s proposed water use is subject to s. 373.223(1), except that the proposed use of a preferred water supply source must be considered by a water management district when determining whether a permit applicant’s proposed use of water is consistent with the public interest pursuant to s. 373.223(1)(c).
(b) The governing board of a water management district shall consider the identification of preferred water supply sources for water users for whom access to or development of new water supplies is not technically or financially feasible. Identification of preferred water supply sources for such water users must be consistent with s. 373.016.
(c) A consumptive use permit issued for the use of a preferred water supply source must be granted, when requested by the applicant, for at least a 20-year period and may be subject to the compliance reporting provisions of s. 373.236(4).
(3)(a) This section does not:
1. Exempt the use of preferred water supply sources from ss. 373.016(4) and 373.223(2) and (3);
2. Provide that permits issued for the use of a nonpreferred water supply source must be issued for a duration of less than 20 years or that the use of a nonpreferred water supply source is not consistent with the public interest; or
3. Require the use of a preferred water supply source or to restrict or prohibit the use of a nonpreferred water supply source.
(b) Rules adopted by the governing board of a water management district to implement this section shall specify that the use of a preferred water supply source is not required and that the use of a nonpreferred water supply source is not restricted or prohibited.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2004-381; s. 6, ch. 2006-255; s. 16, ch. 2010-205; s. 11, ch. 2016-1.
373.2235 Effect of prior land acquisition on consumptive use permitting.—The fact that any applicant has acquired, by the exercise of eminent domain or otherwise, any land for the specific purpose of serving as a site for a wellfield or right-of-way prior to obtaining a consumptive use permit from a water management district does not create any presumption of entitlement to a consumptive use permit. Evidence relating to such prior acquisition of land or right-of-way by any applicant is not admissible in any proceeding related to consumptive use permitting and has no bearing upon any water management district’s determination of reasonable beneficial use in the permitting process. In the event that any applicant elects to acquire land prior to obtaining a consumptive use permit from a water management district, such action shall be considered a voluntary risk assumed by the applicant, and the fact of such prior acquisition shall not be admissible in any administrative or judicial proceeding relating to consumptive use permitting under this chapter, including any appeal taken from a water management district decision.
History.—s. 85, ch. 83-310.
373.224 Existing permits.—Any permits or permit agreements for consumptive use of water executed or issued by an existing flood control, water management, or water regulatory district pursuant to this chapter or chapter 378 prior to December 31, 1976, shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms until otherwise modified or revoked as authorized herein.
History.—s. 11, ch. 73-190; s. 3, ch. 75-125.
373.226 Existing uses.—
(1) All existing uses of water, unless otherwise exempted from regulation by the provisions of this chapter, may be continued after adoption of this permit system only with a permit issued as provided herein.
(2) The governing board or the department shall issue an initial permit for the continuation of all uses in existence before the effective date of implementation of this part if the existing use is a reasonable-beneficial use as defined in s. 373.019 and is allowable under the common law of this state.
(3) Application for permit under the provisions of subsection (2) must be made within a period of 2 years from the effective date of implementation of these regulations in an area. Failure to apply within this period shall create a conclusive presumption of abandonment of the use, and the user, if he or she desires to revive the use, must apply for a permit under the provisions of s. 373.229.
History.—s. 4, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 12, ch. 73-190; s. 598, ch. 95-148; s. 9, ch. 98-88.
373.227 Water conservation; legislative findings and intent; objectives; comprehensive statewide water conservation program requirements.—
(1) The Legislature recognizes that the proper conservation of water is an important means of achieving the economical and efficient utilization of water necessary, in part, to constitute a reasonable-beneficial use. The overall water conservation goal of the state is to prevent and reduce wasteful, uneconomical, impractical, or unreasonable use of water resources. The Legislature finds that the social, economic, and cultural conditions of the state relating to the use of public water supply vary by service area and that public water supply utilities must have the flexibility to tailor water conservation measures to best suit their individual circumstances. The Legislature encourages the use of efficient, effective, and affordable water conservation measures. Where water is provided by a public water supply utility, the Legislature intends that a variety of conservation measures be made available and used to encourage efficient water use. To achieve these conservation objectives, the state should emphasize goal-based, accountable, tailored, and measurable water conservation programs for public water supply. For purposes of this section, the term “public water supply utility” includes both publicly owned and privately owned public water supply utilities that sell potable water on a retail basis to end users.
(2) To implement the findings in subsection (1), the department, in cooperation with the water management districts and other stakeholders, shall develop a comprehensive statewide water conservation program for public water supply. The program should:
(a) Encourage utilities to implement water conservation programs that are economically efficient, effective, affordable, and appropriate;
(b) Allow no reduction in, and increase where possible, utility-specific water conservation effectiveness over current programs;
(c) Be goal-based, accountable, measurable, and implemented collaboratively with water suppliers, water users, and water management agencies;
(d) Include cost and benefit data on individual water conservation practices to assist in tailoring practices to be effective for the unique characteristics of particular utility service areas, focusing upon cost-effective measures;
(e) Use standardized public water supply conservation definitions and standardized quantitative and qualitative performance measures for an overall system of assessing and benchmarking the effectiveness of water conservation programs and practices;
(f) Create a clearinghouse or inventory for water conservation programs and practices available to public water supply utilities which will provide an integrated statewide database for the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of quantitative and qualitative information on public water supply conservation programs and practices and their effectiveness. The clearinghouse or inventory should have technical assistance capabilities to aid in the design, refinement, and implementation of water conservation programs and practices. The clearinghouse or inventory shall also provide for continual assessment of the effectiveness of water conservation programs and practices;
(g) Develop a standardized water conservation planning process for utilities; and
(h) Develop and maintain a Florida-specific water conservation guidance document containing a menu of affordable and effective water conservation practices to assist public water supply utilities in the design and implementation of goal-based, utility-specific water conservation plans tailored for their individual service areas as provided in subsection (4).
(3) Regarding the use of water conservation or drought rate structures as a conservation practice, a water management district shall afford a public water supply utility wide latitude in selecting a rate structure and shall limit its review to whether the utility has provided reasonable assurance that the rate structure contains a schedule of rates designed to promote efficient use of water by providing economic incentives. A water management district shall not fix or revise rates.
(4) As part of an application for a consumptive use permit, a public water supply utility may propose a goal-based water conservation plan that is tailored to its individual circumstances. Progress towards goals must be measurable. If the utility provides reasonable assurance that the plan will achieve effective water conservation at least as well as the water conservation requirements adopted by the appropriate water management district and is otherwise consistent with s. 373.223, the district must approve the plan which shall satisfy water conservation requirements imposed as a condition of obtaining a consumptive use permit. The conservation measures included in an approved goal-based water conservation plan may be reviewed periodically and updated as needed to ensure efficient water use for the duration of the permit. If the plan fails to meet the water conservation goal or goals by the timeframes specified in the permit, the public water supply utility shall revise the plan to address the deficiency or employ the water conservation requirements that would otherwise apply in the absence of an approved goal-based plan.
(5) To incentivize water conservation, if actual water use is less than permitted water use due to documented implementation of water conservation measures beyond those required in a consumptive use permit, including, but not limited to, those measures identified in best management practices pursuant to s. 570.93, the permitted allocation may not be modified solely due to such water conservation during the term of the permit. To promote water conservation and the implementation of measures that produce significant water savings beyond those required in a consumptive use permit, each water management district shall adopt rules providing water conservation incentives, which may include limited permit extensions.
(6) For consumptive use permits for agricultural irrigation, if actual water use is less than permitted water use due to weather events, crop diseases, nursery stock availability, market conditions, or changes in crop type, a district may not, as a result, reduce permitted allocation amounts during the term of the permit.
(7) The department or a water management district may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to carry out the purposes of this section.
History.—s. 8, ch. 2004-381; s. 58, ch. 2013-15; s. 12, ch. 2016-1.
373.228 Landscape irrigation design.—
(1) The Legislature finds that multiple areas throughout the state have been identified by water management districts as water resource caution areas, which indicates that in the near future water demand in those areas will exceed the current available water supply and that conservation is one of the mechanisms by which future water demand will be met.
(2) The Legislature finds that landscape irrigation comprises a significant portion of water use and that current typical landscape irrigation systems and Florida-friendly landscaping designs offer significant potential water conservation benefits.
(3) It is the intent of the Legislature to improve landscape irrigation water use efficiency by ensuring that landscape irrigation systems meet or exceed minimum design criteria.
(4) The water management districts shall work with the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, the Florida Native Plant Society, the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Florida Irrigation Society, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, the Florida League of Cities, the Florida Association of Counties, and the Florida Association of Community Developers to develop landscape irrigation and Florida-friendly landscaping design standards for new construction which incorporate a landscape irrigation system and develop scientifically based model guidelines for urban, commercial, and residential landscape irrigation, including drip irrigation, for plants, trees, sod, and other landscaping. The standards shall be based on the irrigation code defined in the Florida Building Code, Plumbing Volume, Appendix F. Local governments shall use the standards and guidelines when developing landscape irrigation and Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances. By January 1, 2011, the agencies and entities specified in this subsection shall review the standards and guidelines to determine whether new research findings require a change or modification of the standards and guidelines.
(5) In evaluating water use applications from public water suppliers, water management districts shall consider whether the applicable local government has adopted ordinances for landscaping and irrigation systems consistent with the Florida-friendly landscaping provisions of s. 373.185.
History.—s. 6, ch. 2004-381; s. 13, ch. 2008-150; s. 19, ch. 2009-243.
373.229 Application for permit.—
(1) All permit applications filed with the governing board or the department under this part and notice thereof required under s. 373.116 shall contain:
(a) The name of the applicant and his or her address or, in the case of a corporation, the address of its principal business office;
(b) The date of filing;
(c) The date set for a hearing, if any;
(d) The source of the water supply;
(e) The quantity of water applied for;
(f) The use to be made of the water and any limitation thereon;
(g) The place of use;
(h) The location of the well or point of diversion; and
(i) Such other information as the governing board or the department may deem necessary.
(2) The notice shall state that written objections to the proposed permit may be filed with the governing board or the department by a specified date. The governing board or the department, at its discretion, may request further information from either applicant or objectors, and a reasonable time shall be allowed for such responses.
(3) In addition to the information required in subsection (1), all permit applications filed with the governing board or the department which propose the transport and use of water across county boundaries shall include information pertaining to factors to be considered, pursuant to s. 373.223(3), unless exempt under s. 373.713(9).
(4) If the proposed application is for less than 100,000 gallons per day, the governing board or the department may consider the application and any objections thereto without a hearing. If the proposed application is for 100,000 gallons per day or more and no objection is received, the governing board or the department, after proper investigation by its staff, may, at its discretion, approve the application without a hearing.
History.—s. 5, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 13, ch. 73-190; s. 11, ch. 76-243; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 599, ch. 95-148; s. 5, ch. 98-88; s. 17, ch. 2010-205.
373.2295 Interdistrict transfers of groundwater.—
(1) As used in this section, the term “interdistrict transfer and use” means a consumptive water use that involves the withdrawal of groundwater from a point within one water management district for use outside the boundaries of that district, but does not include a withdrawal and use within the same county. In case of withdrawal of groundwater from a point within one water management district for use outside the boundaries of that district but within the same county, the provisions of subsections (4), (11), and (13) shall apply, and the district considering a permit application for such a consumptive use shall apply the applicable provisions of this chapter, and its rules, to the withdrawal and use.
(2) To obtain a permit for an interdistrict transfer and use of groundwater, an applicant must file an application in accordance with s. 373.229 with the water management district having jurisdiction over the area from which the applicant proposes to withdraw groundwater and submit a copy of the application to the water management district having jurisdiction over the area where the water is to be used.
(3) The governing board of the water management district where the groundwater is proposed to be withdrawn shall review the application in accordance with this part, the rules of the district which relate to consumptive water use permitting, and other applicable provisions of this chapter.
(4) In determining if an application is consistent with the public interest as required by s. 373.223, the projected populations, as contained in the future land use elements of the comprehensive plans adopted pursuant to chapter 163 by the local governments within which the withdrawal areas and the proposed use areas are located, will be considered together with other evidence presented on future needs of those areas. If the proposed interdistrict transfer of groundwater meets the requirements of this chapter, and if the needs of the area where the use will occur and the specific area from which the groundwater will be withdrawn can be satisfied, the permit for the interdistrict transfer and use shall be issued.
(5) In addition to other requirements contained in this part, the water management district where the groundwater is proposed to be withdrawn shall:
(a) Furnish copies of any application, information, correspondence, or other related material to the water management district having jurisdiction over the area where the water is to be used; and
(b) Request comments on the application and the future water needs of the proposed use area from the water management district having jurisdiction over the area where the water is to be used. If comments are received, they must be attached to the preliminary notice of intended agency action and may not create a point of entry for review whether issued by the governing board or district staff.
(6) Upon completion of review of the application, the water management district where the groundwater is proposed to be withdrawn shall prepare a notice of preliminary intended agency action which shall include an evaluation of the application and a recommendation of approval, denial, or approval with conditions. The notice shall be furnished to the district where the water is to be used, the applicant, the Department of Environmental Protection, the local governments having jurisdiction over the area from which the groundwater is to be withdrawn and where the water is to be used, and any person requesting a copy of the notice.
(a) Any interested person may, within the time specified in the notice, notify in writing the district from where the groundwater is to be withdrawn of such person’s position and comments or objections, if any, to the preliminary intended action.
(b) The filing of the notice of intended agency action shall toll the time periods contained in s. 120.60 for the granting or denial of a permit for an interdistrict transfer and use of groundwater.
(c) The preliminary intended agency action and any comments or objections of interested persons made pursuant to paragraph (a) shall be considered by the governing board of the water management district where the groundwater is proposed to be withdrawn. Following such consideration, the governing board shall issue a notice of intended agency action.
(d) Any substantially affected person who submitted a notification pursuant to paragraph (a) may request review by the department within 14 days after the filing of the notice of intended agency action. If no request for review is filed, the notice of intended agency action shall become the final order of the governing board.
(7) Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 120, the department shall, within 30 days after its receipt of a request for review of the water management district’s action, approve, deny, or modify the water management district’s action on the proposed interdistrict transfer and use of groundwater. The department shall issue a notice of its intended action. Any substantially affected person who requested review pursuant to paragraph (6)(a) may request an administrative hearing pursuant to chapter 120 within 14 days after notice of the department’s intended action. The parties to such proceeding shall include, at a minimum, the affected water management districts and the applicant. The proceedings initiated by a petition under ss. 120.569 and 120.57, following the department’s issuance of a notice of intended agency action, is the exclusive proceeding authorized for the review of agency action on the interdistrict transfer and use of groundwater. This procedure is to give effect to the legislative intent that this section provide a single, efficient, simplified, coordinated permitting process for the interdistrict transfer and use of groundwater.
(8) The department shall issue a final order which is subject to review pursuant to s. 120.68 or s. 373.114.
(9) In administering this part, the department or the water management districts may enter into interagency agreements. However, such agreements are not subject to the provisions of s. 373.046 and chapter 120.
(10) The state hereby preempts any regulation of the interdistrict transfer and use of groundwater. If any provision of this section is in conflict with any other provision or restriction under any law, administrative rule, or ordinance, this section shall govern and such law, rule, or ordinance shall be deemed superseded for the purposes of this section. A water management district or the department may not adopt special rules which prohibit or restrict interdistrict transfer and use of groundwater in a manner inconsistent with this section.
(11) If, after the final order of the department or final agency action under this section, the proposed use of the site designated in the application for groundwater production, treatment, or transmission facilities does not conform with the existing zoning ordinances, a rezoning application may be submitted. If local authorities deny the application for rezoning, the applicant may appeal this decision to the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission, which shall authorize a variance or nonconforming use to the existing comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances, unless the commission determines after notice and hearing that such variance or nonconforming use is contrary to the public interest.
(12) The permit required under this section and other sections of this chapter and chapter 403 are the sole permits required for interdistrict transfer and use of groundwater, and such permits are in lieu of any license, permit, or similar document required by any state agency or political subdivision pursuant to chapter 163, chapter 380, or chapter 381, and the Florida Transportation Code.
(13) When a consumptive use permit under this section is granted for water use beyond the boundaries of a local government from which or through which the groundwater is withdrawn or transferred and a local government denies a permit required under chapter 125 or chapter 153 for a facility or any infrastructure which produces, treats, transmits, or distributes such groundwater, the person or unit of government applying for the permit under chapter 125 or chapter 153 may appeal the denial to the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission. The commission shall review the local government action for consistency with this chapter and the interdistrict groundwater transfer permit and may reverse, modify, or approve the local government’s action.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-347; s. 266, ch. 94-356; s. 99, ch. 96-410; s. 11, ch. 2000-212; s. 1, ch. 2003-64; s. 2, ch. 2003-265.
373.22951 Validation of prior agreements between water management districts.—Any agreements between water management districts entered into before the effective date of this act pursuant to s. 373.046 authorizing the issuance of permits for the interdistrict withdrawal and use of water within a county are validated and shall continue in effect until otherwise rescinded.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2003-64; s. 3, ch. 2003-265.
373.232 Citation of rule.—In addition to any other provisions within this part or any rules promulgated hereunder, the permitting agency shall, when requesting information for a permit application pursuant to this part or such rules promulgated hereunder, cite a specific rule. If a request for information cannot be accompanied by a rule citation, failure to provide such information cannot be grounds to deny a permit.
History.—s. 4, ch. 79-161.
373.233 Competing applications.—
(1) If two or more applications that otherwise comply with the provisions of this part are pending for a quantity of water that is inadequate for both or all, or that for any other reason are in conflict, and the water management district or department has deemed the applications complete, the water management district or the department has the right to approve or modify the application that best serves the public interest.
(2)(a) If two or more competing applications qualify equally under subsection (1), the governing board or the department shall give preference to a renewal application over an initial application.
(b) If two or more competing applications qualify equally under subsection (1) and none of the competing applications is a renewal application, the governing board or the department shall give preference to the application for the use where the source is nearest to the area of use or application consistent with s. 373.016(4)(a).
History.—s. 6, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 9, ch. 2013-92; s. 13, ch. 2016-1.
373.236 Duration of permits; compliance reports.—
(1) Permits shall be granted for a period of 20 years, if requested for that period of time, if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that the conditions for permit issuance will be met for the duration of the permit; otherwise, permits may be issued for shorter durations which reflect the period for which such reasonable assurances can be provided. The governing board or the department may base the duration of permits on a reasonable system of classification according to source of supply or type of use, or both.
(2) The Legislature finds that some agricultural landowners remain unaware of their ability to request a 20-year consumptive use permit under subsection (1) for initial permits or for renewals. Therefore, the water management districts shall inform agricultural applicants of this option in the application form.
(3) The governing board or the department may authorize a permit of duration of up to 50 years in the case of a municipality or other governmental body or of a public works or public service corporation where such a period is required to provide for the retirement of bonds for the construction of waterworks and waste disposal facilities.
(4) Where necessary to maintain reasonable assurance that the conditions for issuance of a 20-year permit can continue to be met, the governing board or department, in addition to any conditions required pursuant to s. 373.219, may require a compliance report by the permittee every 10 years during the term of a permit. The Suwannee River Water Management District may require a compliance report by the permittee every 5 years through July 1, 2015, and thereafter every 10 years during the term of the permit. This report shall contain sufficient data to maintain reasonable assurance that the initial conditions for permit issuance are met. Following review of this report, the governing board or the department may modify the permit to ensure that the use meets the conditions for issuance. Permit modifications pursuant to this subsection shall not be subject to competing applications, provided there is no increase in the permitted allocation or permit duration, and no change in source, except for changes in source requested by the district. In order to promote the sustainability of natural systems through the diversification of water supplies through the development of seawater desalination plants, a water management district may not reduce an existing permitted allocation of water during the permit term as a result of planned future construction of, or additional water becoming available from, a new seawater desalination plant that does not receive funding from a water management district. Except as expressly provided in this subsection, this subsection does not alter the existing authority of a water management district to modify a consumptive use permit pursuant to this chapter.
(5)(a) A permit approved for the development of alternative water supplies shall be granted for a term of at least 20 years if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that the conditions for permit issuance will be met for the duration of the permit. However, if the permittee issues bonds for the construction of the project, upon request of the permittee before the expiration of the permit, the permit shall be extended for such additional time as is required for the retirement of bonds, not including any refunding or refinancing of such bonds, if the governing board determines that the use will continue to meet the conditions for the issuance of the permit. The permit is subject to compliance reports under subsection (4).
(b)1. A permit approved on or after July 1, 2013, for the development of alternative water supplies shall be granted for a term of at least 30 years if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that the conditions for permit issuance will be met for the duration of the permit. If, within 7 years after a permit is granted, the permittee issues bonds to finance the project, completes construction of the project, and requests an extension of the permit duration, the permit shall be extended to expire upon the retirement of such bonds or 30 years after the date that construction of the project is complete, whichever occurs later. However, a permit’s duration may not be extended by more than 7 years beyond the permit’s original expiration date.
2. A permit issued under this paragraph is subject to compliance reports under subsection (4). If the permittee demonstrates that bonds issued to finance the project are outstanding, the quantity of alternative water allocated in the permit may not be reduced during a compliance report review unless a reduction is needed to address harm to water resources or to existing legal uses present when the permit was issued. A reduction required by an applicable water shortage order applies to a permit issued under this paragraph.
3. A permit issued under this paragraph may not authorize the use of nonbrackish groundwater supplies or nonalternative water supplies.
(c) An entity that wishes to develop alternative water supplies may apply for a permit under paragraph (a) or paragraph (b).
(6)(a) The Legislature finds that the need for alternative water supply development projects to meet anticipated public water supply demands of the state is so important that it is essential to encourage participation in and contribution to these projects by private-rural-land owners who characteristically have relatively modest near-term water demands but substantially increasing demands after the 20-year planning period in s. 373.709. Therefore, where such landowners make extraordinary contributions of lands or construction funding to enable the expeditious implementation of such projects, water management districts and the department may grant permits for such projects for a period of up to 50 years to municipalities, counties, special districts, regional water supply authorities, multijurisdictional water supply entities, and publicly or privately owned utilities, with the exception of any publicly or privately owned utilities created for or by a private landowner after April 1, 2008, which have entered into an agreement with the private landowner for the purpose of more efficiently pursuing alternative public water supply development projects identified in a district’s regional water supply plan and meeting water demands of both the applicant and the landowner.
(b) A permit under paragraph (a) may be granted only for that period for which there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that the conditions for permit issuance will be met. Such a permit shall require a compliance report by the permittee every 5 years during the term of the permit. The report shall contain sufficient data to maintain reasonable assurance that the conditions for permit issuance applicable at the time of district review of the compliance report are met. After review of this report, the governing board or the department may modify the permit to ensure that the use meets the conditions for issuance. This subsection does not limit the existing authority of the department or the governing board to modify or revoke a consumptive use permit.
(7) A permit approved for a renewable energy generating facility or the cultivation of agricultural products on lands consisting of 1,000 acres or more for use in the production of renewable energy, as defined in s. 366.91(2)(e), shall be granted for a term of at least 25 years at the applicant’s request based on the anticipated life of the facility if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that the conditions for permit issuance will be met for the duration of the permit; otherwise, a permit may be issued for a shorter duration that reflects the longest period for which such reasonable assurances are provided. Such a permit is subject to compliance reports under subsection (4).
(8) A water management district may issue a permit to an applicant, as set forth in s. 163.3245(13), for the same period of time as the applicant’s approved master development order if the master development order was issued under s. 380.06(9) by a county which, at the time the order was issued, was designated as a rural area of opportunity under s. 288.0656, was not located in an area encompassed by a regional water supply plan as set forth in s. 373.709(1), and was not located within the basin management action plan of a first magnitude spring. In reviewing the permit application and determining the permit duration, the water management district shall apply s. 163.3245(4)(b).
History.—s. 7, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 13, ch. 97-160; s. 7, ch. 2005-291; s. 7, ch. 2006-255; s. 10, ch. 2009-243; s. 70, ch. 2010-5; ss. 18, 55, ch. 2010-205; s. 10, ch. 2013-92; s. 1, ch. 2013-169; s. 17, ch. 2015-30; s. 37, ch. 2016-10; s. 15, ch. 2018-158; s. 4, ch. 2021-178.
373.239 Modification and renewal of permit terms.—
(1) A permittee may seek modification of any terms of an unexpired permit.
(2) If the proposed modification involves water use of 100,000 gallons or more per day, the application shall be treated under the provisions of s. 373.229 in the same manner as the initial permit application. Otherwise, the governing board or the department may at its discretion approve the proposed modification without a hearing, provided the permittee establishes that:
(a) A change in conditions has resulted in the water allowed under the permit becoming inadequate for the permittee’s need, or
(b) The proposed modification would result in a more efficient utilization of water than is possible under the existing permit.
(3) All permit renewal applications shall be treated under this part in the same manner as the initial permit application.
History.—s. 8, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 14, ch. 73-190.
373.243 Revocation of permits.—The governing board or the department may revoke a permit as follows:
(1) For any material false statement in an application to continue, initiate, or modify a use, or for any material false statement in any report or statement of fact required of the user pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the governing board or the department may revoke the user’s permit, in whole or in part, permanently.
(2) For willful violation of the conditions of the permit, the governing board or the department may permanently or temporarily revoke the permit, in whole or in part.
(3) For violation of any provision of this chapter, the governing board or the department may revoke the permit, in whole or in part, for a period not to exceed 1 year.
(4) For nonuse of the water supply allowed by the permit for a period of 2 years or more, the governing board or the department may revoke the permit permanently and in whole unless the user can prove that his or her nonuse was due to extreme hardship caused by factors beyond the user’s control. For a permit issued pursuant to s. 373.236(7), the governing board or the department may revoke the permit only if the nonuse of the water supply allowed by the permit is for a period of 4 years or more.
(5) The governing board or the department may revoke a permit, permanently and in whole, with the written consent of the permittee.
History.—s. 9, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 600, ch. 95-148; s. 11, ch. 2009-243.
373.244 Temporary permits.—
(1) The governing board of a water management district may issue, or may authorize its executive director to issue, temporary permits for the consumptive use of water while an application is pending for a permit pursuant to ss. 373.219 and 373.229.
(2) Such a temporary permit shall be issued for a period of time to expire on the day following the next regular meeting of the governing board. At such meeting, the governing board shall consider whether it appears that the proposed use meets the criteria set forth in s. 373.223(1) and that such temporary permit is necessary for consumptive use of water prior to final action on an application for a permit pursuant to ss. 373.219 and 373.229.
(3) The governing board may summarily extend the term of a temporary permit for subsequent periods of time to expire on or before the day following the next regular meeting of the governing board.
(4) The board shall review temporary permits at each regular meeting and may terminate a temporary permit or refuse to extend it further upon a finding that the water use does not meet the criteria set forth in s. 373.223(1) or that adverse effects are occurring as a result of water use under the temporary permit or that the water authorized to be used under such permit is no longer required by the permitholder.
(5) The notice and hearing that might otherwise be required pursuant to s. 373.116(2) and chapter 120 shall not be required prior to issuance or extension of a temporary permit pursuant to the provisions of this section.
(6) Issuance of a temporary permit pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not in any way be construed as a commitment to issue a permit pursuant to ss. 373.219 and 373.229. No action taken by the governing board, or by the executive director if so authorized, shall be construed to estop the governing board from subsequently denying an application for a permit pursuant to ss. 373.219 and 373.229.
History.—s. 1, ch. 79-160.
373.246 Declaration of water shortage or emergency.—
(1) The governing board or the department by regulation shall formulate a plan for implementation during periods of water shortage. As a part of this plan the governing board or the department shall adopt a reasonable system of water-use classification according to source of water supply; method of extraction, withdrawal, or diversion; or use of water or a combination thereof. The plan may include provisions for variances and alternative measures to prevent undue hardship and ensure equitable distribution of water resources.
(2) The governing board or the department by order may declare that a water shortage exists for a source or sources within all or part of the district when insufficient water is or will be available to meet the present and anticipated requirements of the users or when conditions are such as to require temporary reduction in total use within the area to protect water resources from serious harm. Such orders will be final agency action.
(3) In accordance with the plan adopted under subsection (1), the governing board or the department may impose such restrictions on one or more classes of water uses as may be necessary to protect the water resources of the area from serious harm and to restore them to their previous condition.
(4) A declaration of water shortage and any measures adopted pursuant thereto may be rescinded by the governing board or the department.
(5) When a water shortage is declared, the governing board or the department shall cause notice thereof to be published in a prominent place within a newspaper of general circulation throughout the area. Publication of such notice will serve as notice to all users in the area of the condition of water shortage.
(6) The governing board or the department shall notify each permittee in the district by electronic mail or regular mail of any change in the condition of his or her permit or any suspension of his or her permit or of any other restriction on the permittee’s use of water for the duration of the water shortage.
(7) If an emergency condition exists due to a water shortage within any area of the district, and if the department, or the executive director of the district with the concurrence of the governing board, finds that the exercise of powers under subsection (1) is not sufficient to protect the public health, safety, or welfare; the health of animals, fish, or aquatic life; a public water supply; or recreational, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other reasonable uses, it or he or she may, pursuant to the provisions of s. 373.119, issue emergency orders reciting the existence of such an emergency and requiring that such action, including, but not limited to, apportioning, rotating, limiting, or prohibiting the use of the water resources of the district, be taken as the department or the executive director deems necessary to meet the emergency.
(8) An affected party to whom an emergency order is directed under subsection (7) shall comply immediately, but may challenge such an order in the manner set forth in s. 373.119.
History.—s. 10, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 11, ch. 82-101; s. 10, ch. 84-341; s. 601, ch. 95-148; s. 168, ch. 99-13; s. 11, ch. 2013-92.
373.249 Existing regulatory districts preserved.—The enactment of this chapter shall not affect any existing water regulatory districts pursuant to chapter 373, or orders issued by said regulatory districts, unless specifically revoked, modified, or amended by such regulatory district or by the department.
History.—s. 11, part II, ch. 72-299.
373.250 Reuse of reclaimed water.—
(1)(a) The encouragement and promotion of water conservation and reuse of reclaimed water, as defined by the department and used in this chapter, are state objectives and considered to be in the public interest. The Legislature finds that the use of reclaimed water provided by domestic wastewater treatment plants permitted and operated under a reuse program approved by the department is environmentally acceptable and not a threat to public health and safety.
(b) The Legislature recognizes that the interest of the state to sustain water resources for the future through the use of reclaimed water must be balanced with the need of reuse utilities to operate and manage reclaimed water systems in accordance with a variety and range of circumstances, including regulatory and financial considerations, which influence the development and operation of reclaimed water systems across the state.
(2) Reclaimed water is an alternative water supply as defined in s. 373.019(1) and is eligible for alternative water supply funding. A contract for state or district funding assistance for the development of reclaimed water as an alternative water supply may include provisions listed under s. 373.707(9). The use of reclaimed water may not be excluded from regional water supply planning under s. 373.709.
(3)(a) Reclaimed water may be presumed available to a consumptive use permit applicant when a utility exists which provides reclaimed water, which has determined that it has uncommitted reclaimed water capacity, and which has distribution facilities, which are initially provided by the utility at its cost, to the site of the affected applicant’s proposed use.
(b) A water management district may not require a permit for the use of reclaimed water. However, when a use includes surface water or groundwater, the permit for such sources may include conditions that govern the use of the permitted sources in relation to the feasibility or use of reclaimed water.
(c) A water management district may require the use of reclaimed water in lieu of all or a portion of a proposed use of surface water or groundwater by an applicant when the use of reclaimed water is available; is environmentally, economically, and technically feasible; and is of such quality and reliability as is necessary to the user. However, a water management district may neither specify any user to whom the reuse utility must provide reclaimed water nor restrict the use of reclaimed water provided by a reuse utility to a customer in a permit or, unless requested by the reuse utility, in a water shortage order or water shortage emergency order.
(d) The South Florida Water Management District shall require the use of reclaimed water made available by the elimination of wastewater ocean outfall discharges as provided for in s. 403.086(10) in lieu of surface water or groundwater when the use of reclaimed water is available; is environmentally, economically, and technically feasible; and is of such quality and reliability as is necessary to the user. Such reclaimed water may also be required in lieu of other alternative sources. In determining whether to require such reclaimed water in lieu of other alternative sources, the water management district shall consider existing infrastructure investments in place or obligated to be constructed by an executed contract or similar binding agreement as of July 1, 2011, for the development of other alternative sources.
(4) The water management district shall, in consultation with the department, adopt rules to implement this section. Such rules shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) Provisions to permit use of water from other sources in emergency situations or if reclaimed water becomes unavailable, for the duration of the emergency or the unavailability of reclaimed water. These provisions shall also specify the method for establishing the quantity of water to be set aside for use in emergencies or when reclaimed water becomes unavailable. The amount set aside is subject to periodic review and revision. The methodology shall take into account the risk that reclaimed water may not be available in the future, the risk that other sources may be fully allocated to other uses in the future, the nature of the uses served with reclaimed water, the extent to which the applicant intends to rely upon reclaimed water, and the extent of economic harm which may result if other sources are not available to replace the reclaimed water. It is the intent of this paragraph to ensure that users of reclaimed water have the same access to ground or surface water and will otherwise be treated in the same manner as other users of the same class not relying on reclaimed water.
(b) Provisions to require permit applicants that are not reuse utilities to provide, as part of their reclaimed water feasibility evaluation for a nonpotable use, written documentation from a reuse utility addressing the availability of reclaimed water. This requirement shall apply when the applicant’s proposed use is within an area that is or may be served with reclaimed water by a reuse utility within a 5-year horizon, as established by the reuse utility and provided to the district. If the applicable reuse utility fails to respond or does not provide the information required under paragraph (c) within 30 days after receipt of the request, the applicant shall provide to the district a copy of the written request and a statement that the utility failed to provide the requested information. The district is not required to adopt, by rule, the area where written documentation from a reuse utility is required, but the district shall publish the area, and any updates thereto, on the district’s website. This paragraph may not be construed to limit the ability of a district to require the use of reclaimed water or to limit a utility’s ability to plan reclaimed water infrastructure.
(c) Provisions specifying the content of the documentation required in paragraph (b), including sufficient information regarding the availability and costs associated with the connection to and the use of reclaimed water, to facilitate the permit applicant’s reclaimed water feasibility evaluation.
A water management district may not adopt any rule that gives preference to users within any class of use established under s. 373.246 who do not use reclaimed water over users within the same class who use reclaimed water.
(5)(a) No later than October 1, 2012, the department shall initiate rulemaking to adopt revisions to the water resource implementation rule, as defined in s. 373.019(25), which shall include:
1. Criteria for the use of a proposed impact offset derived from the use of reclaimed water when a water management district evaluates an application for a consumptive use permit. As used in this subparagraph, the term “impact offset” means the use of reclaimed water to reduce or eliminate a harmful impact that has occurred or would otherwise occur as a result of other surface water or groundwater withdrawals.
2. Criteria for the use of substitution credits where a water management district has adopted rules establishing withdrawal limits from a specified water resource within a defined geographic area. As used in this subparagraph, the term “substitution credit” means the use of reclaimed water to replace all or a portion of an existing permitted use of resource-limited surface water or groundwater, allowing a different user or use to initiate a withdrawal or increase its withdrawal from the same resource-limited surface water or groundwater source provided that the withdrawal creates no net adverse impact on the limited water resource or creates a net positive impact if required by water management district rule as part of a strategy to protect or recover a water resource.
(b) Within 60 days after the final adoption by the department of the revisions to the water resource implementation rule required under paragraph (a), each water management district shall initiate rulemaking to incorporate those revisions by reference into the rules of the district.
(6) Reuse utilities and the applicable water management district or districts are encouraged to periodically coordinate and share information concerning the status of reclaimed water distribution system construction, the availability of reclaimed water supplies, and existing consumptive use permits in areas served by the reuse utility.
(7) This section does not impair or limit the authority of a water management district to plan for and regulate consumptive uses of water under this chapter or regulate the use of surface water or groundwater to supplement a reclaimed water system.
(8) This section applies to applications for new consumptive use permits and renewals and modifications of existing consumptive use permits.
History.—s. 2, ch. 94-243; s. 35, ch. 97-160; s. 18, ch. 97-164; s. 37, ch. 99-247; s. 5, ch. 2004-381; s. 4, ch. 2008-232; s. 56, ch. 2010-205; s. 2, ch. 2012-150; s. 59, ch. 2013-15; s. 32, ch. 2020-150.
PART III
REGULATION OF WELLS373.302 Legislative findings.
373.303 Definitions.
373.306 Scope.
373.308 Implementation of programs for regulating water wells.
373.309 Authority to adopt rules and procedures.
373.313 Prior permission and notification.
373.314 Citation of rule.
373.316 Existing installations.
373.319 Inspections.
373.323 Licensure of water well contractors; application, qualifications, and examinations; equipment identification.
373.324 License renewal.
373.325 Inactive status.
373.326 Exemptions.
373.329 Fees for licensure.
373.333 Disciplinary guidelines; adoption and enforcement; license suspension or revocation.
373.335 Clearinghouse.
373.336 Unlawful acts; penalties.
373.337 Rules.
373.342 Permits.
373.302 Legislative findings.—The Legislature recognizes that the practice of constructing, repairing, and abandoning water wells, if conducted by incompetent contractors, is potentially threatening to the health of the public and to the environment. The Legislature finds that a threat to the public and the environment exists if water resources become contaminated as a result of wells drilled by incompetent or dishonest contractors, and that to prevent contamination, it is necessary to regulate the construction, repair, and abandonment of wells, and the persons and businesses responsible therefor.
History.—s. 9, ch. 88-242.
373.303 Definitions.—As used in this part, the term:
(1) “Abandoned water well” means a well the use of which has been permanently discontinued. Any well shall be deemed abandoned which is in such a state of disrepair, as determined by a representative of the department, that continued use for the purpose of obtaining groundwater or disposing of water or liquid wastes is impracticable.
(2) “Construction of water wells” means all parts necessary to obtain groundwater by wells, including the location and excavation of the well, but excluding the installation of pumps and pumping equipment.
(3) “Department” means the Department of Environmental Protection.
(4) “Political subdivision” means a city, town, county, district, or other public body created by or pursuant to state law, or any combination thereof acting cooperatively or jointly.
(5) “Repair” means any action which involves the physical alteration or replacement of any part of a well, but does not include the alteration or replacement of any portion of a well which is above ground surface.
(6) “Water well contractor” means a person who is responsible for the construction, repair, or abandonment of a water well and who is licensed under this part to engage in the business of construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells.
(7) “Well” means any excavation that is drilled, cored, bored, washed, driven, dug, jetted, or otherwise constructed when the intended use of such excavation is for the location, acquisition, development, or artificial recharge of groundwater, but such term does not include any well for the purpose of obtaining or prospecting for oil, natural gas, minerals, or products of mining or quarrying; for inserting media to dispose of oil brines or to repressure oil-bearing or natural gas-bearing formation; for storing petroleum, natural gas, or other products; or for temporary dewatering of subsurface formations for mining, quarrying, or construction purposes.
(8) “Well seal” means an approved arrangement or device to prevent contaminants from entering the well at the upper terminal.
History.—s. 1, part III, ch. 72-299; s. 228, ch. 81-259; ss. 74, 75, ch. 83-310; ss. 10, 24, ch. 88-242; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 267, ch. 94-356.
373.306 Scope.—No person shall construct, repair, abandon, or cause to be constructed, repaired, or abandoned, any water well contrary to the provisions of this part and applicable rules and regulations. This part shall not apply to equipment used temporarily for dewatering purposes or to the process used in dewatering.
History.—s. 2, part III, ch. 72-299; s. 15, ch. 73-190.
373.308 Implementation of programs for regulating water wells.—
(1) The department shall authorize the governing board of a water management district to implement a program for the issuance of permits for the location, construction, repair, and abandonment of water wells. Upon authorization from the department, issuance of well permits will be the sole responsibility of the water management district, delegated local government, or local county health department. Other local governmental entities may not impose additional or duplicate requirements or fees or establish a separate program for the permitting of the location, abandonment, boring, or other activities reasonably associated with the installation and abandonment of a groundwater well.
(2) The department shall authorize the governing board of a water management district to exercise any power authorized to be exercised by the department under ss. 373.309, 373.313, 373.316, 373.319, 373.323, 373.329, and 373.333 and shall encourage the district to fully exercise such powers as soon as practicable.
(3) Delegations pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) and ss. 373.323 and 373.333 may be rescinded only if the secretary determines that such delegations are not being carried out in accordance with the rules of the department.
(4) Notwithstanding the provision in this section for delegation of authority to a water management district, the department may prescribe minimum standards for the location, construction, repair, and abandonment of water wells throughout all or parts of the state, as may be determined by the department.
History.—s. 2, ch. 79-160; s. 76, ch. 83-310; s. 11, ch. 88-242; s. 12, ch. 2013-92.
373.309 Authority to adopt rules and procedures.—
(1) The department shall adopt, and may from time to time amend, rules governing the location, construction, repair, and abandonment of water wells and shall be responsible for the administration of this part. With respect thereto, the department shall:
(a) Enforce the provisions of this part and any rules adopted pursuant thereto.
(b) Delegate, by interagency agreement adopted pursuant to s. 373.046, to water management districts, the Department of Health, or any other political subdivision any of its authority under this part in the administration of the rules adopted hereunder under such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon, and may rescind such delegation upon a determination that the program is not being adequately administered.
(c) Establish procedures and forms for the submission, review, approval, and rejection of applications, notifications, and reports required under this part.
(d) Require at its discretion the making and filing of logs, and the saving of cuttings and cores, which shall be delivered to the department.
(e) Encourage prevention of potable water well contamination and promote cost-effective remediation of contaminated potable water supplies by use of the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund as provided in s. 376.307(1)(e) and establish by rule:
1. Delineation of areas of groundwater contamination for implementation of well location and construction, testing, permitting, and clearance requirements as set forth in subparagraphs 2., 3., 4., 5., and 6. The department shall make available to water management districts, regional planning councils, the Department of Health, and county building and zoning departments, maps or other information on areas of contamination, including areas of ethylene dibromide contamination. Such maps or other information shall be made available to property owners, realtors, real estate associations, property appraisers, and other interested persons upon request and upon payment of appropriate costs.
2. Requirements for testing for suspected contamination in areas of known contamination, as a prerequisite for clearance of a water well for drinking purposes. The department is authorized to establish criteria for acceptance of water quality testing results from the Department of Health and laboratories certified by the Department of Health, and is authorized to establish requirements for sample collection quality assurance.
3. Requirements for mandatory connection to available potable water systems in areas of known contamination, wherein the department may prohibit the permitting and construction of new potable water wells.
4. Location and construction standards for public and all other potable water wells permitted in areas of contamination. Such standards shall be designed to minimize the effects of such contamination.
5. A procedure for permitting all potable water wells in areas of known contamination. Any new water well that is to be used for drinking water purposes and that does not meet construction standards pursuant to subparagraph 4. must be abandoned and plugged by the owner. Water management districts shall implement, through delegation from the department, the permitting and enforcement responsibilities of this subparagraph.
6. A procedure for clearing for use all potable water wells, except wells that serve a public water supply system, in areas of known contamination. If contaminants are found upon testing pursuant to subparagraph 2., a well may not be cleared for use without a filter or other means of preventing the users of the well from being exposed to deleterious amounts of contaminants. The Department of Health shall implement the responsibilities of this subparagraph.
7. Fees to be paid for well construction permits and clearance for use. The fees shall be based on the actual costs incurred by the water management districts, the Department of Health, or other political subdivisions in carrying out the responsibilities related to potable water well permitting and clearance for use. The fees shall provide revenue to cover all such costs and shall be set according to the following schedule:
a. The well construction permit fee may not exceed $500.
b. The clearance fee may not exceed $50.
8. Procedures for implementing well-location, construction, testing, permitting, and clearance requirements as set forth in subparagraphs 2.-6. within areas that research or monitoring data indicate are vulnerable to contamination with nitrate, or areas in which the department provides a subsidy for restoration or replacement of contaminated drinking water supplies through extending existing water lines or developing new water supply systems pursuant to s. 376.307(1)(e). The department shall consult with the Florida Ground Water Association in the process of developing rules pursuant to this subparagraph.
All fees and funds collected by each delegated entity pursuant to this part shall be deposited in the appropriate operating account of that entity.
(f) Issue such additional regulations and take such other actions as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this part.
(2) Notwithstanding ss. 373.219 and 373.326 or any other provision of this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant to this chapter, in any area identified by department rule pursuant to subparagraph (1)(e)1. as an area of known groundwater contamination, the department may by rule require a permit to construct or use any well which is or may be used as a source of drinking water. Rules adopted pursuant to paragraph (1)(e) shall specifically provide for uniformity in permitting of potable water wells in areas of groundwater contamination and shall be adopted by each delegated party.
History.—s. 3, part III, ch. 72-299; s. 229, ch. 81-259; s. 5, ch. 88-393; s. 9, ch. 91-305; s. 9, ch. 94-311; s. 39, ch. 96-321; s. 32, ch. 97-160; s. 67, ch. 99-8.
373.313 Prior permission and notification.—
(1) Taking into consideration other applicable state laws, in any geographical area where the department determines such permission to be reasonably necessary to protect the groundwater resources, prior permission shall be obtained from the department for each of the following:
(a) The construction of any water well;
(b) The repair of any water well; or
(c) The abandonment of any water well.
However, in any area where undue hardship might arise by reason of such requirement, prior permission will not be required.
(2) The department shall be notified of any of the following whenever prior permission is not required:
(a) The construction of any water well;
(b) The repair of any water well; or
(c) The abandonment of any water well.
History.—s. 4, part III, ch. 72-299.
373.314 Citation of rule.—In addition to any other provisions within this part or any rules promulgated hereunder, the permitting agency shall, when requesting information for a permit application pursuant to this part or such rules promulgated hereunder, cite a specific rule. If a request for information cannot be accompanied by a rule citation, failure to provide such information cannot be grounds to deny a permit.
History.—s. 5, ch. 79-161.
373.316 Existing installations.—No well in existence on the effective date of this part shall be required to conform to the provisions of s. 373.313 or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto. However, any well now or hereafter abandoned or repaired as defined in this part shall be brought into compliance with the requirements of this part and any applicable rules or regulations with respect to abandonment of wells, and any well which is determined by the department to be a hazard to the groundwater resources must comply with the provisions of this part and applicable rules and regulations within a reasonable time after notification of such determination has been given.
History.—s. 5, part III, ch. 72-299.
373.319 Inspections.—
(1) The department is authorized to inspect any water well or abandoned water well. Duly authorized representatives of the department may at reasonable times enter upon and shall be given access to any premises for the purpose of such inspection.
(2) If upon the basis of such inspections the department finds applicable laws, rules, or regulations have not been complied with, it shall disapprove the well. If disapproved, no well shall thereafter be used until brought into compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated under this law.
History.—s. 6, part III, ch. 72-299; s. 14, ch. 78-95.
373.323 Licensure of water well contractors; application, qualifications, and examinations; equipment identification.—
(1) Every person who wishes to engage in business as a water well contractor shall obtain from the water management district a license to conduct such business. Licensure under this part by a water management district shall be the only water well contractor license required for the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells in the state or any political subdivision thereof.
(2) Each person desiring to be licensed as a water well contractor shall apply to take the licensure examination. Application shall be made to the water management district in which the applicant resides or in which his or her principal place of business is located. A resident of another state shall apply to the water management district in which most of the business of the applicant will take place. Application shall be made on forms provided by the water management district.
(3) An applicant who meets the following requirements shall be entitled to take the water well contractor licensure examination:
(a) Is at least 18 years of age.
(b) Has at least 2 years of experience in constructing, repairing, or abandoning water wells. Satisfactory proof of such experience shall be demonstrated by providing:
1. Evidence of the length of time the applicant has been engaged in the business of the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells as a major activity, as attested to by a letter from a water well contractor or a letter from a water well inspector employed by a governmental agency.
2. A list of at least 10 water wells that the applicant has constructed, repaired, or abandoned within the preceding 5 years. Of these wells, at least seven must have been constructed, as defined in s. 373.303(2), by the applicant. The list shall also include:
a. The name and address of the owner or owners of each well.
b. The location, primary use, and approximate depth and diameter of each well that the applicant has constructed, repaired, or abandoned.
c. The approximate date the construction, repair, or abandonment of each well was completed.
(c) Has completed the application form and remitted a nonrefundable application fee.
(4) The department shall prepare an examination which shall test an applicant’s knowledge of rules and regulations adopted under this part; ability to construct, repair, and abandon a well; and ability to supervise, direct, manage, and control the contracting activities of a water well contracting business. The department shall provide each water management district and representatives of the water well contracting industry with meaningful opportunity to participate in the development of the examination.
(5) The water management district shall issue a water well contracting license to any applicant who receives a passing grade on the examination, has paid the initial application fee, takes and completes, to the satisfaction of the department, a minimum of 12 hours of approved coursework, and has complied with the requirements of this section. A passing grade on the examination shall be as established by the department by rule. A license issued by any water management district shall be valid in every water management district in the state.
(6) An employee of a political subdivision or of a governmental entity engaged in water well drilling shall be licensed pursuant to this part but shall be exempt from paying fees required pursuant to this part.
(7) When a water management district has probable cause to believe that any person not licensed as a water well contractor has violated any provision of this part or any statute that relates to the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells, or any rule adopted pursuant thereto, the water management district may issue and deliver to such person a notice to cease and desist from such violation. In addition, the water management district may issue and deliver a notice to cease and desist to any person who aids and abets the unlicensed construction, repair, or abandonment of a water well by employing an unlicensed person. For the purpose of enforcing a cease and desist order, a water management district may file a proceeding in the name of the state seeking issuance of an injunction or a writ of mandamus against any person who violates any provision of such order.
(8) The department shall adopt rules which specifically provide for uniformity among all water management districts for the application process and qualifications for licensure, providing each water management district and representatives of the water well contracting industry with meaningful opportunity to participate in the development of the rules as they are drafted. The rules shall be adopted by each water management district.
(9) Each piece of drilling equipment owned, leased, or operated by a water well contractor shall have the water well contractor’s license number prominently displayed thereon.
(10) Water well contractors licensed under this section may install, repair, and modify pumps and tanks in accordance with the Florida Building Code, Plumbing; Section 612—Wells pumps and tanks used for private potable water systems. In addition, licensed water well contractors may install pumps, tanks, and water conditioning equipment for all water systems.
(11) A licensed well water contractor may facilitate the performance of additional work by an appropriately licensed contractor which is incidental to the construction, repair, or abandonment of a water well. For purposes of this subsection, incidental work is limited to the electrical connection of a pump, connecting a well to a residential dwelling, constructing a pump house or pump vault of 100 square feet or less, constructing a nonstructural well slab of 100 square feet or less, constructing fencing, and landscaping. This part does not authorize a licensed water well contractor to perform any services or work for which a license under chapter 489 is required.
History.—s. 7, part III, ch. 72-299; s. 114, ch. 77-104; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 77, ch. 83-310; s. 1, ch. 84-94; ss. 12, 23, 24, ch. 88-242; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 602, ch. 95-148; s. 4, ch. 2001-186; s. 16, ch. 2001-270; s. 1, ch. 2006-87; s. 9, ch. 2009-243; s. 13, ch. 2013-92; s. 2, ch. 2014-154; s. 2, ch. 2016-130.
373.324 License renewal.—
(1) A water well contractor shall submit an application for renewal of a license to the water management district which issued the license.
(2) The water management district shall renew a license upon receipt of the renewal application, proof of completion of 12 classroom hours of continuing education for each renewal cycle, and renewal fee.
(3) The department shall prescribe by rule the method for renewal of a license, which shall include continuing education requirements of not less than 12 classroom hours for each renewal cycle. However, if a water well contractor has received his or her first license within 180 days before the end of the biennium renewal of licenses, the continuing education requirements shall be waived for the licensee’s first renewal cycle. Notwithstanding s. 373.329, the department by rule shall establish an administrative fee based on the actual costs incurred in administering the responsibilities related to continuing education requirements.
(4) The department shall adopt rules establishing a procedure for the biennial renewal of licenses, which shall be adopted by each water management district.
(5) A license which is not renewed at the end of the biennium prescribed by the department shall automatically revert to inactive status. Such license may be reactivated only if the licensee meets the qualifications for reactivation in s. 373.325.
(6) At least 60 days prior to the automatic reversion of a license to inactive status, the water management district shall mail a notice of such reversion to the last known address of the licensee.
(7) Notwithstanding the renewal requirements in subsection (3) and s. 250.4815 for members of the Florida National Guard and the United States Armed Forces Reserves, any active water well contractor license issued under this part to a servicemember as defined in s. 250.01 or his or her spouse, both of whom reside in Florida, may not become inactive while the servicemember is serving on military orders which take him or her over 35 miles from his or her residence and shall be considered an active license for up to 180 days after the servicemember returns to his or her Florida residence. If the license renewal requirements are met within the 180-day extension period, the servicemember or his or her spouse may not be charged any additional costs, such as, but not limited to, late fees or delinquency fees, above the normal license fees. This subsection does not waive renewal requirements such as registering, continuing education, and all associated fees. The servicemember must present to the water management district issuing the license a copy of his or her official military orders or a written verification from the member’s commanding officer before the end of the 180-day period in order to qualify for the extension.
History.—ss. 13, 24, ch. 88-242; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 17, ch. 2001-270; s. 2, ch. 2006-87.
373.325 Inactive status.—A license which has become inactive pursuant to s. 373.324 may be renewed or reactivated upon application to the water management district, as follows:
(1) A license which has been inactive for 1 year or less after the end of the biennium prescribed by the department may be renewed pursuant to s. 373.324 upon application to the water management district and upon payment of the renewal and penalty fees as provided in s. 373.329. Such renewed license shall expire 2 years after the date the license automatically reverted to inactive status.
(2) A license which has been inactive for more than 1 year may be reactivated upon application to the water management district for licensure pursuant to the requirements of s. 373.323.
History.—ss. 14, 24, ch. 88-242; s. 4, ch. 91-429.
373.326 Exemptions.—
(1) When the water management district finds that compliance with all requirements of this part would result in undue hardship, an exemption from any one or more such requirements may be granted by the water management district to the extent necessary to ameliorate such undue hardship and to the extent such exemption can be granted without impairing the intent and purpose of this part.
(2) Nothing in this part shall prevent a person who has not obtained a license pursuant to s. 373.323 from constructing a well that is 2 inches or under in diameter, on the person’s own or leased property, intended for use only in a single-family house which is his or her residence, or intended for use only for farming purposes on the person’s farm, and when the waters to be produced are not intended for use by the public or any residence other than his or her own, provided that such person complies with all local and state rules and regulations relating to the construction of water wells.
(3) A permit may not be required under this part for any well authorized pursuant to ss. 403.061 and 403.087 under the State Underground Injection Control Program identified in chapter 62-528, Florida Administrative Code, as Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV, or Class V Groups 2-9. However, such wells must be constructed by persons who have obtained a license pursuant to s. 373.323 as otherwise required by law.
History.—s. 8, part III, ch. 72-299; s. 1, ch. 84-94; ss. 15, 23, 24, ch. 88-242; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 603, ch. 95-148; s. 6, ch. 2012-205.
373.329 Fees for licensure.—The department by rule shall establish fees to be paid for application for licensure, application for license renewal, and the penalty fee for renewal of a license which has been inactive for 1 year or less. The fees shall be based on the actual costs incurred by the water management districts in carrying out the responsibilities related to licensure of water well contractors as derived from estimates provided by the water management districts of the revenue required to implement this part, but shall not exceed the following amounts:
(1) Application for initial licensure, $150.
(2) Biennial license renewal, $50.
(3) Penalty for renewal of a license which has been inactive for 1 year or less, $75.
All fees and other moneys collected by a water management district pursuant to this part shall be deposited in the general operating fund of the water management district.
History.—s. 9, part III, ch. 72-299; s. 16, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 84-94; ss. 16, 23, 24, ch. 88-242; s. 4, ch. 91-429.
373.333 Disciplinary guidelines; adoption and enforcement; license suspension or revocation.—
(1) The department shall adopt by rule disciplinary guidelines applicable to each specific ground for disciplinary action which may be imposed by the water management districts, providing each water management district and representatives of the water well contracting industry with meaningful opportunity to participate in the development of the disciplinary guideline rules as they are drafted. The disciplinary guidelines shall be adopted by each water management district. The guideline rules shall be consistently applied by the water management districts and shall:
(a) Specify a meaningful range of designated penalties based upon the severity and repetition of specific offenses.
(b) Distinguish minor violations from those which endanger public health, safety, and welfare or contaminate the water resources.
(c) Inform the public of likely penalties which may be imposed for proscribed conduct.
A specific finding of mitigating or aggravating circumstances shall allow a water management district to impose a penalty other than that provided in the guidelines. Disciplinary action may be taken by any water management district, regardless of where the contractor’s license was issued.
(2) Whenever the water management district has reasonable grounds for believing that there has been a violation of this part or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant hereto, it shall give written notice to the person alleged to be in violation. Such notice shall identify the provision of this part or regulation issued hereunder alleged to be violated and the facts alleged to constitute such violation.
(3) Such notice shall be served in the manner required by law for the service of process upon a person in a civil action or by registered United States mail to the last known address of the person. The water management district shall send copies of such notice only to persons who have specifically requested such notice or to entities with which the water management district has formally agreed to provide such notice. Notice alleging a violation of a rule setting minimum standards for the location, construction, repair, or abandonment of wells shall be accompanied by an order of the water management district requiring remedial action which, if taken within the time specified in such order, will effect compliance with the requirements of this part and regulations issued hereunder. Such order shall become final unless a request for hearing as provided in chapter 120 is made within 30 days from the date of service of such order. Upon compliance, notice shall be served by the water management district in a timely manner upon each person and entity who received notice of a violation, stating that compliance with the order has been achieved.
(4) The following acts constitute grounds for which disciplinary actions specified in subsection (5) may be taken by a water management district:
(a) Attempting to obtain, obtaining, or renewing a license under this part by bribery or fraudulent misrepresentation.
(b) Being convicted or found guilty, regardless of adjudication, of fraud or deceit; or of gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the performance of work; or of a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of water well contracting or the ability to practice water well contracting. A plea of nolo contendere shall create a presumption of guilt to the underlying criminal charges, and the water management district shall allow the person being disciplined to present any evidence relevant to the underlying charges and the circumstances surrounding his or her plea.
(c) Allowing any other person to use the license.
(d) Violating or refusing to comply with any provision of this part or a rule adopted by the department or water management district, or any order of the water management district previously entered in a disciplinary hearing.
(e) Constructing, repairing, or abandoning a water well without first obtaining all applicable permits.
(f) Having had administrative or disciplinary action relating to water well construction, repair, or abandonment taken by any municipality or county or by any state agency, which action shall be reviewed by the water management district before the water management district takes any disciplinary action of its own.
(g) Practicing with a revoked, suspended, or inactive license.
(5) When the water management district finds a person guilty of any of the grounds set forth in subsection (4), it may enter an order imposing one or more of the following disciplinary actions:
(a) Denial of an application for licensure or for renewal of a license.
(b) Revocation or suspension of a license.
(c) Imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed $5,000 for each count or separate offense.
(d) Placement of the water well contractor on probation for a period of time subject to such conditions as the water management district may specify.
(e) Restriction of the licensee’s authorized scope of practice.
(6) When disciplinary action is taken against a contractor which results in suspension or revocation of the contractor’s license, a water management district shall notify each water management district of such action.
(7) The water management district shall reissue the license of a contractor whose license has been suspended or revoked upon determination by the water management district that the disciplined person has complied with all of the terms and conditions set forth in the final order.
(8) The water management district may impose through an order an administrative fine not to exceed $5,000 per occurrence against an unlicensed person if it determines that the unlicensed person has engaged in the practice of water well contracting for which a license is required.
History.—s. 10, part III, ch. 72-299; s. 78, ch. 83-310; s. 1, ch. 84-94; s. 3, ch. 84-338; s. 2, ch. 84-341; ss. 17, 23, 24, ch. 88-242; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 604, ch. 95-148; s. 3, ch. 2006-87; s. 20, ch. 2009-243.
373.335 Clearinghouse.—The department, in conjunction with the water management districts, shall establish a statewide clearinghouse which will allow each water management district to access information regarding water well contractor licensees and their license numbers, any violation by any such licensee, and any disciplinary action taken by a water management district.
History.—ss. 18, 24, ch. 88-242; s. 4, ch. 91-429.
373.336 Unlawful acts; penalties.—
(1) It is unlawful for any person to:
(a) Practice water well contracting without an active license issued pursuant to this part.
(b) Construct, repair, or abandon a water well, or operate drilling equipment for such purpose, unless employed by or under the supervision of a licensed water well contractor or exempt under s. 373.326.
(c) Give false or forged evidence to obtain a license.
(d) Present as his or her own the license of another.
(e) Use or attempt to use a license to practice water well contracting which license has been suspended, revoked, or placed on inactive status.
(f) Engage in willful or repeated violation of this part or of any department rule or regulation or water management district or state agency rule or regulation relating to water wells which endangers the public health, safety, and welfare.
(2) It is unlawful for a business entity to engage in water well contracting or to perform any activity for which a license as a water well contractor is required unless a licensed water well contractor is responsible for supervising such activity of the business entity.
(3) Any person who violates any provision of this part or regulation or order issued hereunder shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Continuing violation after an order or conviction shall constitute a separate violation for each day so continued.
History.—s. 11, part III, ch. 72-299; s. 17, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 84-94; ss. 19, 23, 24, ch. 88-242; s. 57, ch. 91-224; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 605, ch. 95-148.
373.337 Rules.—The department shall adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this part, providing each water management district and representatives of the water well contracting industry with meaningful opportunity to participate in the development of the rules as they are drafted. The rules shall be adopted by each water management district.
History.—ss. 20, 24, ch. 88-242; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 85, ch. 98-200.
373.342 Permits.—
(1) The governing board of any water management district which, pursuant to the authority delegated to it by the department under s. 373.308 or s. 373.309, regulates water wells may in its discretion authorize its executive director to issue permits for the construction, repair, or modification of any water well.
(2) In granting authority to its executive director under subsection (1), the governing board shall prescribe those certain circumstances in which such a permit may be issued.
History.—s. 3, ch. 79-160; s. 1, ch. 84-94; ss. 21, 23, ch. 88-242; s. 10, ch. 91-305.
PART IV
MANAGEMENT AND STORAGEOF SURFACE WATERS
373.403 Definitions.
373.406 Exemptions.
373.407 Determination of qualification for an agricultural-related exemption.
373.409 Headgates, valves, and measuring devices.
373.413 Permits for construction or alteration.
373.4131 Statewide environmental resource permitting rules.
373.4132 Dry storage facility permitting.
373.4133 Port conceptual permits.
373.4135 Mitigation banks and offsite regional mitigation.
373.4136 Establishment and operation of mitigation banks.
373.4137 Mitigation requirements for specified transportation projects.
373.4138 High Speed Rail Project; determination of mitigation requirements and costs.
373.4139 Local government transportation infrastructure mitigation requirements.
373.414 Additional criteria for activities in surface waters and wetlands.
373.4141 Permits; processing.
373.4142 Water quality within stormwater treatment systems.
373.4143 Declaration of policy.
373.4144 Federal environmental permitting.
373.4145 Part IV permitting program within the geographical jurisdiction of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
373.4146 State assumption of the federal Clean Water Act, section 404 dredge and fill permitting program.
373.4149 Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Plan.
373.41492 Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Mitigation Plan; mitigation for mining activities within the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt.
373.41495 Lake Belt Mitigation Trust Fund; bonds.
373.415 Protection zones; duties of the St. Johns River Water Management District.
373.416 Permits for maintenance or operation.
373.417 Citation of rule.
373.418 Rulemaking; preservation of existing authority.
373.4185 List of flocculants permitted.
373.419 Completion report.
373.421 Delineation methods; formal determinations.
373.4211 Ratification of chapter 17-340, Florida Administrative Code, on the delineation of the landward extent of wetlands and surface waters.
373.422 Applications for activities on state sovereignty lands or other state lands.
373.423 Inspection.
373.426 Abandonment.
373.427 Concurrent permit review.
373.4271 Conduct of challenge to consolidated environmental resource permit or associated variance or sovereign submerged lands authorization issued in connection with deepwater ports.
373.4275 Review of consolidated orders.
373.428 Federal consistency.
373.429 Revocation and modification of permits.
373.430 Prohibitions, violation, penalty, intent.
373.433 Abatement.
373.436 Remedial measures.
373.439 Emergency measures.
373.441 Role of counties, municipalities, and local pollution control programs in permit processing; delegation.
373.4415 Role of Miami-Dade County in processing permits for limerock mining in Miami-Dade County Lake Belt.
373.443 Immunity from liability.
373.451 Short title; legislative findings and intent.
373.453 Surface water improvement and management plans and programs.
373.459 Funds for surface water improvement and management.
373.4591 Improvements on private agricultural lands.
373.4592 Everglades improvement and management.
373.45922 South Florida Water Management District; permit for completion of Everglades Construction Project; report.
373.45924 South Florida Water Management District; Everglades truth in borrowing.
373.45926 Everglades Trust Fund; allocation of revenues and expenditure of funds for conservation and protection of natural resources and abatement of water pollution.
373.4593 Florida Bay Restoration.
373.45931 Alligator Alley tolls; Everglades and Florida Bay restoration.
373.4595 Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program.
373.4596 State compliance with stormwater management programs.
373.4597 The Geneva Freshwater Lens Protection Act.
373.4598 Water storage reservoirs.
373.4599 Water storage north of Lake Okeechobee.
373.461 Lake Apopka improvement and management.
373.462 Legislative findings and intent.
373.463 Heartland headwaters annual report.
373.468 The Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program.
373.403 Definitions.—When appearing in this part or in any rule, regulation, or order adopted pursuant thereto, the following terms mean:
(1) “Dam” means any artificial or natural barrier, with appurtenant works, raised to obstruct or impound, or which does obstruct or impound, any of the surface waters of the state.
(2) “Appurtenant works” means any artificial improvements to a dam which might affect the safety of such dam or, when employed, might affect the holding capacity of such dam or of the reservoir or impoundment created by such dam.
(3) “Impoundment” means any lake, reservoir, pond, or other containment of surface water occupying a bed or depression in the earth’s surface and having a discernible shoreline.
(4) “Reservoir” means any artificial or natural holding area which contains or will contain the water impounded by a dam.
(5) “Works” means all artificial structures, including, but not limited to, ditches, canals, conduits, channels, culverts, pipes, and other construction that connects to, draws water from, drains water into, or is placed in or across the waters in the state.
(6) “Closed system” means any reservoir or works located entirely within agricultural lands owned or controlled by the user and which requires water only for the filling, replenishing, and maintaining the water level thereof.
(7) “Alter” means to extend a dam or works beyond maintenance in its original condition, including changes which may increase or diminish the flow or storage of surface water which may affect the safety of such dam or works.
(8) “Maintenance” or “repairs” means remedial work of a nature as may affect the safety of any dam, impoundment, reservoir, or appurtenant work or works, but excludes routine custodial maintenance.
(9) “Drainage basin” means a subdivision of a watershed.
(10) “Stormwater management system” means a system which is designed and constructed or implemented to control discharges which are necessitated by rainfall events, incorporating methods to collect, convey, store, absorb, inhibit, treat, use, or reuse water to prevent or reduce flooding, overdrainage, environmental degradation, and water pollution or otherwise affect the quantity and quality of discharges from the system.
(11) “State water quality standards” means water quality standards adopted pursuant to chapter 403.
(12) “Watershed” means the land area which contributes to the flow of water into a receiving body of water.
(13) “Dredging” means excavation, by any means, in surface waters or wetlands, as delineated in s. 373.421(1). It also means the excavation, or creation, of a water body which is, or is to be, connected to surface waters or wetlands, as delineated in s. 373.421(1), directly or via an excavated water body or series of water bodies.
(14) “Filling” means the deposition, by any means, of materials in surface waters or wetlands, as delineated in s. 373.421(1).
(15) “Estuary” means a semienclosed, naturally existing coastal body of water which has a free connection with the open sea and within which seawater is measurably diluted with fresh water derived from riverine systems.
(16) “Lagoon” means a naturally existing coastal zone depression which is below mean high water and which has permanent or ephemeral communications with the sea, but which is protected from the sea by some type of naturally existing barrier.
(17) “Seawall” means a manmade wall or encroachment, except riprap, which is made to break the force of waves and to protect the shore from erosion.
(18) “Ecological value” means the value of functions performed by uplands, wetlands, and other surface waters to the abundance, diversity, and habitats of fish, wildlife, and listed species. These functions include, but are not limited to, providing cover and refuge; breeding, nesting, denning, and nursery areas; corridors for wildlife movement; food chain support; and natural water storage, natural flow attenuation, and water quality improvement, which enhances fish, wildlife, and listed species utilization.
(19) “Mitigation bank” means a project permitted under s. 373.4136 undertaken to provide for the withdrawal of mitigation credits to offset adverse impacts authorized by a permit under this part.
(20) “Mitigation credit” means a standard unit of measure which represents the increase in ecological value resulting from restoration, enhancement, preservation, or creation activities.
(21) “Mitigation service area” means the geographic area within which mitigation credits from a mitigation bank may be used to offset adverse impacts of activities regulated under this part.
(22) “Offsite regional mitigation” means mitigation on an area of land off the site of an activity permitted under this part, where an applicant proposes to mitigate the adverse impacts of only the applicant’s specific activity as a requirement of the permit, which provides regional ecological value, and which is not a mitigation bank permitted under s. 373.4136.
History.—s. 1, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 18, ch. 73-190; s. 4, ch. 80-259; s. 1, ch. 82-101; s. 11, ch. 89-279; s. 28, ch. 93-213; s. 4, ch. 96-371.
373.406 Exemptions.—The following exemptions shall apply:
(1) Nothing herein, or in any rule, regulation, or order adopted pursuant hereto, shall be construed to affect the right of any natural person to capture, discharge, and use water for purposes permitted by law.
(2) Notwithstanding s. 403.927, nothing herein, or in any rule, regulation, or order adopted pursuant hereto, shall be construed to affect the right of any person engaged in the occupation of agriculture, silviculture, floriculture, or horticulture to alter the topography of any tract of land, including, but not limited to, activities that may impede or divert the flow of surface waters or adversely impact wetlands, for purposes consistent with the normal and customary practice of such occupation in the area. However, such alteration or activity may not be for the sole or predominant purpose of impeding or diverting the flow of surface waters or adversely impacting wetlands. This exemption applies to lands classified as agricultural pursuant to s. 193.461 and to activities requiring an environmental resource permit pursuant to this part. This exemption does not apply to any activities previously authorized by an environmental resource permit or a management and storage of surface water permit issued pursuant to this part or a dredge and fill permit issued pursuant to chapter 403. This exemption has retroactive application to July 1, 1984.
(3) Nothing herein, or in any rule, regulation, or order adopted pursuant hereto, shall be construed to be applicable to construction, operation, or maintenance of any agricultural closed system. However, part II of this chapter shall be applicable as to the taking and discharging of water for filling, replenishing, and maintaining the water level in any such agricultural closed system. This subsection shall not be construed to eliminate the necessity to meet generally accepted engineering practices for construction, operation, and maintenance of dams, dikes, or levees.
(4) All rights and restrictions set forth in this section shall be enforced by the governing board or the Department of Environmental Protection or its successor agency, and nothing contained herein shall be construed to establish a basis for a cause of action for private litigants.
(5) The department or the governing board may by rule establish general permits for stormwater management systems which have, either singularly or cumulatively, minimal environmental impact. The department or the governing board also may establish by rule exemptions or general permits that implement interagency agreements entered into pursuant to s. 373.046, s. 378.202, s. 378.205, or s. 378.402.
(6) Any district or the department may exempt from regulation under this part those activities that the district or department determines will have only minimal or insignificant individual or cumulative adverse impacts on the water resources of the district. The district and the department are authorized to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a specific activity comes within this exemption. Requests to qualify for this exemption shall be submitted in writing to the district or department, and such activities shall not be commenced without a written determination from the district or department confirming that the activity qualifies for the exemption.
(7) Nothing in this part, or in any rule or order adopted under this part, may be construed to require a permit for mining activities for which an operator receives a life-of-the-mine permit under s. 378.901.
(8) Certified aquaculture activities which apply appropriate best management practices adopted pursuant to s. 597.004 are exempt from this part.
(9) Implementation of measures having the primary purpose of environmental restoration or water quality improvement on agricultural lands are exempt from regulation under this part where these measures or practices are determined by the district or department, on a case-by-case basis, to have minimal or insignificant individual and cumulative adverse impact on the water resources of the state. The district or department shall provide written notification as to whether the proposed activity qualifies for the exemption within 30 days after receipt of a written notice requesting the exemption. No activity under this exemption shall commence until the district or department has provided written notice that the activity qualifies for the exemption.
(10) Implementation of interim measures or best management practices adopted pursuant to s. 403.067 that are by rule designated as having minimal individual or cumulative adverse impacts to the water resources of the state are exempt from regulation under this part.
(11) Any district or the department may adopt rules to exempt from regulation under this part any system for a mining or mining-related activity that is described in or covered by an exemption confirmation letter issued by the district pursuant to applicable rules implementing this part that were in effect at the time the letter was issued, and that will not be harmful to the water resources. Such rules may include provisions for the duration of this exemption.
(12) An overwater pier, dock, or a similar structure located in a deepwater port listed in s. 311.09 is not considered to be part of a stormwater management system for which this chapter or chapter 403 requires stormwater from impervious surfaces to be treated if:
(a) The port has a stormwater pollution prevention plan for industrial activities pursuant to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program; and
(b) The stormwater pollution prevention plan also provides similar pollution prevention measures for other activities that are not subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program and that occur on the port’s overwater piers, docks, and similar structures.
(13) Nothing in this part, or in any rule, regulation, or order adopted pursuant to this part, applies to construction, alteration, operation, or maintenance of any wholly owned, manmade excavated farm ponds, as defined in s. 403.927, constructed entirely in uplands. Alteration or maintenance may not involve any work to connect the farm pond to, or expand the farm pond into, other wetlands or other surface waters. This exemption does not apply to any farm pond that covers an area greater than 15 acres and has an average depth greater than 15 feet, or is less than 50 feet from any wetlands.
(14) Nothing in this part, or in any rule, regulation, or order adopted pursuant to this part, may require a permit for activities affecting wetlands created solely by the unauthorized flooding or interference with the natural flow of surface water caused by an unaffiliated adjoining landowner. Requests to qualify for this exemption must be made within 7 years after the cause of such unauthorized flooding or unauthorized interference with the natural flow of surface water and must be submitted in writing to the district or department. Such activities may not begin without a written determination from the district or department confirming that the activity qualifies for the exemption. This exemption does not expand the jurisdiction of the department or the water management districts and does not apply to activities that discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands, subject to federal jurisdiction under s. 404 of the federal Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. s. 1344.
History.—s. 2, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 47, ch. 79-65; s. 5, ch. 80-259; s. 2, ch. 82-101; s. 12, ch. 89-279; s. 268, ch. 94-356; s. 2, ch. 95-215; s. 2, ch. 96-370; s. 15, ch. 98-203; s. 21, ch. 98-333; s. 2, ch. 2000-130; s. 2, ch. 2002-253; s. 6, ch. 2011-164; s. 1, ch. 2011-165; s. 14, ch. 2013-92.
373.407 Determination of qualification for an agricultural-related exemption.—In the event of a dispute as to the applicability of an exemption, a water management district or landowner may request the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to make a binding determination as to whether an existing or proposed activity qualifies for an agricultural-related exemption under s. 373.406(2). The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and each water management district shall enter into a memorandum of agreement or amend an existing memorandum of agreement which sets forth processes and procedures by which the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall undertake its review, make a determination effectively and efficiently, and provide notice of its determination to the applicable water management district or landowner. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has exclusive authority to make the determination under this section and may adopt rules to implement this section and s. 373.406(2).
History.—s. 8, ch. 2006-255; s. 2, ch. 2011-165.
373.409 Headgates, valves, and measuring devices.—
(1) The department or the governing board may, by regulation, require the owner of any dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works subject to the provisions of this part to install and maintain a substantial and serviceable headgate or valve at the point designated by the department or the governing board to measure the water discharged or diverted.
(2) If any owner shall not have constructed or installed such headgate or valve or such measuring device within 60 days after the governing board or department has ordered its construction, the governing board or department shall have such headgate, valve, or measuring device constructed or installed, and the costs of installing the headgate, valve, or measuring device shall be a lien against the owner’s land upon which such installation takes place until the governing board or department is reimbursed in full.
(3) No person shall alter or tamper with a measuring device so as to cause it to register other than the actual amount of water diverted, discharged, or taken. Violation of this subsection shall be a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable under s. 775.082(4)(b).
History.—s. 3, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 28, ch. 87-225; s. 49, ch. 91-221.
373.413 Permits for construction or alteration.—
(1) Except for the exemptions set forth herein, the governing board or the department may require such permits and impose such reasonable conditions as are necessary to assure that the construction or alteration of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works will comply with the provisions of this part and applicable rules promulgated thereto and will not be harmful to the water resources of the district. The department or the governing board may delineate areas within the district wherein permits may be required.
(2) A person proposing to construct or alter a stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works subject to such permit shall apply to the governing board or department for a permit authorizing such construction or alteration. The application shall contain the following:
(a) Name and address of the applicant.
(b) Name and address of the owner or owners of the land upon which the works are to be constructed and a legal description of such land.
(c) Location of the work.
(d) Sketches of construction pending tentative approval.
(e) Name and address of the person who prepared the plans and specifications of construction.
(f) Name and address of the person who will construct the proposed work.
(g) General purpose of the proposed work.
(h) Such other information as the governing board or department may require.
(3) After receipt of an application for a permit, the governing board or department shall publish notice of the application by sending a notice to any persons who have filed a written request for notification of any pending applications affecting the particular designated area. Such notice may be sent by regular mail. The notice shall contain the name and address of the applicant; a brief description of the proposed activity, including any mitigation; the location of the proposed activity, including whether it is located within an Outstanding Florida Water or aquatic preserve; a map identifying the location of the proposed activity subject to the application; a depiction of the proposed activity subject to the application; a name or number identifying the application and the office where the application can be inspected; and any other information required by rule.
(4) In addition to the notice required by subsection (3), the governing board or department may publish, or require an applicant to publish at the applicant’s expense, in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected area, a notice of receipt of the application and a notice of intended agency action. This subsection does not limit the discretionary authority of the department or the governing board of a water management district to publish, or to require an applicant to publish at the applicant’s expense, any notice under this chapter. The governing board or department shall also provide notice of this intended agency action to the applicant and to persons who have requested a copy of the intended agency action for that specific application.
(5) The governing board or department may charge a subscription fee to any person who has filed a written request for notification of any pending applications to cover the cost of duplication and mailing charges.
(6) It is the intent of the Legislature that the governing board or department exercise flexibility in the permitting of stormwater management systems associated with the construction or alteration of systems serving state transportation projects and facilities. Because of the unique limitations of linear facilities, the governing board or department shall balance the expenditure of public funds for stormwater treatment for state transportation projects and facilities with the benefits to the public in providing the most cost-efficient and effective method of achieving the treatment objectives. In consideration thereof, the governing board or department shall allow alternatives to onsite treatment, including, but not limited to, regional stormwater treatment systems. The Department of Transportation is responsible for treating stormwater generated from state transportation projects but is not responsible for the abatement of pollutants and flows entering its stormwater management systems from offsite sources; however, this subsection does not prohibit the Department of Transportation from receiving and managing such pollutants and flows when cost effective and prudent. Further, in association with right-of-way acquisition for state transportation projects, the Department of Transportation is responsible for providing stormwater treatment and attenuation for the acquired right-of-way but is not responsible for modifying permits for adjacent lands affected by right-of-way acquisition when it is not the permittee. The governing board or department may establish, by rule, specific criteria to implement the management and treatment alternatives and activities under this subsection.
History.—s. 4, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 19, ch. 73-190; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 13, ch. 89-279; s. 500, ch. 94-356; s. 74, ch. 2012-174.
373.4131 Statewide environmental resource permitting rules.—
(1) The department shall initiate rulemaking to adopt, in coordination with the water management districts, statewide environmental resource permitting rules governing the construction, alteration, operation, maintenance, repair, abandonment, and removal of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, works, or any combination thereof, under this part.
(a) The rules must provide for statewide, consistent regulation of activities under this part and must include, at a minimum:
1. Criteria and thresholds for requiring permits.
2. Types of permits.
3. Procedures governing the review of applications and notices, duration and modification of permits, operational requirements, transfers of permits, provisions for emergencies, and provisions for abandonment and removal of systems.
4. Exemptions and general permits that do not allow significant adverse impacts to occur individually or cumulatively.
5. Conditions for issuance.
6. General permit conditions, including monitoring, inspection, and reporting requirements.
7. Standardized fee categories for activities under this part to promote consistency. The department and water management districts may amend fee rules to reflect the standardized fee categories but are not required to adopt identical fees for those categories.
8. Application, notice, and reporting forms. To the maximum extent practicable, the department and water management districts shall provide for electronic submittal of forms and notices.
9. An applicant’s handbook that, at a minimum, contains general program information, application and review procedures, a specific discussion of how environmental criteria are evaluated, and discussion of stormwater quality and quantity criteria.
(b) The rules must provide for a conceptual permit for a municipality or county that creates a stormwater management master plan for urban infill and redevelopment areas or community redevelopment areas created under chapter 163. Upon approval by the department or water management district, the master plan shall become part of the conceptual permit issued by the department or water management district. The rules must additionally provide for an associated general permit for the construction and operation of urban redevelopment projects that meet the criteria established in the conceptual permit. The following requirements must also be met:
1. The conceptual permit and associated general permit must not conflict with the requirements of a federally approved program pursuant to s. 403.0885 or with the implementation of s. 403.067(7) regarding total maximum daily loads and basin management action plans.
2. Before a conceptual permit is granted, the municipality or county must assert that stormwater discharges from the urban redevelopment area do not cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards by demonstrating a net improvement in the quality of the discharged water existing on the date the conceptual permit is approved.
3. The conceptual permit may not expire for at least 20 years unless a shorter duration is requested and must include an option to renew.
4. The conceptual permit must describe the rate and volume of stormwater discharges from the urban redevelopment area, including the maximum rate and volume of stormwater discharges as of the date the conceptual permit is approved.
5. The conceptual permit must contain provisions regarding the use of stormwater best management practices and must ensure that stormwater management systems constructed within the urban redevelopment area are operated and maintained in compliance with s. 373.416.
(c) The rules must rely primarily on the rules of the department and water management districts in effect immediately prior to the effective date of this section, except that the department may:
1. Reconcile differences and conflicts to achieve a consistent statewide approach.
2. Account for different physical or natural characteristics, including special basin considerations, of individual water management districts.
3. Implement additional permit streamlining measures.
(d) The application of the rules must continue to be governed by the first sentence of s. 70.001(12).
(2)(a) Upon adoption of the rules, the water management districts shall implement the rules without the need for further rulemaking pursuant to s. 120.54. The rules adopted by the department pursuant to this section shall also be considered the rules of the water management districts. The districts and local governments shall have substantive jurisdiction to implement and interpret rules adopted by the department under this part, consistent with any guidance from the department, in any license or final order pursuant to s. 120.60 or s. 120.57(1)(l).
(b)1. A county, municipality, or local pollution control program that has a delegation of the environmental resource permit program authority or proposes to be delegated such authority under s. 373.441 shall without modification incorporate by reference the rules adopted pursuant to this section.
2. A county, municipality, or local pollution control program that has a delegation of the environmental resource permit program authority under s. 373.441 must amend its local ordinances or regulations to incorporate by reference the applicable rules adopted pursuant to this section within 12 months after the effective date of the rules.
3. Consistent with s. 373.441, this section does not prohibit a county, municipality, or local pollution control program from adopting or implementing regulations that are stricter than those adopted pursuant to this section.
4. The department and each local program with the authority to implement or seeking to implement a delegation of environmental resource permit program authority under s. 373.441 shall identify and reconcile any duplicative permitting processes as part of the delegation.
(c) Until the rules adopted pursuant to this section become effective, existing rules adopted pursuant to this part remain in full force and effect. Existing rules that are superseded by the rules adopted pursuant to this section may be repealed without further rulemaking pursuant to s. 120.54 by publication of a notice of repeal in the Florida Administrative Register and subsequent filing of a list of the rules repealed with the Department of State.
(3)(a) The water management districts, with department oversight, may continue to adopt rules governing design and performance standards for stormwater quality and quantity, and the department may incorporate the design and performance standards by reference for use within the geographic jurisdiction of each district.
(b) If a stormwater management system is designed in accordance with the stormwater treatment requirements and criteria adopted by the department or a water management district under this part, the system design is presumed not to cause or contribute to violations of applicable state water quality standards.
(c) If a stormwater management system is constructed, operated, and maintained for stormwater treatment in accordance with a valid permit or exemption under this part, the stormwater discharged from the system is presumed not to cause or contribute to violations of applicable state water quality standards.
(4) Notwithstanding the adoption of rules pursuant to this section, the following activities shall continue to be governed by the rules adopted by the department, the water management districts, and delegated local programs under this part in effect before the effective date of the rules adopted pursuant to this section, unless the applicant elects review in accordance with the rules adopted pursuant to this section:
(a) The operation and maintenance of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, works, or any combination thereof legally in existence before the effective date of the rules adopted pursuant to this section if the terms and conditions of the permit, exemption, or other authorization for such activity continue to be met.
(b) The activities determined in writing by the department, a water management district, or a local government delegated local pollution control program authority under s. 373.441 to be exempt from the permitting requirements of this part, including self-certifications submitted to the department, a water management district, or a delegated local government before the effective date of the rules adopted pursuant to this section.
(c) The activities approved in a permit issued pursuant to this part and the review of activities proposed in a permit application that is complete before the effective date of the rules adopted pursuant to this section. This paragraph applies to any modification of the plans, terms, and conditions of the permit, including new activities, within the geographical area to which the permit applies and to any modification that lessens or does not increase impacts. However, this paragraph does not apply to a modification that is reasonably expected to lead to additional or substantially different impacts.
(5) To ensure consistent implementation and interpretation of the rules adopted pursuant to this section, the department shall conduct or oversee regular assessment and training of its staff and the staffs of the water management districts and local governments delegated local pollution control program authority under s. 373.441. The training must include field inspections of publicly and privately owned stormwater structural controls, such as stormwater retention and detention ponds.
(6) By January 1, 2021:
(a) The department and the water management districts shall initiate rulemaking to update the stormwater design and operation regulations, including updates to the Environmental Resource Permit Applicant’s Handbook, using the most recent scientific information available. As part of rule development, the department shall consider and address low-impact design best management practices and design criteria that increase the removal of nutrients from stormwater discharges, and measures for consistent application of the net improvement performance standard to ensure significant reductions of any pollutant loadings to a water body.
(b) The department shall review and evaluate permits and inspection data by those entities that submit a self-certification under s. 403.814(12) for compliance with state water quality standards and provide the Legislature with recommendations for improvements to the self-certification process, including, but not limited to, additional staff resources for department review of portions of the process where high-priority water quality issues justify such action.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2012-94; s. 36, ch. 2013-14; s. 1, ch. 2013-176; s. 5, ch. 2020-150.
373.4132 Dry storage facility permitting.—The governing board or the department shall require a permit under this part, including s. 373.4145, for the construction, alteration, operation, maintenance, abandonment, or removal of a dry storage facility for 10 or more vessels that is functionally associated with a boat launching area. As part of an applicant’s demonstration that such a facility will not be harmful to the water resources and will not be inconsistent with the overall objectives of the district, the governing board or department shall require the applicant to provide reasonable assurance that the secondary impacts from the facility will not cause adverse impacts to the functions of wetlands and surface waters, including violations of state water quality standards applicable to waters as defined in s. 403.031(13), and will meet the public interest test of s. 373.414(1)(a), including the potential adverse impacts to manatees. Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of the governing board or the department to regulate such secondary impacts under this part for other regulated activities.
History.—s. 7, ch. 2006-220.
373.4133 Port conceptual permits.—
(1) The Legislature finds that seaport facilities are critical infrastructure facilities that significantly support the economic development of the state. The Legislature further finds that it is necessary to provide a method of priority permit review that allows seaports in this state to become internationally competitive.
(2) Any port listed in s. 311.09(1) may apply to the department for a port conceptual permit, including any applicable authorization under chapter 253 to use sovereignty submerged lands under a joint coastal permit pursuant to s. 161.055 or an environmental resource permit issued pursuant to this part, for all or a portion of the area within the geographic boundaries of the port. A private entity with a controlling interest in property used for private industrial marine activities in the immediate vicinity of a port listed in s. 311.09(1) may also apply for a port conceptual permit under this section. A port conceptual permit may be issued for a period of up to 20 years and extended one time for an additional 10 years. A port conceptual permit constitutes the state’s conceptual certification of compliance with state water quality standards for purposes of s. 401 of the Clean Water Act and the state’s conceptual determination that the activities contained in the port conceptual permit are consistent with the state coastal zone management program.
(3) A port conceptual permit application must contain sufficient information to provide reasonable assurance that the engineering and environmental concepts upon which the designs are based are likely to meet applicable rule criteria for issuance of construction permits for subsequent phases of the project. At a minimum, a port conceptual permit application must include the identification of proposed construction areas and areas where construction will not occur; the estimated or maximum anticipated impacts to wetlands and other surface waters and any proposed mitigation for those impacts; the estimated or maximum amount of anticipated impervious surface and the nature of the stormwater treatment system for those areas; and the general location and types of activities on sovereignty submerged lands. Except where construction approval is requested as part of a port conceptual permit application, the application is not required to include final design specifications and drawings. The department shall include conditions in the port conceptual permit specifying the additional information that must be submitted as part of any request for a subsequent construction permit or authorization.
(4) In determining whether a port conceptual permit application shall be approved in whole, approved with modifications or conditions, or denied, the department shall effect a reasonable balance between the potential benefits of the facility and the impacts upon water quality, fish and wildlife, water resources, and other natural resources of the state resulting from the construction and operation of the facility.
(5) A port conceptual permit provides the permitholder with assurance, during the duration of the permit, that the engineering and environmental concepts upon which the designs of the port conceptual permit are based are likely to meet applicable rule criteria for the issuance of construction permits for subsequent phases of the project, if:
(a) There are no changes in the rules governing the conditions of issuance of permits for future phases of the project, and the port conceptual permit is not inconsistent with any total maximum daily load or basin management action plan adopted for the water body into which the system discharges or is located pursuant to s. 403.067(7) and department rules regarding total maximum daily loads; and
(b) Applications for proposed future phase activities under the port conceptual permit are consistent with the design and conditions of the issued port conceptual permit. Primary areas for consistency comparisons include the size, location, and extent of the system; type of activity; percent of imperviousness; allowable discharge and points of discharge; location and extent of wetland and other surface water impacts and, if required, a proposed mitigation plan; control elevations; extent of stormwater reuse; and detention or retention volumes. If an application for any subsequent phase activity is made that is not consistent with the terms and conditions of the port conceptual permit, the applicant may request a modification of the port conceptual permit to resolve the inconsistency or that the application be processed independent of the port conceptual permit.
(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a port conceptual permit or associated construction permit, including any applicable sovereignty submerged lands authorization, may authorize advance mitigation for impacts expected as a result of the activities described in the port conceptual permit. Such advance mitigation shall be credited to offset the impacts of such activities when undertaken, to the extent that the advance mitigation is successful.
(7) Final agency action on a port conceptual sovereignty submerged lands authorization associated with a port conceptual permit may not be delegated by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. However, approval of such an authorization by the board shall constitute a delegation of authority to the department to take final agency action on behalf of the board on any sovereignty submerged lands authorization necessary to construct facilities included in the port conceptual sovereignty submerged lands authorization, unless a member of the board specifically requests that final agency action be brought before the board. Any delegation of authority to the department concerning a private project does not exempt the private project from applicable rules of the board, including lease and easement fees.
(8) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the following procedures apply to the approval or denial of an application for a port conceptual permit or a final permit or authorization:
(a) Applications for a port conceptual permit, including any request for the conceptual approval of the use of sovereignty submerged lands, shall be processed in accordance with the provisions of ss. 373.427 and 120.60, with the following exceptions:
1. An application for a port conceptual permit, and any applications for subsequent construction contained in a port conceptual permit, must be approved or denied within 60 days after receipt of a completed application.
2. The department may request additional information no more than twice, unless the applicant waives this limitation in writing. If the applicant does not provide a response to the second request for additional information within 90 days or another time period mutually agreed upon between the applicant and department, the application shall be considered withdrawn.
3. If the applicant believes that any request for additional information is not authorized by law or agency rule, the applicant may request an informal hearing pursuant to s. 120.57(2) before the Secretary of Environmental Protection to determine whether the application is complete.
4. If a third party petitions to challenge the issuance of a port conceptual permit by the department, the petitioner initiating the action has the burden of ultimate persuasion and, in the first instance, has the burden of going forward with the evidence.
(b) Upon issuance of the department’s notice of intent to issue or deny a port conceptual permit, the applicant shall publish a one-time notice of such intent, prepared by the department, in the newspaper with the largest general circulation in the county or counties where the port is located.
(c) Final agency action on a port conceptual permit is subject to challenge pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57. However, final agency action to authorize subsequent construction of facilities contained in a port conceptual permit may only be challenged by a third party for consistency with the port conceptual permit.
(d) A person who will be substantially affected by a final agency action described in paragraph (c) must initiate administrative proceedings pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 within 21 days after the publication of the notice of the proposed action. If administrative proceedings are requested, the proceedings are subject to the summary hearing provisions of s. 120.574. However, if the decision of the administrative law judge will be a recommended order rather than a final order, a summary proceeding must be conducted within 90 days after a party files a motion for summary hearing, regardless of whether the parties agree to the summary proceeding.
(9) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department and the board are authorized to issue permits and authorizations pursuant to this section in advance of the issuance of any take authorization as provided for in the Endangered Species Act and its implementing regulations if the permits and authorizations include a condition requiring that authorized activities shall not commence until such take authorization is issued and shall be consistent with such authorization. The department shall unilaterally modify any permit or authorization issued pursuant to this section to make the permit or authorization consistent with any subsequently issued incidental take authorization. Such a unilateral modification does not create a point of entry for any substantially affected person to request administrative proceedings under ss. 120.569 and 120.57.
(10) In lieu of meeting the generally applicable stormwater design standards in rules adopted under this part, which create a presumption that stormwater discharged from the system will meet the applicable state water quality standards in the receiving waters, any port listed in s. 311.09(1) may propose alternative stormwater treatment and design criteria for the construction, operation, and maintenance of stormwater management systems serving overwater piers. The proposal shall include such structural components or best management practices to address the stormwater discharge from the pier, including consideration of activities conducted on the pier, as are necessary to provide reasonable assurance that stormwater discharged from the system will meet the applicable state water quality standards in the receiving waters.
(11) The department and the board may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section under the joint coastal permit provisions of chapter 161, the sovereignty submerged lands provisions of chapter 253, and the environmental resource permit provisions of this part. The adoption of such rules is not subject to any special rulemaking requirements related to small business.
(12) This section shall take effect upon this act becoming a law, and its implementation may not be delayed by any rulemaking under this section.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2010-201; s. 7, ch. 2011-164.
373.4135 Mitigation banks and offsite regional mitigation.—
(1) The Legislature finds that the adverse impacts of activities regulated under this part may be offset by the creation, maintenance, and use of mitigation banks and offsite regional mitigation. Mitigation banks and offsite regional mitigation can enhance the certainty of mitigation and provide ecological value due to the improved likelihood of environmental success associated with their proper construction, maintenance, and management. Therefore, the department and the water management districts are directed to participate in and encourage the establishment of private and public mitigation banks and offsite regional mitigation. Mitigation banks and offsite regional mitigation should emphasize the restoration and enhancement of degraded ecosystems and the preservation of uplands and wetlands as intact ecosystems rather than alteration of landscapes to create wetlands. This is best accomplished through restoration of ecological communities that were historically present.
(a) The Legislature intends that the provisions for establishing mitigation banks apply equally to both public and private entities, except that the rules of the department and water management districts may set forth different measures governing financial responsibility, and different measures governing legal interest, needed to ensure the construction and perpetual protection of a mitigation bank.
(b) The Legislature recognizes the importance of mitigation banks as an appropriate and allowable mitigation alternative to permittee-responsible mitigation. However, the Legislature also recognizes that certain timing and geographical constraints could result in the unavailability of mitigation bank credits for a certain project upon completion of the project’s application. If state and federal mitigation credits are not available to offset the adverse impacts of a project, a local government may allow permittee-responsible mitigation consisting of the restoration or enhancement of lands purchased and owned by a local government for conservation purposes, and such mitigation must conform to the permitting requirements of s. 373.4136. Except when a local government has allowed a public or private mitigation project to be created on land it has purchased for conservation purposes pursuant to this paragraph, a governmental entity may not create or provide mitigation for a project other than its own unless the governmental entity uses land that was not previously purchased for conservation and unless the governmental entity provides the same financial assurances as required for mitigation banks permitted under s. 373.4136. This paragraph does not apply to:
1. Mitigation banks permitted before December 31, 2011, under s. 373.4136;
2. Offsite regional mitigation areas established before December 31, 2011, under subsection (6) or, when credits are not available at a mitigation bank permitted under s. 373.4136, mitigation areas created by a local government which were awarded mitigation credits pursuant to the uniform mitigation assessment method as provided in chapter 62-345, Florida Administrative Code, under a permit issued before December 31, 2011;
3. Mitigation for transportation projects under ss. 373.4137 and 373.4139;
4. Mitigation for impacts from mining activities under s. 373.41492;
5. Mitigation provided for single-family lots or homeowners under subsection (7);
6. Entities authorized in chapter 98-492, Laws of Florida;
7. Mitigation provided for electric utility impacts certified under part II of chapter 403; or
8. Mitigation provided on sovereign submerged lands under subsection (6).
(c) It is the further intent of the Legislature that mitigation banks and offsite regional mitigation be considered appropriate and a permittable mitigation option under the conditions specified by the rules of the department and water management districts.
(d) Offsite mitigation, including offsite regional mitigation, may be located outside the regional watershed in which the adverse impacts of an activity regulated under this part are located, if such adverse impacts are offset by the offsite mitigation.
(e) The department or water management district may allow the use of a mitigation bank or offsite regional mitigation alone or in combination with other forms of mitigation to offset adverse impacts of activities regulated under this part.
(f) When an applicant for a permit under the provisions of this part other than this section and s. 373.4136 submits more than one mitigation proposal to the department or a water management district, the department or water management district shall, in evaluating each proposal, ensure that such proposal adequately offsets the adverse impacts.
(2) Local governments shall not deny the use of a mitigation bank or offsite regional mitigation due to its location outside of the jurisdiction of the local government.
(3) Nothing in this section or s. 373.4136 shall be construed to eliminate or diminish any of the regulatory requirements applicable to applicants seeking permits pursuant to other provisions of this part.
(4) Except as otherwise provided herein, nothing in this section or s. 373.4136 shall be construed to diminish or limit the existing authority of the department, water management districts, or local governments.
(5) Nothing in this section or s. 373.4136 shall be construed to limit the consideration of forms of mitigation other than mitigation banks and offsite regional mitigation.
(6) An environmental creation, preservation, enhancement, or restoration project, including regional offsite mitigation areas, for which money is donated or paid as mitigation, that is sponsored by the department, a water management district, or a local government and provides mitigation for five or more applicants for permits under this part, or for 35 or more acres of adverse impacts, shall be established and operated under a memorandum of agreement. The memorandum of agreement shall be between the governmental entity proposing the mitigation project and the department or water management district, as appropriate. Such memorandum of agreement need not be adopted by rule. For the purposes of this subsection, one creation, preservation, enhancement, or restoration project shall mean one or more parcels of land with similar ecological communities that are intended to be created, preserved, enhanced, or restored under a common scheme.
(a) For any ongoing creation, preservation, enhancement, or restoration project and regional offsite mitigation area sponsored by the department, a water management district, or a local government, for which money was or is paid as mitigation, that was begun prior to the effective date of this subsection and has operated as of the effective date of this subsection, or is anticipated to operate, in excess of the mitigation thresholds provided in this subsection, the governmental entity sponsoring such project shall submit a draft memorandum of agreement to the water management district or department by October 1, 2000. The governmental entity sponsoring such project shall make reasonable efforts to obtain the final signed memorandum of agreement within 1 year after such submittal. The governmental entity sponsoring such project may continue to receive moneys donated or paid toward the project as mitigation, provided the requirements of this paragraph are met.
(b) The memorandum of agreement shall establish criteria that each environmental creation, preservation, enhancement, or restoration project must meet. These criteria must address the elements listed in paragraph (c). The entity sponsoring such project, or category of projects, shall submit documentation or other evidence to the water management district or department that the project meets, or individual projects within a category meet, the specified criteria.
(c) At a minimum, the memorandum of agreement must address the following for each project authorized:
1. A description of the work that will be conducted on the site and a timeline for completion of such work.
2. A timeline for obtaining any required environmental resource permit.
3. The environmental success criteria that the project must achieve.
4. The monitoring and long-term management requirements that must be undertaken for the project.
5. An assessment of the project in accordance with s. 373.4136(4)(a)-(i), until the adoption of the uniform wetland mitigation assessment method pursuant to s. 373.414(18).
6. A designation of the entity responsible for the successful completion of the mitigation work.
7. A definition of the geographic area where the project may be used as mitigation established using the criteria of s. 373.4136(6).
8. Full cost accounting of the project, including annual review and adjustment.
9. Provision and a timetable for the acquisition of any lands necessary for the project.
10. Provision for preservation of the site.
11. Provision for application of all moneys received solely to the project for which they were collected.
12. Provision for termination of the agreement and cessation of use of the project as mitigation if any material contingency of the agreement has failed to occur.
(d) A single memorandum of understanding may authorize more than one environmental creation, preservation, enhancement, or restoration project, or category of projects, as long as the elements listed in paragraph (c) are addressed for each project.
(e) Projects governed by this subsection, except for projects established pursuant to subsection (7), shall be subject to the provisions of s. 373.414(1)(b)1.
(f) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to mitigation areas established to implement the provisions of s. 373.4137.
(g) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply when the department, water management district, or local government establishes, or contracts with a private entity to establish, a mitigation bank permitted under s. 373.4136. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to other entities that establish offsite regional mitigation as defined in this section and s. 373.403.
(7) The department, water management districts, and local governments may elect to establish and manage mitigation sites, including regional offsite mitigation areas, or contract with permitted mitigation banks, to provide mitigation options for private single-family lots or homeowners. The department, water management districts, and local governments shall provide a written notice of their election under this subsection by United States mail to those individuals who have requested, in writing, to receive such notice. The use of mitigation options established under this subsection are not subject to the full-cost-accounting provision of s. 373.414(1)(b)1. To use a mitigation option established under this subsection, the applicant for a permit under this part must be a private, single-family lot or homeowner, and the land upon which the adverse impact is located must be intended for use as a single-family residence by the current owner. The applicant must not be a corporation, partnership, or other business entity. However, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to other entities that establish offsite regional mitigation as defined in this section and s. 373.403.
History.—s. 29, ch. 93-213; s. 6, ch. 96-371; s. 2, ch. 2000-133; s. 8, ch. 2001-62; s. 4, ch. 2012-174; s. 1, ch. 2019-110.
373.4136 Establishment and operation of mitigation banks.—
(1) MITIGATION BANK PERMITS.—The department and the water management districts may require permits to authorize the establishment and use of mitigation banks. A mitigation bank permit shall also constitute authorization to construct, alter, operate, maintain, abandon, or remove any surface water management system necessary to establish and operate the mitigation bank. To obtain a mitigation bank permit, the applicant must provide reasonable assurance that:
(a) The proposed mitigation bank will improve ecological conditions of the regional watershed;
(b) The proposed mitigation bank will provide viable and sustainable ecological and hydrological functions for the proposed mitigation service area;
(c) The proposed mitigation bank will be effectively managed in perpetuity;
(d) The proposed mitigation bank will not destroy areas with high ecological value;
(e) The proposed mitigation bank will achieve mitigation success;
(f) The proposed mitigation bank will be adjacent to lands that will not adversely affect the perpetual viability of the mitigation bank due to unsuitable land uses or conditions;
(g) Any surface water management system to be constructed, altered, operated, maintained, abandoned, or removed within the mitigation bank will meet the requirements of this part and the rules adopted thereunder;
(h) It has sufficient legal or equitable interest in the property to ensure perpetual protection and management of the land within a mitigation bank; and
(i) It can meet the financial responsibility requirements prescribed for mitigation banks.
(2) MITIGATION BANK PHASES.—A mitigation bank may be established and operated in phases if each phase independently meets the requirements for the establishment and operation of a mitigation bank. The number of mitigation credits assigned to a phase of a mitigation bank may be less than would be assigned to that phase upon completion of all phases of the mitigation bank. In such case, the department or water management districts shall increase the number of mitigation credits awarded to subsequent phases of the mitigation bank.
(3) ADDITION OF LANDS.—The department or water management district shall authorize the addition of land to a permitted mitigation bank when it is appropriate to do so and the addition of the land results in an increase in the ecological value of the existing mitigation bank. Any such addition shall be accomplished through a modification to the permit which reflects the corresponding increase in the total number of mitigation credits assigned to the bank.
(4) MITIGATION CREDITS.—After evaluating the information submitted by the applicant for a mitigation bank permit and assessing the proposed mitigation bank pursuant to the criteria in this section, the department or water management district shall award a number of mitigation credits to a proposed mitigation bank or phase of such mitigation bank. An entity establishing and operating a mitigation bank may apply to modify the mitigation bank permit to seek the award of additional mitigation credits if the mitigation bank results in an additional increase in ecological value over the value contemplated at the time of the original permit issuance, or the most recent modification thereto involving the number of credits awarded. The number of credits awarded shall be based on the degree of improvement in ecological value expected to result from the establishment and operation of the mitigation bank as determined using a functional assessment methodology. In determining the degree of improvement in ecological value, each of the following factors, at a minimum, shall be evaluated:
(a) The extent to which target hydrologic regimes can be achieved and maintained.
(b) The extent to which management activities promote natural ecological conditions, such as natural fire patterns.
(c) The proximity of the mitigation bank to areas with regionally significant ecological resources or habitats, such as national or state parks, Outstanding National Resource Waters and associated watersheds, Outstanding Florida Waters and associated watersheds, and lands acquired through governmental or nonprofit land acquisition programs for environmental conservation; and the extent to which the mitigation bank establishes corridors for fish, wildlife, or listed species to those resources or habitats.
(d) The quality and quantity of wetland or upland restoration, enhancement, preservation, or creation.
(e) The ecological and hydrological relationship between wetlands and uplands in the mitigation bank.
(f) The extent to which the mitigation bank provides habitat for fish and wildlife, especially habitat for species listed as threatened, endangered, or of special concern, or provides habitats that are unique for that mitigation service area.
(g) The extent to which the lands that are to be preserved are already protected by existing state, local, or federal regulations or land use restrictions.
(h) The extent to which lands to be preserved would be adversely affected if they were not preserved.
(i) Any special designation or classification of the affected waters and lands.
(5) SCHEDULE FOR CREDIT RELEASE.—After awarding mitigation credits to a mitigation bank, the department or the water management district shall set forth a schedule for the release of those credits in the mitigation bank permit. A mitigation credit that has been released may be sold or used to offset adverse impacts from an activity regulated under this part.
(a) The department or the water management district shall allow a portion of the mitigation credits awarded to a mitigation bank to be released for sale or use prior to meeting all of the performance criteria specified in the mitigation bank permit. The department or the water management district shall allow release of all of a mitigation bank’s awarded mitigation credits only after the bank meets the mitigation success criteria specified in the permit.
(b) The number of credits and schedule for release shall be determined by the department or water management district based upon the performance criteria for the mitigation bank and the success criteria for each mitigation activity. The release schedule for a specific mitigation bank or phase thereof shall be related to the actions required to implement the bank, such as site protection, site preparation, earthwork, removal of wastes, planting, removal or control of nuisance and exotic species, installation of structures, and annual monitoring and management requirements for success. In determining the specific release schedule for a bank, the department or water management district shall consider, at a minimum, the following factors:
1. Whether the mitigation consists solely of preservation or includes other types of mitigation.
2. The length of time anticipated to be required before a determination of success can be achieved.
3. The ecological value to be gained from each action required to implement the bank.
4. The financial expenditure required for each action to implement the bank.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, no credit shall be released for freshwater wetland creation until the success criteria included in the mitigation bank permit are met.
(d) The withdrawal of mitigation credits from a mitigation bank shall be accomplished as a minor modification of the mitigation bank permit. A processing fee shall not be required by the department or water management district for this minor modification.
(6) MITIGATION SERVICE AREA.—The department or water management district shall establish a mitigation service area for each mitigation bank permit. The department or water management district shall notify and consider comments received on the proposed mitigation service area from each local government within the proposed mitigation service area. Except as provided herein, mitigation credits may be withdrawn and used only to offset adverse impacts in the mitigation service area. The boundaries of the mitigation service area shall depend upon the geographic area where the mitigation bank could reasonably be expected to offset adverse impacts. Mitigation service areas may overlap, and mitigation service areas for two or more mitigation banks may be approved for a regional watershed.
(a) In determining the boundaries of the mitigation service area, the department or the water management district shall consider the characteristics, size, and location of the mitigation bank and, at a minimum, the extent to which the mitigation bank:
1. Contributes to a regional integrated ecological network;
2. Will significantly enhance the water quality or restoration of an offsite receiving water body that is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, a Wild and Scenic River, an aquatic preserve, a water body designated in a plan approved pursuant to the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act, or a nationally designated estuarine preserve;
3. Will provide for the long-term viability of endangered or threatened species or species of special concern;
4. Is consistent with the objectives of a regional management plan adopted or endorsed by the department or water management districts; and
5. Can reasonably be expected to offset specific types of wetland impacts within a specific geographic area. A mitigation bank need not be able to offset all expected impacts within its service area.
(b) The department and water management districts shall use regional watersheds to guide the establishment of mitigation service areas. Drainage basins established pursuant to s. 373.414(8) may be used as regional watersheds when they are established based on the hydrological or ecological characteristics of the basin. A mitigation service area may extend beyond the regional watershed in which the bank is located into all or part of other regional watersheds when the mitigation bank has the ability to offset adverse impacts outside that regional watershed. Similarly, a mitigation service area may be smaller than the regional watershed in which the mitigation bank is located when adverse impacts throughout the regional watershed cannot reasonably be expected to be offset by the mitigation bank because of local ecological or hydrological conditions.
(c) Once a mitigation bank service area has been established by the department or a water management district for a mitigation bank, such service area shall be accepted by all water management districts, local governments, and the department.
(d) If the requirements in s. 373.414(1)(b) and (8) are met, the following projects or activities regulated under this part shall be eligible to use a mitigation bank, regardless of whether they are located within the mitigation service area:
1. Projects with adverse impacts partially located within the mitigation service area.
2. Linear projects, such as roadways, transmission lines, distribution lines, pipelines, railways, or seaports listed in s. 311.09(1).
3. Projects with total adverse impacts of less than 1 acre in size.
(7) ACCOUNTING.—The department or the water management district shall provide for the accounting of the award, release, and use of mitigation credits from a mitigation bank.
(8) AUTHORITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.—Local governments may not require permits or otherwise impose regulations governing the operation of a mitigation bank. However, this section shall not be construed to limit the authority of a local government to require an applicant for a mitigation bank to obtain any authorization required by a local ordinance for the construction activities associated with a mitigation bank.
(9) PRIOR APPLICATIONS.—An application for a mitigation bank conceptual approval or mitigation bank permit which is pending with, and determined complete by, the department or a water management district on or before the effective date of this act, or a mitigation bank conceptual approval or mitigation bank permit issued on or before the effective date of this act, shall continue to be subject to the rules adopted pursuant to s. 373.4135 which were in effect on the effective date of this act, unless the applicant or permittee elects to be subject to the rules governing mitigation banks adopted after that date.
(10) MODIFICATION WITH RESPECT TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS.—Any application for a modification of a mitigation bank conceptual approval or mitigation bank permit which was pending with, and determined complete by, the department or water management district on or before the effective date of this act, shall continue to be subject to the rules adopted pursuant to s. 373.4135 in effect on the effective date of this act, unless the permittee elects to be subject to the rules governing mitigation banks adopted after that date. Any modification to a mitigation bank conceptual approval or mitigation bank permit issued on or before the effective date of this act, which is applied for within 20 years of the effective date of this act, and which does not involve the addition of new land that was not previously included in the mitigation bank conceptual approval or mitigation bank permit, shall be subject to the rules adopted pursuant to s. 373.4135 which were in effect before the effective date of this act, unless the permittee elects to be subject to the rules governing mitigation banks adopted after that date.
(11) RULES.—The department and water management district may adopt rules to implement the provisions of s. 373.4135 and this section, which shall include, but not be limited to, provisions:
(a) Requiring financial responsibility for the construction, operation, and long-term management of a mitigation bank;
(b) For the perpetual protection and management of mitigation banks; and
(c) Establishing a system and methodology for the valuation, assessment, and award of mitigation credits.
History.—s. 7, ch. 96-371; s. 3, ch. 2000-133; s. 9, ch. 2003-265; s. 5, ch. 2012-174.
373.4137 Mitigation requirements for specified transportation projects.—
(1) The Legislature finds that environmental mitigation for the impact of transportation projects proposed by the Department of Transportation or a transportation authority established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349 can be more effectively achieved by regional, long-range mitigation planning rather than on a project-by-project basis. It is the intent of the Legislature that mitigation to offset the adverse effects of these transportation projects be funded by the Department of Transportation and be carried out by the use of mitigation banks and any other mitigation options that satisfy state and federal requirements in a manner that promotes efficiency, timeliness in project delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
(2) Environmental impact inventories for transportation projects proposed by the Department of Transportation or a transportation authority established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349 shall be developed as follows:
(a) By July 1 of each year, the Department of Transportation, or a transportation authority established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349 which chooses to participate in the program, shall submit to the water management districts a list of its projects in the adopted work program and an environmental impact inventory of habitat impacts and the anticipated mitigation needed to offset impacts as described in paragraph (b). The environmental impact inventory must be based on the rules adopted pursuant to this part, s. 404 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. s. 1344, and the Department of Transportation’s plan of construction for transportation projects in the next 3 years of the tentative work program. The Department of Transportation or a transportation authority established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349 may also include in its environmental impact inventory the habitat impacts and the anticipated amount of mitigation needed for any future transportation project. The Department of Transportation and each transportation authority established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349 may fund any mitigation activities for future projects using current year funds.
(b) The environmental impact inventory must include a description of habitat impacts, including location, acreage, and type; the anticipated mitigation needed based on the functional loss as determined through the uniform mitigation assessment method adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection by rule pursuant to s. 373.414(18); identification of the proposed mitigation option; state water quality classification of impacted wetlands and other surface waters; any other state or regional designations for these habitats; and a list of threatened species, endangered species, and species of special concern affected by the proposed project.
(c) Before projects are identified for inclusion in a water management district mitigation plan as described in subsection (4), the Department of Transportation must consider using credits from a permitted mitigation bank. The Department of Transportation must consider the availability of suitable and sufficient mitigation bank credits within the transportation project’s area, the ability to satisfy commitments to regulatory and resource agencies, the availability of suitable and sufficient mitigation purchased or developed under this section, the ability to complete suitable existing water management district or Department of Environmental Protection mitigation sites initiated with Department of Transportation mitigation funds, and the ability to satisfy state and federal requirements, including long-term maintenance and liability.
(3)(a) To implement the mitigation option identified in the environmental impact inventory described in subsection (2), the Department of Transportation may purchase credits for current and future use directly from a mitigation bank, purchase mitigation services through the water management districts or the Department of Environmental Protection, conduct its own mitigation, or use other mitigation options that meet state and federal requirements. Funding for the identified mitigation option as described in the environmental impact inventory must be included in the Department of Transportation’s work program developed pursuant to s. 339.135. The amount programmed each year by the Department of Transportation and participating transportation authorities established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349 must correspond to an estimated cost to mitigate for the functional loss identified in the environmental impact inventory described in subsection (2).
(b) Each transportation authority established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349 which chooses to participate in this program shall create an escrow account within its financial structure and deposit funds in the account to pay for the environmental mitigation phase of projects budgeted for the current fiscal year. The escrow account shall be maintained by the authority for the benefit of the water management districts. Any interest earnings from the escrow account must remain with the authority.
(c) For mitigation implemented by the water management district or the Department of Environmental Protection, as appropriate, the amount paid each year must be based on mitigation services provided by the water management districts or the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to an approved water management district mitigation plan, as described in subsection (4). The water management districts or the Department of Environmental Protection, as appropriate, may request payment no sooner than 30 days before the date the funds are needed to pay for activities associated with development or implementation of permitted mitigation that meets the requirements of this part, 33 U.S.C. s. 1344, and 33 C.F.R. part 332, in the approved water management district mitigation plan described in subsection (4) for the current fiscal year. The projected amount of mitigation shall be reconciled each quarter with the actual amount of mitigation needed for projects as permitted, including permit modifications, pursuant to this part and s. 404 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. s. 1344. The subject year’s programming of funds shall be adjusted to reflect the mitigation as permitted. If the water management district excludes a project from an approved water management district mitigation plan, if the water management district cannot timely permit a mitigation site to offset the impacts of a Department of Transportation project identified in the environmental impact inventory, or if the proposed mitigation does not meet state and federal requirements, the Department of Transportation may use the associated funds for the purchase of mitigation bank credits or any other mitigation option that satisfies state and federal requirements. Upon final payment for mitigation of a transportation project as permitted, the obligation of the Department of Transportation or the participating transportation authority is satisfied, and the water management district or the Department of Environmental Protection, as appropriate, has continuing responsibility for the mitigation project.
(d) Beginning with the March 2015 water management district mitigation plans, each water management district or the Department of Environmental Protection, as appropriate, shall invoice the Department of Transportation for mitigation services to offset only the impacts of a Department of Transportation project identified in the environmental impact inventory, including planning, design, construction, maintenance and monitoring, and other costs necessary to meet the requirements of this section, 33 U.S.C. s. 1344, and 33 C.F.R. part 332. If the water management district identifies the use of mitigation bank credits to offset a Department of Transportation impact, the water management district shall exclude that purchase from the mitigation plan, and the Department of Transportation shall purchase the bank credits.
(e) For mitigation activities occurring on existing water management district or Department of Environmental Protection mitigation sites initiated with Department of Transportation mitigation funds before July 1, 2013, the water management district or the Department of Environmental Protection, as appropriate, shall invoice the Department of Transportation or a participating transportation authority at a cost per acre of $75,000 multiplied by the projected acres of impact as identified in the environmental impact inventory. The cost per acre must be adjusted by the percentage change in the average of the Consumer Price Index issued by the United States Department of Labor for the most recent 12-month period ending September 30, compared to the base year average, which is the average for the 12-month period ending September 30, 1996. When implementing the mitigation activities necessary to offset the permitted impacts as provided in the approved mitigation plan, the water management district shall maintain records of the costs incurred in implementing the mitigation. The records must include, but are not limited to, costs for planning, land acquisition, design, construction, staff support, long-term maintenance and monitoring of the mitigation site, and other costs necessary to meet the requirements of 33 U.S.C. s. 1344 and 33 C.F.R. part 332.
(4) Before March 1 of each year, each water management district shall develop a mitigation plan to offset only the impacts of transportation projects in the environmental impact inventory for which a water management district is implementing mitigation that meets the requirements of this section, 33 U.S.C. s. 1344, and 33 C.F.R. part 332. The water management district mitigation plan must be developed in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Transportation, participating transportation authorities established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349, other appropriate federal, state, and local governments, and other interested parties, including entities operating mitigation banks. In developing such plans, the water management districts shall use sound ecosystem management practices to address significant water resource needs and consider activities of the Department of Environmental Protection and the water management districts, such as surface water improvement and management (SWIM) projects and lands identified for potential acquisition for preservation, restoration, or enhancement, and the control of invasive and exotic plants in wetlands and other surface waters, to the extent that the activities comply with the mitigation requirements adopted under this part, 33 U.S.C. s. 1344, and 33 C.F.R. part 332. The water management district mitigation plan must identify each site where the water management district will mitigate for a transportation project. For each mitigation site, the water management district shall provide the scope of the mitigation services; provide the functional gain as determined through the uniform mitigation assessment method adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection by rule pursuant to s. 373.414(18); describe how the mitigation offsets the impacts of each transportation project as permitted; and provide a schedule for the mitigation services. The water management districts shall maintain records of costs incurred and payments received for providing these services. Records must include, but are not limited to, planning, land acquisition, design, construction, staff support, long-term maintenance and monitoring of the mitigation site, and other costs necessary to meet the requirements of 33 U.S.C. s. 1344 and 33 C.F.R. part 332. To the extent moneys paid to a water management district by the Department of Transportation or a participating transportation authority are greater than the amount spent by the water management districts in providing the mitigation services to offset the permitted transportation project impacts, these moneys must be refunded to the Department of Transportation or participating transportation authority. The mitigation plan shall be submitted to the water management district governing board or its designee for review and approval. At least 14 days before approval by the governing board, the water management district shall provide a copy of the draft mitigation plan to the Department of Environmental Protection and any person who has requested a copy. Subsequent to the governing board approval, the mitigation plan shall be submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection for approval. The plan may not be implemented until it is submitted to, and approved in part or in its entirety by, the Department of Environmental Protection.
(a) Specific projects may be excluded from the mitigation plan, in whole or in part, and are not subject to this section upon the election of the Department of Transportation, a transportation authority if applicable, or the appropriate water management district. The Department of Transportation or a participating transportation authority may not exclude a transportation project from the mitigation plan if mitigation is scheduled for implementation by the water management district in the current fiscal year unless the transportation project is removed from the Department of Transportation’s work program or transportation authority funding plan, the mitigation cannot be timely permitted to offset the impacts of a Department of Transportation project identified in the environmental impact inventory, or the proposed mitigation does not meet state and federal requirements. If a project is removed from the work program or the mitigation plan, costs spent by the water management district before removal are eligible for reimbursement by the Department of Transportation or participating transportation authority.
(b) When determining which projects to include in or exclude from the mitigation plan, the Department of Transportation shall investigate using credits from a permitted mitigation bank before those projects are submitted for inclusion in a water management district mitigation plan. The Department of Transportation shall exclude a project from the mitigation plan if the investigation undertaken pursuant to this paragraph results in the conclusion that the use of credits from a permitted mitigation bank promotes efficiency, timeliness in project delivery, cost-effectiveness, and transfer of liability for success and long-term maintenance.
(5) The water management district shall ensure that mitigation requirements pursuant to 33 U.S.C. s. 1344 and 33 C.F.R. part 332 are met for the impacts identified in the environmental impact inventory for which the water management district will implement mitigation described in subsection (2), by implementation of the approved mitigation plan described in subsection (4) to the extent funding is provided by the Department of Transportation, or a transportation authority established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349, if applicable. In developing and implementing the mitigation plan, the water management district shall comply with federal permitting requirements pursuant to 33 U.S.C. s. 1344 and 33 C.F.R. part 332. During the federal permitting process, the water management district may deviate from the approved mitigation plan in order to comply with federal permitting requirements upon notice and coordination with the Department of Transportation or participating transportation authority.
(6) The water management district mitigation plans shall be updated annually to reflect the most current Department of Transportation work program and project list of a transportation authority established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349, if applicable, and may be amended throughout the year to anticipate schedule changes or additional projects that may arise. Before amending the mitigation plan to include new projects, the Department of Transportation must consider mitigation banks and other available mitigation options that meet state and federal requirements. Each update and amendment of the mitigation plan shall be submitted to the governing board of the water management district or its designee for approval. However, such approval shall not apply to a deviation as described in subsection (5).
(7) Upon approval by the governing board of the water management district and the Department of Environmental Protection, the mitigation plan shall satisfy the mitigation requirements under this part for impacts specifically identified in the environmental impact inventory described in subsection (2) and any other mitigation requirements imposed by local, regional, and state agencies for these same impacts. The approval of the governing board of the water management district and the Department of Environmental Protection authorizes the activities proposed in the mitigation plan, and no other state, regional, or local permit or approval is necessary.
(8) This section does not eliminate the need for the Department of Transportation or a transportation authority established pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349 to comply with the requirement to implement practicable design modifications, including realignment of transportation projects, to reduce or eliminate the impacts of its transportation projects on wetlands and other surface waters as required by rules adopted pursuant to this part, or to diminish the authority under this part to regulate other impacts, including water quantity or water quality impacts, or impacts regulated under this part which are not identified in the environmental impact inventory described in subsection (2).
History.—s. 1, ch. 96-238; s. 36, ch. 99-385; s. 1, ch. 2000-261; s. 93, ch. 2002-20; s. 39, ch. 2004-269; s. 30, ch. 2005-71; s. 12, ch. 2005-281; s. 1, ch. 2009-11; s. 3, ch. 2012-174; s. 22, ch. 2014-223; s. 5, ch. 2016-11.
373.4138 High Speed Rail Project; determination of mitigation requirements and costs.—With respect to the High Speed Rail Project, any mitigation requirements and associated costs shall be determined by negotiation between the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation, but if agreement on mitigation costs cannot be reached, the project may proceed at the rates determined under s. 373.4137(3).
History.—s. 5, ch. 96-238.
373.4139 Local government transportation infrastructure mitigation requirements.—
(1) The Legislature finds that environmental mitigation for the impact of transportation projects proposed as part of a coordinated multijurisdiction initiative undertaken with substantial funding from a discretionary sales surtax levied under s. 212.055 may be more effectively achieved by long-range mitigation planning by a responsible government rather than on a case-by-case basis.
(2) As used in this section, the county levying the surtax must be the government responsible for developing, permitting, and implementing the long-range mitigation plans, unless the county chooses not to be the responsible government and a responsible government is otherwise designated by an interlocal agreement executed by and between all local governments participating in the transportation initiative. This environmental mitigation process is not mandatory but may be initiated by the county levying the discretionary sales surtax, upon notice to the appropriate water management districts.
(3) The responsible government must develop its long-range mitigation plan for multijurisdictional transportation initiatives as follows:
(a) By May 1 of each year of the transportation initiative, the participating governments shall prepare an inventory of all wetland and surface water resources, subject to this part and 33 U.S.C. s. 1344, which may be impacted in the next 3 years of the participating government’s plan of construction for each transportation project and shall submit the environmental inventory to the responsible government. The environmental inventory shall include the information required in s. 373.4137(2)(b).
(b) Upon receipt of the environmental inventory, the responsible government shall develop a mitigation plan in consultation with the other participating governments, as well as with the appropriate water management districts, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and other appropriate federal and state governments. The responsible government shall submit the mitigation plan to the water management districts having jurisdiction over the mitigation or impact areas.
(c) The water management district having jurisdiction over the impact area shall review the mitigation plan for compliance with rules adopted pursuant to this part. When more than one water management district has responsibility for regulation of the transportation initiative, the water management districts shall enter into an agreement pursuant to s. 373.046(6) to designate a single water management district to review and approve the mitigation plan.
(d) The responsible government shall submit the mitigation plan to all appropriate federal agencies that require permitting or approval of wetland and surface water mitigation. The responsible government shall seek to obtain formal approval of the mitigation plan from the federal agencies.
(e) Specific transportation projects may be excluded from the mitigation plan and shall not be subject to this section upon agreement by the responsible government and the participating governments if the inclusion of the project would hamper the efficiency and timeliness of the mitigation planning and permitting process or the responsible government is unable to identify mitigation that would offset the impacts of the project.
(4) Upon the water management district’s approval, the mitigation plan shall be deemed to satisfy the mitigation requirements under this part and any other mitigation requirements imposed by local, regional, and state agencies for impacts identified in the environmental inventory. The approval of the appropriate water management district authorizes the environmental mitigation activities proposed in the mitigation plan, and no additional state, regional, or local permit or approval is necessary.
(5)(a) Concurrent with, or subsequent to, the approval of the mitigation plan, the participating governments shall make any necessary permit applications to the appropriate water management district that will be solely responsible for review and final action on the application required by this chapter. The responsible government must ensure that mitigation requirements specified by 33 U.S.C. s. 1344 are met for the impacts identified in the wetland inventory by implementing the mitigation plan approved by the water management district to the extent that the funding is provided by the participating governments.
(b) This section does not eliminate the need for the participating governments to comply with requirements to implement practicable design modifications, including realignment of transportation projects, to reduce or eliminate impacts of the transportation projects on wetlands and other surface waters as required by rules adopted pursuant to this part.
(6) To fund the long-range mitigation plan, the responsible government shall create an escrow account. The participating governments shall deposit funds into the account to pay for the environmental mitigation phase of projects budgeted for the current fiscal year. The responsible government shall maintain the escrow account for mitigation purposes only. Any interest earned from the escrow account may be used to offset the cost of the mitigation plan and must be credited to the participating governments’ transportation projects. The responsible government shall reimburse the water management district the actual costs it incurs in reviewing the mitigation plan.
(7) The mitigation plans shall be updated annually to reflect the most current plan of construction of the participating governments and may be amended throughout the year to anticipate schedule changes or additional projects that may arise.
History.—s. 5, ch. 2003-409.
373.414 Additional criteria for activities in surface waters and wetlands.—
(1) As part of an applicant’s demonstration that an activity regulated under this part will not be harmful to the water resources or will not be inconsistent with the overall objectives of the district, the governing board or the department shall require the applicant to provide reasonable assurance that state water quality standards applicable to waters as defined in s. 403.031(13) will not be violated and reasonable assurance that such activity in, on, or over surface waters or wetlands, as delineated in s. 373.421(1), is not contrary to the public interest. However, if such an activity significantly degrades or is within an Outstanding Florida Water, as provided by department rule, the applicant must provide reasonable assurance that the proposed activity will be clearly in the public interest.
(a) In determining whether an activity, which is in, on, or over surface waters or wetlands, as delineated in s. 373.421(1), and is regulated under this part, is not contrary to the public interest or is clearly in the public interest, the governing board or the department shall consider and balance the following criteria:
1. Whether the activity will adversely affect the public health, safety, or welfare or the property of others;
2. Whether the activity will adversely affect the conservation of fish and wildlife, including endangered or threatened species, or their habitats;
3. Whether the activity will adversely affect navigation or the flow of water or cause harmful erosion or shoaling;
4. Whether the activity will adversely affect the fishing or recreational values or marine productivity in the vicinity of the activity;
5. Whether the activity will be of a temporary or permanent nature;
6. Whether the activity will adversely affect or will enhance significant historical and archaeological resources under the provisions of s. 267.061; and
7. The current condition and relative value of functions being performed by areas affected by the proposed activity.
(b) If the applicant is unable to otherwise meet the criteria set forth in this subsection, the governing board or the department, in deciding to grant or deny a permit, shall consider measures proposed by or acceptable to the applicant to mitigate adverse effects that may be caused by the regulated activity. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, onsite mitigation, offsite mitigation, offsite regional mitigation, and the purchase of mitigation credits from mitigation banks permitted under s. 373.4136. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to choose the form of mitigation. The mitigation must offset the adverse effects caused by the regulated activity.
1. The department or water management districts may accept the donation of money as mitigation only where the donation is specified for use in a duly noticed environmental creation, preservation, enhancement, or restoration project, endorsed by the department or the governing board of the water management district, which offsets the impacts of the activity permitted under this part. However, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to projects undertaken pursuant to s. 373.4137 or chapter 378. Where a permit is required under this part to implement any project endorsed by the department or a water management district, all necessary permits must have been issued prior to the acceptance of any cash donation. After the effective date of this act, when money is donated to either the department or a water management district to offset impacts authorized by a permit under this part, the department or the water management district shall accept only a donation that represents the full cost to the department or water management district of undertaking the project that is intended to mitigate the adverse impacts. The full cost shall include all direct and indirect costs, as applicable, such as those for land acquisition, land restoration or enhancement, perpetual land management, and general overhead consisting of costs such as staff time, building, and vehicles. The department or the water management district may use a multiplier or percentage to add to other direct or indirect costs to estimate general overhead. Mitigation credit for such a donation shall be given only to the extent that the donation covers the full cost to the agency of undertaking the project that is intended to mitigate the adverse impacts. However, nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the department or a water management district from accepting a donation representing a portion of a larger project, provided that the donation covers the full cost of that portion and mitigation credit is given only for that portion. The department or water management district may deviate from the full cost requirements of this subparagraph to resolve a proceeding brought pursuant to chapter 70 or a claim for inverse condemnation. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the owner of a private mitigation bank, permitted under s. 373.4136, to include the full cost of a mitigation credit in the price of the credit to a purchaser of said credit.
2. The department and each water management district shall report by March 1 of each year, as part of the consolidated annual report required by s. 373.036(7), all cash donations accepted under subparagraph 1. during the preceding water management district fiscal year for wetland mitigation purposes. The report shall exclude those contributions pursuant to s. 373.4137. The report shall include a description of the endorsed mitigation projects and, except for projects governed by s. 373.4135(6), shall address, as applicable, success criteria, project implementation status and timeframe, monitoring, long-term management, provisions for preservation, and full cost accounting.
3. If the applicant is unable to meet water quality standards because existing ambient water quality does not meet standards, the governing board or the department shall consider mitigation measures proposed by or acceptable to the applicant that cause net improvement of the water quality in the receiving body of water for those parameters which do not meet standards.
4. If mitigation requirements imposed by a local government for surface water and wetland impacts of an activity regulated under this part cannot be reconciled with mitigation requirements approved under a permit for the same activity issued under this part, including application of the uniform wetland mitigation assessment method adopted pursuant to subsection (18), the mitigation requirements for surface water and wetland impacts shall be controlled by the permit issued under this part.
(c) Where activities for a single project regulated under this part occur in more than one local government jurisdiction, and where permit conditions or regulatory requirements are imposed by a local government for these activities which cannot be reconciled with those imposed by a permit under this part for the same activities, the permit conditions or regulatory requirements shall be controlled by the permit issued under this part.
(2) The governing board or the department is authorized to establish by rule specific permitting criteria in addition to the other criteria in this part which provides:
(a) One or more size thresholds of isolated wetlands below which impacts on fish and wildlife and their habitats will not be considered. These thresholds shall be based on biological and hydrological evidence that shows the fish and wildlife values of such areas to be minimal.
(b) Criteria for the protection of threatened and endangered species in isolated wetlands regardless of size and land use.
(3) It is the intent of the Legislature to provide for the use of certain wetlands as a natural means of stormwater management and to incorporate these waters into comprehensive stormwater management when such use is compatible with the ecological characteristics of such waters and with sound resource management. To accomplish this, the governing board or the department is authorized to establish by rule performance standards for the issuance of permits for the use of certain wetlands for stormwater management. The compliance with such standards creates a presumption that the discharge from the stormwater management system meets state water quality standards.
(4) It is the intent of the Legislature to provide for the use of certain wetlands to receive and treat domestic wastewater that at a minimum has been treated to secondary standards. The department may by rule establish criteria for this activity, which criteria protect the type, nature, and function of the wetlands receiving the wastewater.
(5)(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to protect estuaries and lagoons from the damage created by construction of vertical seawalls and to encourage construction of environmentally desirable shore protection systems, such as riprap and gently sloping shorelines which are planted with suitable aquatic and wetland vegetation.
(b) No permit under this part to create a vertical seawall may be issued by the governing board or the department unless one of the following conditions exists:
1. The proposed construction is located within a port as defined in s. 315.02 or s. 403.021;
2. The proposed construction is necessary for the creation of a marina, the vertical seawalls are necessary to provide access to watercraft, or the proposed construction is necessary for public facilities;
3. The proposed construction is located within an existing manmade canal and the shoreline of such canal is currently occupied in whole or in part by vertical seawalls; or
4. The proposed construction is to be conducted by a public utility when such utility is acting in the performance of its obligation to provide service to the public.
(c) When considering an application for a permit to repair or replace an existing vertical seawall, the governing board or the department shall generally require such seawall to be faced with riprap material, or to be replaced entirely with riprap material unless a condition specified in paragraph (b) exists.
(d) This subsection shall in no way hinder any activity previously exempt or permitted or those activities permitted pursuant to chapter 161.
(6)(a) The Legislature recognizes that some mining activities that may occur in waters of the state must leave a deep pit as part of the reclamation. Such deep pits may not meet the established water quality standard for dissolved oxygen below the surficial layers. Where such mining activities otherwise meet the permitting criteria contained in this section, such activities may be eligible for a variance from the established water quality standard for dissolved oxygen within the lower layers of the reclaimed pit.
(b) Wetlands reclamation activities for phosphate and heavy minerals mining undertaken pursuant to chapter 378 shall be considered appropriate mitigation for this part if they maintain or improve the water quality and the function of the biological systems present at the site prior to the commencement of mining activities.
(c) Wetlands reclamation activities for fuller’s earth mining undertaken pursuant to chapter 378 shall be considered appropriate mitigation for this part if they maintain or improve the water quality and the function of the biological systems present at the site prior to the commencement of mining activities, unless the site features make such reclamation impracticable, in which case the reclamation must offset the regulated activities’ adverse impacts on surface waters and wetlands.
(d) Onsite reclamation of the mine pit for limerock and sand mining shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of chapter 378.
1. Mitigation activities for limerock and sand mining must offset the regulated activities’ adverse impacts on surface waters and wetlands. Mitigation activities shall be located on site, unless onsite mitigation activities are not feasible, in which case, offsite mitigation as close to the activities as possible shall be required. However, mitigation banking may be an acceptable form of mitigation, whether on or off site, as judged on a case-by-case basis.
2. The ratio of mitigation-to-wetlands loss shall be determined on a case-by-case basis and shall be based on the quality of the wetland to be impacted and the type of mitigation proposed.
(e) The Legislature recognizes that the state’s horticultural industry contributes to the economic strength of Florida and that high-quality peat is a limited resource that is an important component of horticultural production. The Legislature further recognizes that obtaining high-quality peat typically and uniquely requires the mining of wetlands and other surface waters and that the use of recycled and renewable material to replace or reduce the use of natural peat is necessary for the future of the horticultural industry.
1. As used in this paragraph, the term:
a. “High-quality peat” means peat from a freshwater herbaceous wetland that grades H1 to H4 on the von Post Humification Scale and has a pH less than 7.
b. “Horticultural industry” means the industry that cultivates plants, including, but not limited to, trees, shrubs, flowers, annuals, perennials, tropical foliage, liners, ferns, vines, bulbs, grafts, scions, or buds, but excludes turf grasses grown or kept for or capable of propagation or distribution for retail, wholesale, or rewholesale purposes.
2. The department shall develop rules for permitting and mitigation of peat mines in herbaceous or historically herbaceous wetlands where high-quality peat is extracted predominately for use in the horticultural industry provided:
a. The permitting and mitigation rules shall be applicable where no less than 80 percent of the extracted peat is high-quality peat and 80 percent of the high-quality peat is used by the horticultural industry in products that incorporate other renewable or recycled materials to replace or reduce the use of natural peat;
b. No extraction is occurring in the underlying sand or rock strata;
c. No portion of the extraction or mitigation area is part of an existing or proposed larger plan of development; and
d. No portion of the mine is located in a body of water designated as Outstanding Florida Waters.
3. In adopting rules as directed in subparagraph 2., design modifications shall not be required to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts to herbaceous wetlands that score below a specific value, as provided by rule using the uniform mitigation assessment method of evaluation, except to require that the project meet water quality standards, not cause adverse offsite flooding, not adversely impact significant historical and archaeological resources pursuant to s. 267.061, and not cause adverse impacts to listed species or their habitats. In assessing mitigation for mines that are not required to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts, retaining a percentage of the reclaimed wetland as open water shall be deemed appropriate wetland mitigation. The rules must establish the amount of open water allowable as mitigation based upon a consideration of the type and amount of other wetland mitigation proposed, the value of those wetlands as evaluated using the uniform mitigation assessment method, and the amount of preservation of wetlands. The amount of open water shall not exceed 60 percent of the premining wetlands within the extracted area.
4. Rule 62-345.600, Florida Administrative Code, shall not be applied to mitigation for mines qualifying under this paragraph.
5. The department shall initiate rulemaking within 90 days after July 1, 2007, and water management districts may implement the proposed rules without adoption pursuant to s. 120.54.
(7) This section shall not be construed to diminish the jurisdiction or authority granted prior to the effective date of this act to the water management districts or the department pursuant to this part, including their jurisdiction and authority over isolated wetlands. The provisions of this section shall be deemed supplemental to the existing jurisdiction and authority under this part.
(8)(a) The governing board or the department, in deciding whether to grant or deny a permit for an activity regulated under this part shall consider the cumulative impacts upon surface water and wetlands, as delineated in s. 373.421(1), within the same drainage basin as defined in s. 373.403(9), of:
1. The activity for which the permit is sought.
2. Projects which are existing or activities regulated under this part which are under construction or projects for which permits or determinations pursuant to s. 373.421 or 1s. 403.914 have been sought.
3. Activities which are under review, approved, or vested pursuant to s. 380.06, or other activities regulated under this part which may reasonably be expected to be located within surface waters or wetlands, as delineated in s. 373.421(1), in the same drainage basin as defined in s. 373.403(9), based upon the comprehensive plans, adopted pursuant to chapter 163, of the local governments having jurisdiction over the activities, or applicable land use restrictions and regulations.
(b) If an applicant proposes mitigation within the same drainage basin as the adverse impacts to be mitigated, and if the mitigation offsets these adverse impacts, the governing board and department shall consider the regulated activity to meet the cumulative impact requirements of paragraph (a). However, this paragraph may not be construed to prohibit mitigation outside the drainage basin which offsets the adverse impacts within the drainage basin.
(9) The department and the governing boards, on or before July 1, 1994, shall adopt rules to incorporate this section, relying primarily on the existing rules of the department and the water management districts, into the rules governing the management and storage of surface waters. Such rules shall seek to achieve a statewide, coordinated and consistent permitting approach to activities regulated under this part. Variations in permitting criteria in the rules of individual water management districts or the department shall only be provided to address differing physical or natural characteristics. Such rules adopted pursuant to this subsection shall include the special criteria adopted pursuant to s. 403.061(30) and may include the special criteria adopted pursuant to s. 403.061(35). Such rules shall include a provision requiring that a notice of intent to deny or a permit denial based upon this section shall contain an explanation of the reasons for such denial and an explanation, in general terms, of what changes, if any, are necessary to address such reasons for denial. Such rules may establish exemptions and general permits, if such exemptions and general permits do not allow significant adverse impacts to occur individually or cumulatively. Such rules may require submission of proof of financial responsibility which may include the posting of a bond or other form of surety prior to the commencement of construction to provide reasonable assurance that any activity permitted pursuant to this section, including any mitigation for such permitted activity, will be completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit once the construction is commenced. Until rules adopted pursuant to this subsection become effective, existing rules adopted under this part and rules adopted pursuant to the authority of 2ss. 403.91-403.929 shall be deemed authorized under this part and shall remain in full force and effect. Neither the department nor the governing boards are limited or prohibited from amending any such rules.
(10) The department in consultation with the water management districts by rule shall establish water quality criteria for wetlands, which criteria give appropriate recognition to the water quality of such wetlands in their natural state.
(11)(a) In addition to the statutory exemptions applicable to this part, dredging and filling permitted under rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, or exempted from regulation under such rules, shall be exempt from the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9) if the dredging and filling activity did not require a permit under rules adopted pursuant to this part prior to the effective date of the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9). The exemption from the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9) shall extend to:
1. The activities approved by said chapter 403 permit for the term of the permit; or
2. Dredging and filling exempted from regulation under rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, which is commenced prior to the effective date of the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9), is completed within 5 years after the effective date of such rules, and regarding which, at all times during construction, the terms of the dredge and fill exemption continue to be met.
(b) This exemption shall also apply to any modification of such permit which does not constitute a substantial modification. For the purposes of this paragraph, a substantial modification is one which is reasonably expected to lead to substantially different environmental impacts. This exemption shall also apply to a modification which lessens the environmental impact. A modification qualifying for this exemption shall be reviewed under the rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, in existence prior to the effective date of the rules adopted under subsection (9).
(12)(a) Activities approved in a conceptual, general, or individual permit issued pursuant to rules adopted pursuant to this part and which were either permitted under rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, or exempt from regulation under such rules, all prior to the effective date of rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9), shall be exempt from the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9). This exemption shall be for the plans, terms, and conditions approved in the permit issued under rules adopted pursuant to this part or in any permit issued under rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, and shall be valid for the term of such permits. This exemption shall also apply to any modification of the plans, terms, and conditions of the permit, including new activities, within the geographical area to which the permit issued under rules adopted pursuant to this part applies; however, this exemption shall not apply to a modification that would extend the permitted time limit for construction beyond 2 additional years, or to any modification which is reasonably expected to lead to substantially different water resource impacts. This exemption shall also apply to any modification which lessens the impact to water resources. A modification of the permit qualifying for this exemption shall be reviewed under the rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, and this part, as applicable, in existence prior to the effective date of the rules adopted under subsection (9), unless the applicant elects to have such modifications reviewed under the rules adopted under this part, as amended in accordance with subsection (9).
(b) Surface water and wetland delineations identified and approved by the permit issued under rules adopted pursuant to this part prior to the effective date of rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9) shall remain valid until expiration of such permit, notwithstanding the methodology ratified in s. 373.4211. For purposes of this section, the term “identified and approved” means:
1. The delineation was field-verified by the permitting agency and such verification was surveyed as part of the application review process for the permit; or
2. The delineation was field-verified by the permitting agency and approved by the permit.
Where surface water and wetland delineations were not identified and approved by the permit issued under rules adopted pursuant to this part, delineations within the geographical area to which such permit applies shall be determined pursuant to the rules applicable at the time the permit was issued, notwithstanding the methodology ratified in s. 373.4211. This paragraph shall also apply to any modification of the permit issued under rules adopted pursuant to this part within the geographical area to which the permit applies.
(c) Within the boundaries of a jurisdictional declaratory statement issued under s. 403.914, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, or pursuant to rules adopted thereunder, in which activities have been permitted as described in paragraph (a), the delineation of the landward extent of waters of the state for the purposes of regulation under the rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, as such rules existed prior to the effective date of the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9), shall remain valid for the duration of the permit issued pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, and shall be used in the review of any modification of such permit.
(13) Any declaratory statement issued by the department under s. 403.914, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, or pursuant to rules adopted thereunder, or by a water management district under s. 373.421, in response to a petition filed on or before June 1, 1994, shall continue to be valid for the duration of such declaratory statement. Any such petition pending on June 1, 1994, shall be exempt from the methodology ratified in s. 373.4211, but the rules of the department or the relevant water management district, as applicable, in effect prior to the effective date of s. 373.4211, shall apply. Until May 1, 1998, activities within the boundaries of an area subject to a petition pending on June 1, 1994, and prior to final agency action on such petition, shall be reviewed under the rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, and this part, in existence prior to the effective date of the rules adopted under subsection (9), unless the applicant elects to have such activities reviewed under the rules adopted under this part, as amended in accordance with subsection (9). In the event that a jurisdictional declaratory statement pursuant to the vegetative index in effect prior to the effective date of chapter 84-79, Laws of Florida, has been obtained and is valid prior to the effective date of the rules adopted under subsection (9) or July 1, 1994, whichever is later, and the affected lands are part of a project for which a master development order has been issued pursuant to s. 380.06(9), the declaratory statement shall remain valid for the duration of the buildout period of the project. Any jurisdictional determination validated by the department pursuant to rule 17-301.400(8), Florida Administrative Code, as it existed in rule 17-4.022, Florida Administrative Code, on April 1, 1985, shall remain in effect for a period of 5 years following the effective date of this act if proof of such validation is submitted to the department prior to January 1, 1995. In the event that a jurisdictional determination has been revalidated by the department pursuant to this subsection and the affected lands are part of a project for which a development order has been issued pursuant to s. 380.06(4), a final development order to which s. 163.3167(5) applies has been issued, or a vested rights determination has been issued pursuant to s. 380.06(8), the jurisdictional determination shall remain valid until the completion of the project, provided proof of such validation and documentation establishing that the project meets the requirements of this sentence are submitted to the department prior to January 1, 1995. Activities proposed within the boundaries of a valid declaratory statement issued pursuant to a petition submitted to either the department or the relevant water management district on or before June 1, 1994, or a revalidated jurisdictional determination, prior to its expiration shall continue thereafter to be exempt from the methodology ratified in s. 373.4211 and to be reviewed under the rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, and this part, in existence prior to the effective date of the rules adopted under subsection (9), unless the applicant elects to have such activities reviewed under the rules adopted under this part, as amended in accordance with subsection (9).
(14) An application under the rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, or this part for dredging and filling or other activity, which is pending on June 15, 1994, or which is submitted and complete prior to the effective date of rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9) shall be:
(a) Acted upon by the agency which is responsible for review of the application under the operating agreement adopted pursuant to s. 373.046(4);
(b) Reviewed under the rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, and this part, in existence prior to the effective date of the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9), unless the applicant elects to have such activities reviewed under the rules of this part, as amended in accordance with subsection (9); and
(c) Exempt from the methodology ratified in s. 373.4211, but the rules of the department and water management districts to delineate surface waters and wetlands in effect prior to the effective date of s. 373.4211 shall apply, unless the applicant elects to have such ratified methodology apply.
(15) Activities associated with mining operations as defined by and subject to ss. 378.201-378.212 and 378.701-378.703 and included in a conceptual reclamation plan or modification application submitted prior to July 1, 1996, shall continue to be reviewed under the rules of the department adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, the rules of the water management districts under this part, and interagency agreements, in effect on January 1, 1993. Such activities shall be exempt from rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9) and the statewide methodology ratified pursuant to s. 373.4211. As of January 1, 1994, such activities may be issued permits authorizing construction for the life of the mine. Lands added to a conceptual reclamation plan subject to this subsection through a modification submitted after July 1, 1996, which are contiguous to the conceptual reclamation plan area shall be exempt from rules adopted under subsection (9), except that the total acreage of the conceptual reclamation plan may not be increased through such modification and the cumulative acreage added may not exceed 3 percent of the conceptual reclamation plan area. Lands that have been mined or disturbed by mining activities, lands subject to a conservation easement under which the grantee is a state or federal regulatory agency, and lands otherwise preserved as part of a permitting review may not be removed from the conceptual reclamation land area under this subsection.
(16) Until October 1, 2000, regulation under rules adopted pursuant to this part of any sand, limerock, or limestone mining activity which is located in Township 52 South, Range 39 East, sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36; in Township 52 South, Range 40 East, sections 6, 7, 8, 18, and 19; in Township 53 South, Range 39 East, sections 1, 2, 13, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 35, and 36; and in Township 54 South, Range 38 East, sections 24, and 25, and 36, shall not include the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9). In addition, until October 1, 2000, such activities shall continue to be regulated under the rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, as such rules existed prior to the effective date of the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (9) and such dredge and fill jurisdiction shall be that which existed prior to January 24, 1984. In addition, any such sand, limerock, or limestone mining activity shall be approved by Miami-Dade County and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This section shall only apply to mining activities which are continuous and carried out on land contiguous to mining operations that were in existence on or before October 1, 1984.
(17) The variance provisions of s. 403.201 are applicable to the provisions of this section or any rule adopted pursuant to this section. The governing boards and the department are authorized to review and take final agency action on petitions requesting such variances for those activities they regulate under this part and s. 373.4145.
(18) The department and each water management district responsible for implementation of the environmental resource permitting program shall develop a uniform mitigation assessment method for wetlands and other surface waters. The department shall adopt the uniform mitigation assessment method by rule no later than July 31, 2002. The rule shall provide an exclusive and consistent process for determining the amount of mitigation required to offset impacts to wetlands and other surface waters, and, once effective, shall supersede all rules, ordinances, and variance procedures from ordinances that determine the amount of mitigation needed to offset such impacts. Once the department adopts the uniform mitigation assessment method by rule, the uniform mitigation assessment method shall be binding on the department, the water management districts, local governments, and any other governmental agencies and shall be the sole means to determine the amount of mitigation needed to offset adverse impacts to wetlands and other surface waters and to award and deduct mitigation bank credits. A water management district and any other governmental agency subject to chapter 120 may apply the uniform mitigation assessment method without the need to adopt it pursuant to s. 120.54. It shall be a goal of the department and water management districts that the uniform mitigation assessment method developed be practicable for use within the timeframes provided in the permitting process and result in a consistent process for determining mitigation requirements. It shall be recognized that any such method shall require the application of reasonable scientific judgment. The uniform mitigation assessment method must determine the value of functions provided by wetlands and other surface waters considering the current conditions of these areas, utilization by fish and wildlife, location, uniqueness, and hydrologic connection, and, when applied to mitigation banks, the factors listed in s. 373.4136(4). The uniform mitigation assessment method shall also account for the expected time-lag associated with offsetting impacts and the degree of risk associated with the proposed mitigation. The uniform mitigation assessment method shall account for different ecological communities in different areas of the state. In developing the uniform mitigation assessment method, the department and water management districts shall consult with approved local programs under s. 403.182 which have an established mitigation program for wetlands or other surface waters. The department and water management districts shall consider the recommendations submitted by such approved local programs, including any recommendations relating to the adoption by the department and water management districts of any uniform mitigation methodology that has been adopted and used by an approved local program in its established mitigation program for wetlands or other surface waters. Environmental resource permitting rules may establish categories of permits or thresholds for minor impacts under which the use of the uniform mitigation assessment method will not be required. The application of the uniform mitigation assessment method is not subject to s. 70.001. In the event the rule establishing the uniform mitigation assessment method is deemed to be invalid, the applicable rules related to establishing needed mitigation in existence prior to the adoption of the uniform mitigation assessment method, including those adopted by a county which is an approved local program under s. 403.182, and the method described in paragraph (b) for existing mitigation banks, shall be authorized for use by the department, water management districts, local governments, and other state agencies.
(a) In developing the uniform mitigation assessment method, the department shall seek input from the United States Army Corps of Engineers in order to promote consistency in the mitigation assessment methods used by the state and federal permitting programs.
(b) An entity which has received a mitigation bank permit prior to the adoption of the uniform mitigation assessment method shall have impact sites assessed, for the purpose of deducting bank credits, using the credit assessment method, including any functional assessment methodology, which was in place when the bank was permitted; unless the entity elects to have its credits redetermined, and thereafter have its credits deducted, using the uniform mitigation assessment method.
(19)(a) Financial responsibility for mitigation for wetlands and other surface waters required by a permit issued pursuant to this part for activities associated with the extraction of limestone and phosphate are subject to approval by the department as part of the permit application review. Financial responsibility for permitted activities that will occur over a period of 3 years or less of mining operations must be provided to the department before the commencement of mining operations and must equal 110 percent of the estimated mitigation costs for wetlands and other surface waters affected under the permit. For permitted activities that will occur over a period of more than 3 years of mining operations, the initial financial responsibility demonstration must equal 110 percent of the estimated mitigation costs for wetlands and other surface waters affected in the first 3 years of operation under the permit. For each year thereafter, the financial responsibility demonstration must be updated, including providing an amount equal to 110 percent of the estimated mitigation costs for the next year of operations under the permit for which financial responsibility has not already been demonstrated and to release portions of the financial responsibility mechanisms in accordance with applicable rules.
(b) The mechanisms for providing financial responsibility pursuant to the permit shall, at the discretion of the applicant, include the following:
1. Cash or cash equivalent deposited in an escrow account.
2. Irrevocable letter of credit.
3. Performance bond.
4. Trust fund agreement.
5. Guarantee bond.
6. Insurance certificate.
7. A demonstration that the applicant meets the financial test and corporate guarantee requirements set forth in 40 C.F.R. s. 264.143(f).
8. A demonstration that the applicant meets the self-bonding provision set forth in 30 C.F.R. s. 800.23.
The form and content of all financial responsibility mechanisms shall be approved by the department. When utilizing an irrevocable letter of credit, performance bond, or guarantee bond, all payments made thereunder shall be deposited into a standby trust fund established contemporaneously with the posting of the financial assurance instrument. All trust fund agreements and standby trust fund agreements shall provide that distributions therefrom will be made only at the request of the department and that the trustees of such funds shall be either a national or state-chartered banking institution or a state-regulated trust company.
(c) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any mitigation for wetlands and other surface waters that is required pursuant to a permit or permits initially issued by the department or district prior to January 1, 2005.
(d) Nothing provided in this subsection supersedes or modifies the financial responsibility requirements of s. 378.208.
History.—ss. 4, 5, ch. 86-186; s. 30, ch. 93-213; s. 4, ch. 94-122; s. 3, ch. 96-370; s. 5, ch. 96-371; ss. 2, 5, ch. 97-222; s. 169, ch. 99-13; s. 26, ch. 99-385; s. 4, ch. 2000-133; s. 1, ch. 2002-253; s. 11, ch. 2005-36; s. 3, ch. 2005-215; s. 1, ch. 2005-273; s. 1, ch. 2007-191; s. 84, ch. 2008-4; s. 4, ch. 2008-150; s. 30, ch. 2010-205; s. 44, ch. 2012-5; s. 8, ch. 2016-130; s. 17, ch. 2017-3; s. 16, ch. 2018-158; s. 33, ch. 2020-150.
2Note.—Sections 403.91-403.925 and 403.929 were repealed by s. 45, ch. 93-213, and s. 403.913, as amended by s. 46, ch. 93-213, was transferred to s. 403.939 and subsequently repealed by s. 18, ch. 95-145. The only section remaining within the cited range is s. 403.927.
373.4141 Permits; processing.—
(1) Within 30 days after receipt of an application for a permit under this part, the department or the water management district shall review the application and shall request submittal of all additional information the department or the water management district is permitted by law to require. If the applicant believes any request for additional information is not authorized by law or rule, the applicant may request a hearing pursuant to s. 120.57. Within 30 days after receipt of such additional information, the department or water management district shall review it and may request only that information needed to clarify such additional information or to answer new questions raised by or directly related to such additional information. If the applicant believes the request of the department or water management district for such additional information is not authorized by law or rule, the department or water management district, at the applicant’s request, shall proceed to process the permit application.
(2) A permit shall be approved, denied, or subject to a notice of proposed agency action within 60 days after receipt of the original application, the last item of timely requested additional material, or the applicant’s written request to begin processing the permit application.
(3) Processing of applications for permits for affordable housing projects shall be expedited to a greater degree than other projects.
(4) A state agency or an agency of the state may not require as a condition of approval for a permit or as an item to complete a pending permit application that an applicant obtain a permit or approval from any other local, state, or federal agency without explicit statutory authority to require such permit or approval.
History.—s. 4, ch. 96-370; s. 1, ch. 2002-160; s. 7, ch. 2012-205.
373.4142 Water quality within stormwater treatment systems.—State surface water quality standards applicable to waters of the state, as defined in s. 403.031(13), shall not apply within a stormwater management system which is designed, constructed, operated, and maintained for stormwater treatment in accordance with a valid permit or noticed exemption issued pursuant to chapter 62-25, Florida Administrative Code; a valid permit or exemption under s. 373.4145 within the Northwest Florida Water Management District; a valid permit issued on or subsequent to April 1, 1986, within the Suwannee River Water Management District or the St. Johns River Water Management District pursuant to this part; a valid permit issued on or subsequent to March 1, 1988, within the Southwest Florida Water Management District pursuant to this part; or a valid permit issued on or subsequent to January 6, 1982, within the South Florida Water Management District pursuant to this part. Such inapplicability of state water quality standards shall be limited to that part of the stormwater management system located upstream of a manmade water control structure permitted, or approved under a noticed exemption, to retain or detain stormwater runoff in order to provide treatment of the stormwater. The additional use of such a stormwater management system for flood attenuation or irrigation shall not divest the system of the benefits of this exemption. This section shall not affect the authority of the department and water management districts to require reasonable assurance that the water quality within such stormwater management systems will not adversely impact public health, fish and wildlife, or adjacent waters.
History.—s. 7, ch. 94-122; s. 2, ch. 2007-191.
373.4143 Declaration of policy.—It is the policy of the Legislature that the state provide efficient government services by consolidating, to the maximum extent practicable, federal and state permitting associated with wetlands and navigable waters within the state.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2005-273.
373.4144 Federal environmental permitting.—
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to:
(a) Facilitate coordination and a more efficient process of implementing regulatory duties and functions between the Department of Environmental Protection, the water management districts, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and other relevant federal and state agencies.
(b) Authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to obtain issuance by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, pursuant to state and federal law and as set forth in this section, of an expanded state programmatic general permit, or a series of regional general permits, for categories of activities in waters of the United States governed by the Clean Water Act and in navigable waters under the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 which are similar in nature, which will cause only minimal adverse environmental effects when performed separately, and which will have only minimal cumulative adverse effects on the environment.
(c) Use the mechanism of such a state general permit or such regional general permits to eliminate overlapping federal regulations and state rules that seek to protect the same resource and to avoid duplication of permitting between the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the department for minor work located in waters of the United States, including navigable waters, thus eliminating, in appropriate cases, the need for a separate individual approval from the United States Army Corps of Engineers while ensuring the most stringent protection of wetland resources.
(d) Direct the department not to seek issuance of or take any action pursuant to any such permit or permits unless such conditions are at least as protective of the environment and natural resources as existing state law under this part and federal law under the Clean Water Act and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
(2)(a) In order to effectuate efficient wetland permitting and avoid duplication, the department and water management districts are authorized to implement a voluntary state programmatic general permit for all dredge and fill activities impacting 10 acres or less of wetlands or other surface waters, including navigable waters, subject to agreement with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, if the general permit is at least as protective of the environment and natural resources as existing state law under this part and federal law under the Clean Water Act and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
(b) By seeking to use a statewide programmatic general permit, an applicant consents to applicable federal wetland jurisdiction criteria, which are not included pursuant to this part, but which are authorized by the regulations implementing s. 404 of the Clean Water Act, Pub. L. No. 92-500, as amended, 33 U.S.C. ss. 1251 et seq., and s. 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 as required by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, notwithstanding s. 373.4145 and for the limited purpose of implementing the state programmatic general permit authorized by this subsection.
(3) The department may pursue a series of regional general permits for construction activities in wetlands or surface waters or delegation or assumption of federal permitting programs regulating the discharge of dredged or fill material pursuant to s. 404 of the Clean Water Act, Pub. L. No. 92-500, as amended, 33 U.S.C. ss. 1251 et seq., and s. 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2005-273; s. 1, ch. 2012-114; s. 8, ch. 2012-205; s. 1, ch. 2016-195.
373.4145 Part IV permitting program within the geographical jurisdiction of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.—
(1) Within the geographical jurisdiction of the Northwest Florida Water Management District, taking into consideration the differing physical and natural characteristics of the area, the department and the district shall:
(a) Jointly develop rules to regulate the construction, operation, alteration, maintenance, abandonment, and removal of stormwater management systems. The department shall initiate the rulemaking process within 60 days after the effective date of this act and shall implement the rules no sooner than January 1, 2007; the district may implement the rules without adoption pursuant to s. 120.54. Until the stormwater management system rules take effect, chapter 62-25, Florida Administrative Code, shall remain in full force and effect and shall be implemented by the department. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, chapter 62-25, Florida Administrative Code, may be amended by the department as necessary to comply with any requirements of state or federal laws or regulations, or any condition imposed by a federal program, or as a requirement for receipt of federal grant funds. The intent of the rules created under this paragraph is to update existing stormwater rules, to improve water quality and flood protection, and to apply the least restrictive measures and criteria adopted in other water management district rules.
(b) Jointly develop rules for the management and storage of surface waters under this part. The department shall initiate the rulemaking process within 60 days after the effective date of this act and shall implement the rules no sooner than January 1, 2008; the district may implement the rules without adoption pursuant to s. 120.54. Until the rules for the management and storage of surface waters under this part take effect, rules adopted pursuant to the authority of ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended, in effect prior to July 1, 1994, shall remain in full force and effect and shall be implemented by the department. However, the department is authorized to establish additional exemptions and general permits for dredging and filling, if such exemptions or general permits do not allow significant adverse impacts to occur individually or cumulatively. However, for the purpose of chapter 62-312, Florida Administrative Code, the landward extent of surface waters of the state identified in rule 62-312.030(2), Florida Administrative Code, shall be determined in accordance with the methodology in rules 62-340.100 through 62-340.600, Florida Administrative Code. In implementing s. 373.421(2), the department shall determine the extent of those surface waters and wetlands within the regulatory authority of the department as described in this paragraph. At the request of the petitioner, the department shall also determine the extent of surface waters and wetlands that can be delineated by the methodology ratified in s. 373.4211, but that are not subject to the regulatory authority of the department as described in this paragraph. The intent of the rules created under this paragraph is to improve the management and storage of surface waters with minimal impact on property interests and to consider the rural nature, current development trends, and abundant natural resources of the district relative to the permitting thresholds and requirements.
(c) Pursue streamlining of the federal and state wetland permitting programs pursuant to ss. 373.4143 and 373.4144.
(d) Implement, to the maximum extent possible, streamlining measures, including electronic permitting, field permitting, and certification programs for activities with minimal individual or cumulative impact, informal wetland determinations, and other similar measures.
(2) The rules adopted under subsection (1), as applicable, shall:
(a) Incorporate the exemptions in ss. 373.406 and 403.813(1).
(b) Incorporate the provisions of rule 62-341.475(1)(f), Florida Administrative Code, applicable to single-family homes located entirely or partially within wholly owned, isolated wetlands.
(c) Exempt from the notice and permitting requirements of this part the construction or private use of a single-family dwelling unit, duplex, triplex, or quadruplex that:
1. Is not part of a larger common plan of development or sale proposed by the applicant.
2. Does not involve wetlands or other surface waters.
(d) Incorporate the exemptions and general permits that are effective under this part and have been enacted by rule by the department and other water management districts, including the general permits authorized by s. 403.814.
(e) Provide an exemption for the repair, stabilization, or paving of county-maintained roads existing on or before January 1, 2002, and the repair or replacement of bridges that are part of the roadway consistent with the provisions of s. 403.813(1)(t), notwithstanding the provisions of s. 403.813(1)(t)7. requiring adoption of a general permit applicable within the Northwest Florida Water Management District and the repeal of such exemption upon the adoption of a general permit.
(f) Exempt from rule criteria under paragraph (1)(b) an alteration of a wholly owned, artificial surface water created entirely from uplands that does not connect to surface waters of the state, except for those created for the purpose of providing mitigation under this part.
(3) The department and the Northwest Florida Water Management District shall enter into an operating agreement under s. 373.046 to effectively implement this section and provide the district with the amount of responsibility under the agreement that resources allow, including, at a minimum, the responsibility for regulating silviculture and agriculture. The operating agreement shall encourage local delegation of the responsibilities under this section pursuant to s. 373.441.
(4) The provisions of s. 373.414(11)-(14) shall not apply to rules adopted under this section.
(5) The following activities shall continue to be governed by the provisions of s. 373.4145, 1994 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1993:
(a) The operation and routine custodial maintenance of activities legally in existence before the effective date of the rules adopted under subsection (1), as long as the terms and conditions of the permit, exemption, or other authorization for such activities continue to be met.
(b) The activities approved in a permit issued pursuant to s. 373.4145, 1994 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1993, and the review of activities proposed in applications received and completed before the effective date of the rules adopted under subsection (1), as applicable. This paragraph shall also apply to any modification of the plans, terms, and conditions of a permit issued pursuant to s. 373.4145, 1994 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1993, that lessens the environmental impact, except that any such modification shall not extend the time limit for construction beyond 2 additional years.
This subsection shall not apply to any activity that is altered, modified, expanded, abandoned, or removed after adoption of the applicable rules under subsection (1).
(6) Unless the petitioner elects to apply chapter 62-340, Florida Administrative Code, to all wetlands, the delineation of the landward extent of wetlands and other surface waters for petitions filed under s. 373.421(2) prior to the effective date of the rules adopted under paragraph (1)(b) shall continue to be determined in accordance with rule 62-312.030(2), Florida Administrative Code, in effect July 1, 1994, and rules 62-340.100 through 62-340.600, Florida Administrative Code, as ratified in s. 373.4211.
(7) If the Legislature in any given fiscal year fails to fund and staff the environmental resource permitting program established under this section, the environmental resource permitting program shall be suspended for that fiscal year and the rules and statutes governing development activity in the district shall revert to those in effect on April 1, 2006, until such time as funding and staffing levels are restored consistent with this section.
History.—s. 8, ch. 94-122; s. 18, ch. 96-247; s. 5, ch. 96-370; s. 1, ch. 99-353; s. 1, ch. 2003-167; s. 32, ch. 2005-71; s. 4, ch. 2005-273; ss. 1, 4, ch. 2006-228; s. 36, ch. 2009-21; s. 75, ch. 2014-17.
373.4146 State assumption of the federal Clean Water Act, section 404 dredge and fill permitting program.—
(1) As used in this section, the term “state assumed waters” means waters of the United States that the state assumes permitting authority over pursuant to s. 404 of the Clean Water Act, Pub. L. No. 92-500, as amended, 33 U.S.C. ss. 1251 et seq., and rules promulgated thereunder, for the purposes of permitting the discharge of dredge or fill material.
(2) The department has the power and authority to assume, in accordance with 40 C.F.R. part 233, the dredge and fill permitting program established in s. 404 of the Clean Water Act, Pub. L. No. 92-500, as amended, 33 U.S.C. ss. 1251 et seq., and rules promulgated thereunder. The department may adopt any federal requirements, criteria, or regulations necessary to obtain assumption, including, but not limited to, the guidelines specified in 40 C.F.R. part 230 and the public interest review criteria in 33 C.F.R. s. 320.4(a). Any rule, standard, or other requirement adopted pursuant to the authority granted in this subsection for purposes of obtaining assumption may not become effective or otherwise enforceable until the United States Environmental Protection Agency has approved the state’s assumption application. This legislative authority is intended to be sufficient to enable the department to assume and implement the federal section 404 dredge and fill permitting program in conjunction with the environmental resource permitting program established in this chapter.
(3) To the extent that state law applies and does not conflict with the federal requirements identified in subsection (2), the application of such state law to further regulate discharges in state assumed waters is not prohibited. Provisions of state law which conflict with the federal requirements identified in subsection (2) do not apply to state administered section 404 permits.
(4) A state administered section 404 permit is not required for activities as specified in 33 U.S.C. s. 1344(f), 40 C.F.R. s. 232.3, or 33 C.F.R. s. 323.4. The exemptions established in ss. 373.406, 373.4145, and 403.813 still apply to environmental resource permits. However, the exemptions identified in ss. 373.406, 373.4145, and 403.813 may not be applied to state administered section 404 permits.
(5) Upon state assumption of the section 404 dredge and fill permitting program pursuant to subsection (2):
(a) The department must grant or deny an application for a state administered section 404 permit within the time allowed for permit review under 40 C.F.R. part 233, subparts D and F. The department is specifically exempted from the time limitations provided in ss. 120.60 and 373.4141 for state administered section 404 permits.
(b) All state administered section 404 permits issued under this section must be for a period of no more than 5 years. Upon an applicant’s submittal of a timely application for reissuance, a state administered section 404 permit does not expire until the department takes final action upon the application or until the last day for seeking judicial review of the agency order or a later date fixed by order of the reviewing court. If the department fails to render a permitting decision within the time allowed by s. 404 of the Clean Water Act, Pub. L. No. 92-500, as amended, 33 U.S.C. ss. 1251 et seq., 40 C.F.R. part 233, subparts D and F, or a memorandum of agreement executed by the department and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, whichever is shorter, the applicant may apply for an order from the circuit court requiring the department to render a decision within a specified time. The department must adopt by rule an expedited permit review process that is consistent with federal law for the reissuance of state administered section 404 permits where there have been no material changes in the scope of the project as originally permitted, site and surrounding environmental conditions have not changed, and the applicant does not have a history of noncompliance with the existing permit. The decision by the department to approve the reissuance of any state administered section 404 permit issued pursuant to this section is subject to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 only with respect to any material permit modification or material changes in the scope of the project as originally permitted.
(c) The department may delegate administration of the state administered section 404 permitting program if such delegation is in accordance with federal law. The department must retain the authority to review, modify, revoke, or rescind a state administered section 404 permit issued by any delegated entity to ensure consistency with federal law.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2018-88.
373.4149 Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Plan.—
(1) The Legislature hereby accepts and adopts the recommendations contained in the Phase I Lake Belt Report and Plan, dated February 1997 and hereby accepts the Phase II Plan, submitted on February 9, 2001, to the Legislature by the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Plan Implementation Committee. These plans shall collectively be known as the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Plan. This plan was developed to enhance the water supply for Miami-Dade County and the Everglades, including appropriate wellfield protection measures; to maximize efficient recovery of limestone while promoting the social and economic welfare of the community and protecting the environment; and to educate various groups and the general public of the benefits of the plan.
(2)(a) The Legislature recognizes that deposits of limestone and sand suitable for production of construction aggregates, cement, and road base materials are located in limited areas of the state.
(b) The Legislature recognizes that the deposit of limestone available in South Florida is limited due to urbanization to the east and the Everglades to the west.
(3) The Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Area is that area bounded by the Ronald Reagan Turnpike to the east, the Miami-Dade-Broward County line to the north, Krome Avenue to the west and Tamiami Trail to the south together with the land south of Tamiami Trail in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, and 18, Township 54 South, Range 39 East, sections 24, 25, and 36, Township 54 South, Range 38 East, less those portions of section 3, Township 52 South, Range 39 East south of Krome Avenue and west of U.S. Highway 27, and less sections 35 and 36 and the east one-half of sections 24 and 25, Township 53 South, Range 39 East and Government Lots 1 and 2, lying between Townships 53 and 54 South, Range 39 East and those portions of sections 1 and 2, Township 54 South, Range 39 East, lying north of Tamiami Trail.
(4) The identification of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Area shall not preempt local land use jurisdiction, planning, or regulatory authority in regard to the use of land by private land owners. When amending local comprehensive plans, or implementing zoning regulations, development regulations, or other local regulations, Miami-Dade County shall strongly consider limestone mining activities and ancillary operations, such as lake excavation, including use of explosives, rock processing, cement, concrete and asphalt products manufacturing, and ancillary activities, within the rock mining supported and allowable areas of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Plan adopted by subsection (1); provided, however, that limerock mining activities are consistent with wellfield protection. Rezonings, amendments to local zoning and subdivision regulations, and amendments to local comprehensive plans concerning properties that are located within 1 mile of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Area shall be compatible with limestone mining activities. No rezonings, variances, amendments to local zoning and subdivision regulations which would result in an increase in residential density, or amendments to local comprehensive plans for any residential purpose may be approved for any property located in sections 35 and 36 and the east one-half of sections 24 and 25, Township 53 South, Range 39 East until such time as there is no active mining within 2 miles of the property. This section does not preclude residential development that complies with current regulations.
(5) The secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, the secretary of the Department of Economic Opportunity, the secretary of the Department of Transportation, the Commissioner of Agriculture, the executive director of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the executive director of the South Florida Water Management District may enter into agreements with landowners, developers, businesses, industries, individuals, and governmental agencies as necessary to effectuate the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Plan and the provisions of this section.
(6)(a) All agencies of the state shall review the status of their landholdings within the boundaries of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt. Those lands for which no present or future use is identified must be made available, together with other suitable lands, to the Department of Environmental Protection for its use in carrying out the objectives of this act.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that lands provided to the Department of Environmental Protection be used for land exchanges to further the objectives of this act.
History.—s. 21, ch. 92-132; s. 5, ch. 94-122; s. 1010, ch. 95-148; s. 10, ch. 97-222; s. 1, ch. 99-298; s. 22, ch. 2000-197; ss. 1, 2, ch. 2000-285; s. 3, ch. 2001-172; s. 1, ch. 2006-13; s. 249, ch. 2011-142; s. 1, ch. 2015-141; s. 38, ch. 2016-10; s. 35, ch. 2021-25.
373.41492 Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Mitigation Plan; mitigation for mining activities within the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt.—
(1) The Legislature finds that the impact of mining within the rock mining supported and allowable areas of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Plan adopted by s. 373.4149(1) can best be offset by the implementation of a comprehensive mitigation plan. The Lake Belt Mitigation Plan consists of those provisions contained in subsections (2)-(8). The per-ton mitigation fee assessed on limestone sold from the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Area and sections 10, 11, 13, 14, Township 52 South, Range 39 East, and sections 24, 25, 35, and 36, Township 53 South, Range 39 East, shall be used for acquiring environmentally sensitive lands and for restoration, monitoring, maintenance, and other environmental purposes. It is the intent of the Legislature that the per-ton mitigation fee not be a revenue source for purposes other than enumerated in this section. Further, the Legislature finds that the public benefit of a sustainable supply of limestone construction materials for public and private projects requires a coordinated approach to permitting activities on wetlands within Miami-Dade County in order to provide the certainty necessary to encourage substantial and continued investment in the limestone processing plant and equipment required to efficiently extract the limestone resource. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Lake Belt Mitigation Plan satisfy all local, state, and federal requirements for mining activity within the rock mining supported and allowable areas.
(2) To provide for the mitigation of wetland resources lost to mining activities within the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Plan, effective October 1, 1999, a mitigation fee is imposed on each ton of limerock and sand extracted by any person who engages in the business of extracting limerock or sand from within the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Area and the east one-half of sections 24 and 25 and all of sections 35 and 36, Township 53 South, Range 39 East. The mitigation fee is imposed for each ton of limerock and sand sold from within the properties where the fee applies in raw, processed, or manufactured form, including, but not limited to, sized aggregate, asphalt, cement, concrete, and other limerock and concrete products. The mitigation fee imposed by this subsection for each ton of limerock and sand sold shall be 25 cents per ton, beginning on January 1, 2016; 15 cents per ton beginning on January 1, 2017; and 5 cents per ton beginning on January 1, 2018, and thereafter. To pay for seepage mitigation projects, including groundwater and surface water management structures designed to improve wetland habitat and approved by the Lake Belt Mitigation Committee, and to upgrade a water treatment plant that treats water coming from the Northwest Wellfield in Miami-Dade County, a water treatment plant upgrade fee is imposed within the same Lake Belt Area subject to the mitigation fee and upon the same kind of mined limerock and sand subject to the mitigation fee. The water treatment plant upgrade fee imposed by this section for each ton of limerock and sand sold shall be 6 cents per ton, and the collection of this fee shall cease once the total amount of proceeds collected for this fee reaches the amount of the actual moneys necessary to design and construct the water treatment plant upgrade, as determined in an open, public solicitation process. The water treatment plant upgrade fee imposed by this section expires July 1, 2018. Any limerock or sand that is used within the mine from which the limerock or sand is extracted is exempt from the fees. The amount of the mitigation fee and the water treatment plant upgrade fee imposed under this section must be stated separately on the invoice provided to the purchaser of the limerock or sand product from the limerock or sand miner, or its subsidiary or affiliate, for which the fee or fees apply. The limerock or sand miner, or its subsidiary or affiliate, who sells the limerock or sand product shall collect the mitigation fee and the water treatment plant upgrade fee and forward the proceeds of the fees to the Department of Revenue on or before the 20th day of the month following the calendar month in which the sale occurs. The proceeds of a fee imposed by this section include all funds collected and received by the Department of Revenue relating to the fee, including interest and penalties on a delinquent fee. The amount deducted for administrative costs may not exceed 3 percent of the total revenues collected under this section and may equal only those administrative costs reasonably attributable to the fee.
(3) The mitigation fee and the water treatment plant upgrade fee imposed by this section must be reported to the Department of Revenue. Payment of the mitigation and the water treatment plant upgrade fees must be accompanied by a form prescribed by the Department of Revenue.
(a) The proceeds of the mitigation fee, less administrative costs, must be transferred by the Department of Revenue to the South Florida Water Management District and deposited into the Lake Belt Mitigation Trust Fund.
(b) The proceeds of the water treatment plant upgrade fee, less administrative costs, must be transferred by the Department of Revenue to a trust fund established by Miami-Dade County, for the sole purpose authorized by paragraph (6)(a).
(4)(a) The Department of Revenue shall administer, collect, and enforce the mitigation and treatment plant upgrade fees authorized under this section in accordance with the procedures used to administer, collect, and enforce the general sales tax imposed under chapter 212. The provisions of chapter 212 with respect to the authority of the Department of Revenue to audit and make assessments, the keeping of books and records, and the interest and penalties imposed on delinquent fees apply to this section. The fees may not be included in computing estimated taxes under s. 212.11, and the dealer’s credit for collecting taxes or fees provided for in s. 212.12 does not apply to the fees imposed by this section.
(b) In administering this section, the Department of Revenue may employ persons and incur expenses for which funds are appropriated by the Legislature. The Department of Revenue shall adopt rules and prescribe and publish forms necessary to administer this section. The Department of Revenue shall establish audit procedures and may assess delinquent fees.
(5) Each January 1, beginning January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2011, the per-ton mitigation fee shall be increased by 2.1 percentage points, plus a cost growth index. The cost growth index shall be the percentage change in the weighted average of the Employment Cost Index for All Civilian Workers (ecu 10001I), issued by the United States Department of Labor for the most recent 12-month period ending on September 30, and the percentage change in the Producer Price Index for All Commodities (WPU 00000000), issued by the United States Department of Labor for the most recent 12-month period ending on September 30, compared to the weighted average of these indices for the previous year. The weighted average shall be calculated as 0.6 times the percentage change in the Employment Cost Index for All Civilian Workers (ecu 10001I), plus 0.4 times the percentage change in the Producer Price Index for All Commodities (WPU 00000000). If either index is discontinued, it shall be replaced by its successor index, as identified by the United States Department of Labor.
(6)(a) The proceeds of the mitigation fee must be used to conduct mitigation activities that are appropriate to offset the loss of the value and functions of wetlands as a result of mining activities and to conduct water quality monitoring to ensure the protection of water resources within the Lake Belt Area. Such mitigation may include the purchase, enhancement, restoration, and management of wetlands and uplands in the Everglades watershed, the purchase of mitigation credit from a permitted mitigation bank, and any structural modifications to the existing drainage system to enhance the hydrology of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Area or the Everglades watershed. Funds may also be used to reimburse other funding sources, including the Save Our Rivers Land Acquisition Program, the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, the South Florida Water Management District, and Miami-Dade County, for the purchase of lands that were acquired in areas appropriate for mitigation due to rock mining and to reimburse governmental agencies that exchanged land under s. 373.4149 for mitigation due to rock mining. The proceeds of the water treatment plant upgrade fee deposited into the Lake Belt Mitigation Trust Fund shall be used solely to pay for seepage mitigation projects, including groundwater or surface water management structures designed to improve wetland habitat and approved by the Lake Belt Mitigation Committee. The proceeds of the water treatment plant upgrade fee which are transmitted to a trust fund established by Miami-Dade County shall be used to upgrade a water treatment plant that treats water coming from the Northwest Wellfield in Miami-Dade County. As used in this section, the terms “upgrade a water treatment plant” or “treatment plant upgrade” mean those works necessary to treat or filter a surface water source or supply or both.
(b) Expenditures of the mitigation fee must be approved by an interagency committee consisting of representatives from each of the following: the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management, the Department of Environmental Protection, the South Florida Water Management District, and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In addition, the limerock mining industry shall select a representative to serve as a nonvoting member of the interagency committee. At the discretion of the committee, additional members may be added to represent federal regulatory, environmental, and fish and wildlife agencies.
(7) Payment of the mitigation fee imposed by this section satisfies the mitigation requirements imposed under ss. 373.403-373.439 and any applicable county ordinance for loss of the value and functions from mining of the wetlands identified as rock mining supported and allowable areas of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Plan adopted by s. 373.4149(1). In addition, it is the intent of the Legislature that the payment of the mitigation fee imposed by this section satisfy all federal mitigation requirements for the wetlands mined.
(8)(a) The interagency committee established in this section shall annually prepare and submit to the governing board of the South Florida Water Management District a report evaluating the mitigation costs and revenues generated by the mitigation fee.
(b) No sooner than January 31, 2010, and no more frequently than every 2 years thereafter, the interagency committee shall submit to the Legislature a report recommending any needed adjustments to the mitigation fee, including the annual escalator provided for in subsection (5), to ensure that the revenue generated reflects the actual costs of the mitigation.
(9)(a) The Legislature finds that more than 1,000 water samples from quarry lakes and groundwater sources near the Northwest Wellfield have been analyzed without a single detection of pathogens. The Legislature further finds that the best available science indicates that there is no connection between the quarry lakes in the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt and any potential need to upgrade the water treatment plant that receives water from the Northwest Wellfield for pathogen removal and none is expected in the future.
(b) To assist the Legislature in determining whether a portion of the limestone mining fee should be dedicated to a treatment plant upgrade through July 1, 2018, pursuant to subsection (2), Miami-Dade County shall:
1. By January 15, 2016, submit to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a detailed accounting of the Lake Belt fees collected through June 30, 2015, and all expenditures of those fees; and
2. By January 15, 2017, submit to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a detailed report on all pathogen data collection and analyses related to the Northwest Wellfield and the planning and engineering studies undertaken to upgrade any water treatment plant to provide treatment for pathogens in water from the Northwest Wellfield.
History.—s. 2, ch. 99-298; s. 23, ch. 2000-197; s. 2, ch. 2006-13; s. 32, ch. 2010-205; s. 36, ch. 2010-225; s. 1, ch. 2012-107; s. 2, ch. 2015-141; s. 39, ch. 2016-10; s. 21, ch. 2021-51.
373.41495 Lake Belt Mitigation Trust Fund; bonds.—
(1) The Lake Belt Mitigation Trust Fund is hereby created, to be administered by the South Florida Water Management District. Funds shall be credited to the trust fund as provided in s. 373.41492, to be used for the purposes set forth therein.
(2) The South Florida Water Management District may issue revenue bonds pursuant to s. 373.584, payable from revenues from the Lake Belt Mitigation fee imposed under s. 373.41492.
(3) Net proceeds from the Lake Belt Mitigation fee and any revenue bonds issued under subsection (2) shall be deposited into the trust fund and, together with any interest earned on such moneys, shall be applied to Lake Belt mitigation projects as provided in s. 373.41492.
(4) The Lake Belt Mitigation Trust Fund is a trust fund as described in s. 19(f)(3), Art. III of the State Constitution, and therefore is not subject to termination pursuant to s. 19(f)(2), Art. III of the State Constitution.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, ch. 98-260; s. 1, ch. 99-297; s. 4, ch. 2015-141.
373.415 Protection zones; duties of the St. Johns River Water Management District.—
(1) Not later than November 1, 1988, the St. Johns River Water Management District shall adopt rules establishing protection zones adjacent to the watercourses in the Wekiva River System, as designated in s. 369.303(10). Such protection zones shall be sufficiently wide to prevent harm to the Wekiva River System, including water quality, water quantity, hydrology, wetlands, and aquatic and wetland-dependent wildlife species, caused by any of the activities regulated under this part. Factors on which the widths of the protection zones shall be based shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) The biological significance of the wetlands and uplands adjacent to the designated watercourses in the Wekiva River System, including the nesting, feeding, breeding, and resting needs of aquatic species and wetland-dependent wildlife species.
(b) The sensitivity of these species to disturbance, including the short-term and long-term adaptability to disturbance of the more sensitive species, both migratory and resident.
(c) The susceptibility of these lands to erosion, including the slope, soils, runoff characteristics, and vegetative cover.
In addition, the rules may establish permitting thresholds, permitting exemptions, or general permits, if such thresholds, exemptions, or general permits do not allow significant adverse impacts to the Wekiva River System to occur individually or cumulatively.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 120.60, the St. Johns River Water Management District shall not issue any permit under this part within the Wekiva River Protection Area, as defined in s. 369.303(9), until the appropriate local government has provided written notification to the district that the proposed activity is consistent with the local comprehensive plan and is in compliance with any land development regulation in effect in the area where the development will take place. The district may, however, inform any property owner who makes a request for such information as to the location of the protection zone or zones on his or her property. However, if a development proposal is amended as the result of the review by the district, a permit may be issued prior to the development proposal being returned, if necessary, to the local government for additional review.
(3) Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of the water management districts created by this chapter to adopt similar protection zones for other watercourses.
(4) Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of the water management districts created by this chapter to decline to issue permits for development which have not been determined to be consistent with local comprehensive plans or in compliance with land development regulations in areas outside the Wekiva River Protection Area.
(5) Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of counties or municipalities to establish setbacks from any surface waters or watercourses.
(6) The provisions of s. 373.617 are applicable to final actions of the St. Johns River Water Management District with respect to a permit or permits issued pursuant to this section.
History.—s. 2, ch. 88-121; s. 27, ch. 88-393; s. 606, ch. 95-148; s. 12, ch. 2000-212.
373.416 Permits for maintenance or operation.—
(1) Except for the exemptions set forth in this part, the governing board or department may require such permits and impose such reasonable conditions as are necessary to assure that the operation or maintenance of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works will comply with the provisions of this part and applicable rules promulgated thereto, will not be inconsistent with the overall objectives of the district, and will not be harmful to the water resources of the district.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in ss. 373.426 and 373.429, a permit issued by the governing board or department for the maintenance or operation of a stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works shall be permanent, and the sale or conveyance of such dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works, or the land on which the same is located, shall in no way affect the validity of the permit, provided the owner in whose name the permit was granted notifies the governing board or department of such change of ownership within 30 days of such transfer.
(3) The governing boards shall, by November 1, 1990, establish by rule requirements for the monitoring and maintenance of stormwater management systems.
History.—s. 5, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 20, ch. 73-190; s. 14, ch. 89-279.
373.417 Citation of rule.—In addition to any other provisions within this part or any rules promulgated hereunder, the permitting agency shall, when requesting information for a permit application pursuant to this part or such rules promulgated hereunder, cite a specific rule. If a request for information cannot be accompanied by a rule citation, failure to provide such information cannot be grounds to deny a permit.
History.—s. 6, ch. 79-161.
373.418 Rulemaking; preservation of existing authority.—
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature that stormwater management systems be regulated under this part incorporating all of existing requirements contained in or adopted pursuant to this chapter and chapter 403. Neither the department nor governing boards are limited or prohibited from amending any regulatory requirement applicable to stormwater management systems in accordance with the provisions of this part. It is further the intent of the Legislature that all current exemptions under this chapter and chapter 403 shall remain in full force and effect and that this act shall not be construed to remove or alter these exemptions.
(2) In order to preserve existing requirements, all rules of the department or governing boards existing on July 1, 1989, except for rule 17-25.090, Florida Administrative Code, shall be applicable to stormwater management systems and continue in full force and effect unless amended or replaced by future rulemaking in accordance with this part.
(3) The department or governing boards have authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this part. Such rules shall be consistent with the water resource implementation rule and shall not allow harm to water resources or be contrary to the policy set forth in s. 373.016.
(4) The department or the governing boards are authorized to adopt by rule performance criteria for the review of groundwater discharge of stormwater. Upon adoption of such performance criteria the department shall not require a separate groundwater permit for permitted stormwater facilities.
History.—s. 15, ch. 89-279; s. 22, ch. 97-160; s. 86, ch. 98-200.
373.4185 List of flocculants permitted.—The Department of Environmental Protection may develop and maintain a list of the flocculants that it has permitted to be used under part IV of this chapter. The list may include information concerning any associated testing to determine compliance with state permitting standards and information on application rates and methods. Publication of this list is not a rule under chapter 120. This section does not prevent an entity from proposing or the department from approving the use of a flocculant that is not on the department’s list subject to the entity providing the necessary documentation required by the department to ensure that the use of the flocculant will not cause harm to the water resources of the state.
History.—s. 5, ch. 2008-40.
373.419 Completion report.—Within 30 days after the completion of construction or alteration of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works, the permittee shall file a written statement of completion with the governing board or department. The governing board or department shall designate the form of such statement and such information as it shall require.
History.—s. 6, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 16, ch. 89-279.
373.421 Delineation methods; formal determinations.—
(1) The Environmental Regulation Commission shall adopt a unified statewide methodology for the delineation of the extent of wetlands as defined in s. 373.019(27). This methodology shall consider regional differences in the types of soils and vegetation that may serve as indicators of the extent of wetlands. This methodology shall also include provisions for determining the extent of surface waters other than wetlands for the purposes of regulation under s. 373.414. This methodology shall not become effective until ratified by the Legislature. Subsequent to legislative ratification, the wetland definition in s. 373.019(27) and the adopted wetland methodology shall be binding on the department, the water management districts, local governments, and any other governmental entities. Upon ratification of such wetland methodology, the Legislature preempts the authority of any water management district, state or regional agency, or local government to define wetlands or develop a delineation methodology to implement the definition and determines that the exclusive definition and delineation methodology for wetlands shall be that established pursuant to s. 373.019(27) and this section. Upon such legislative ratification, any existing wetlands definition or wetland delineation methodology shall be superseded by the wetland definition and delineation methodology established pursuant to this chapter. Subsequent to legislative ratification, a delineation of the extent of a surface water or wetland by the department or a water management district, pursuant to a formal determination under subsection (2), or pursuant to a permit issued under this part in which the delineation was field-verified by the permitting agency and specifically approved in the permit, shall be binding on all other governmental entities for the duration of the formal determination or permit. All existing rules and methodologies of the department, the water management districts, and local governments, regarding surface water or wetland definition and delineation shall remain in full force and effect until the common methodology rule becomes effective. However, this shall not be construed to limit any power of the department, the water management districts, and local governments to amend or adopt a surface water or wetland definition or delineation methodology until the common methodology rule becomes effective.
(2) A water management district or the department may provide a process by rule for formal determinations of the extent of surface waters and wetlands, as delineated in subsection (1). By interagency agreement, the department and each water management district shall determine which agency shall implement the determination process within the district. If a rule is adopted, a property owner, an entity that has the power of eminent domain, or any other person who has a legal or equitable interest in property may petition the district for a formal determination. In such rule, the governing board or the department shall specify information which must be provided and may require authorization to enter upon the property. The rule shall also establish procedures for issuing a formal determination. The governing board may authorize its executive director to issue formal determinations. The governing board must by rule prescribe the circumstances in which its executive director may issue such determinations. The governing board or the department may require a fee to cover the costs of processing and acting upon the petition. That fee must be established by rule. A water management district or the department may publish, or require the petitioner to publish at the petitioner’s expense, notice of the intended agency action on the petition for a formal determination in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected area. Within 60 days prior to the expiration of a formal determination, the property owner, an entity that has the power of eminent domain, or any other person who has a legal or equitable interest in the property may petition for a new formal determination for the same parcel of property and such determination shall be issued, approving the same extent of surface waters and wetlands in the previous formal determination, as long as physical conditions on the property have not changed, other than changes which have been authorized by a permit pursuant to this part, so as to alter the boundaries of surface waters or wetlands and the methodology for determining the extent of surface waters and wetlands authorized by subsection (1) has not been amended since the previous formal determination. The application fee for such a subsequent petition shall be less than the application fee for the original determination.
(3) A formal determination is binding for a period not to exceed 5 years as long as physical conditions on the property do not change, other than changes which have been authorized by a permit pursuant to this part, so as to alter the boundaries of surface waters or wetlands, as delineated in subsection (1).
(4) The governing board or the department may revoke a formal determination if it finds that the petitioner has submitted inaccurate information to the district.
(5) A formal determination obtained under this section is final agency action and is in lieu of a declaratory statement of jurisdiction obtainable under s. 120.565. Sections 120.569 and 120.57 apply to formal determinations under this section.
(6) The district or the department may also issue nonbinding informal determinations or otherwise institute determinations on its own initiative as provided by law. A nonbinding informal determination of the extent of surface waters and wetlands issued by the South Florida Water Management District or the Southwest Florida Water Management District, between July 1, 1989, and the effective date of the methodology ratified in s. 373.4211, shall be validated by the district if a petition to validate the nonbinding informal determination is filed with the district on or before October 1, 1994, provided:
(a) The petitioner submits the documentation prepared by the agency, and signed by an agency employee in the course of the employee’s official duties, at the time the nonbinding informal determination was issued, showing the boundary of the surface waters or wetlands;
(b) The request is accompanied by the appropriate fee in accordance with the fee schedule established by district rule;
(c) Any supplemental information, such as aerial photographs and soils maps, is provided as necessary to ensure an accurate determination;
(d) District staff verify the delineated surface water or wetland boundary through site inspection; and
(e) Following district verification, and adjustment if necessary, of the boundary of surface waters or wetlands, the petitioner submits a survey certified pursuant to chapter 472, which depicts the surface water or wetland boundaries. The certified survey shall contain a legal description of, and the acreage contained within, the boundaries of the property for which the determination is sought. The boundaries must be witnessed to the property boundaries and must be capable of being mathematically reproduced from the survey.
Validated informal nonbinding determinations issued by the South Florida Water Management District and the Southwest Florida Water Management District shall remain valid for a period of 5 years from the date of validation by the district, as long as physical conditions on the property do not change so as to alter the boundaries of surface waters or wetlands. A validation obtained under this section is final agency action. Sections 120.569 and 120.57 apply to validations under this section.
(7)(a) This subsection is intended to restore qualified developments to their pre-Henderson Wetland Protection Act status for contiguous wetlands. This provision will therefore streamline state wetland permitting without loss of wetland protection by other governmental entities.
(b) Wetlands contiguous to surface waters of the state as defined in s. 403.031(13), Florida Statutes (1991), shall be delineated pursuant to the department’s rules as such rules existed prior to January 24, 1984, while wetlands not contiguous to surface waters of the state as defined in s. 403.031(13), Florida Statutes (1991), shall be delineated pursuant to the applicable methodology ratified by s. 373.4211 for any development which obtains an individual permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers under 33 U.S.C. s. 1344:
1. Where a jurisdictional determination validated by the department pursuant to rule 17-301.400(8), Florida Administrative Code, as it existed in rule 17-4.022, Florida Administrative Code, on April 1, 1985, is revalidated pursuant to s. 373.414(13) and the affected lands are part of a project for which a vested rights determination has been issued pursuant to s. 380.06, or
2. Where the lands affected were grandfathered pursuant to s. 403.913(6), Florida Statutes (1991), and proof of prior notification pursuant to s. 403.913(6), Florida Statutes (1991), is submitted to the department within 180 days of the publication of a notice by the department of the existence of this provision. Failure to timely submit the proof of prior notification to the department serves as a waiver of the benefits conferred by this subsection.
3. This subsection shall not be applicable to lands:
a. Within the geographical area to which an individual or general permit issued prior to June 1, 1994, under rules adopted pursuant to this part applies; or
b. Within the geographical area to which a conceptual permit issued prior to June 1, 1994, under rules adopted pursuant to this part applies if wetland delineations were identified and approved by the conceptual permit as set forth in s. 373.414(12)(b)1. or 2.; or
c. Where no development activity as defined in 1s. 380.01(1) or (2)(a)-(d) and (f) has occurred within the project boundaries since October 1, 1986; or
d. Of a project which is not in compliance with this part or the rules adopted pursuant to ss. 403.91-403.929, 1984 Supplement to the Florida Statutes 1983, as amended.
4. The wetland delineation methodology required in this subsection shall only apply within the geographical area of an individual permit issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers under 33 U.S.C. s. 1344. The requirement to obtain such individual permit to secure the benefit of this subsection shall not apply to any activities exempt or not subject to regulation under 33 U.S.C. s. 1344.
5. Notwithstanding subsection (1), the wetland delineation methodology required in this subsection and any wetland delineation pursuant thereto, shall only apply to agency action under this part and shall not be binding on local governments except in their implementation of this part.
History.—s. 7, ch. 91-288; s. 31, ch. 93-213; ss. 6, 18, ch. 94-122; s. 100, ch. 96-410; s. 10, ch. 98-88; s. 170, ch. 99-13; s. 41, ch. 2006-1; s. 5, ch. 2012-150.
1Note.—Section 380.01 was transferred to s. 381.492 by the reviser in 1969; it was further redesignated as s. 381.0605 by s. 52, ch. 91-297. Section 381.0605 was repealed by s. 54, ch. 2012-184.
373.4211 Ratification of chapter 17-340, Florida Administrative Code, on the delineation of the landward extent of wetlands and surface waters.—Pursuant to s. 373.421, the Legislature ratifies chapter 17-340, Florida Administrative Code, approved on January 13, 1994, by the Environmental Regulation Commission, with the following changes:
(1) The last sentence of rule 17-340.100(1), Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read: “The methodology shall not be used to delineate areas which are not wetlands as defined in subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C., nor to delineate as wetlands or surface waters areas exempted from delineation by statute or agency rule.”
(2) The introductory paragraph of rule 17-340.300, Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read: “The landward extent (i.e., the boundary) of wetlands as defined in subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C., shall be determined by applying reasonable scientific judgment to evaluate the dominance of plant species, soils, and other hydrologic evidence of regular and periodic inundation and saturation as set forth below. In applying reasonable scientific judgment, all reliable information shall be evaluated in determining whether the area is a wetland as defined in subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C.”
(3) The introductory paragraph of rule 17-340.300(2), Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read: “The landward extent of a wetland as defined in subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C., shall include any of the following areas:”
(4) Rule 17-340.300(2)(a), Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read:
“(a) Those areas where the areal extent of obligate plants in the appropriate vegetative stratum is greater than the areal extent of all upland plants in that stratum, as identified using the method in section 17-340.400, F.A.C., and either:
“1. The substrate is composed of hydric soils or riverwash, as identified using standard U.S.D.A.-S.C.S. practices for Florida including the approved hydric soil indicators, except where the hydric soil is disturbed by a nonhydrologic mechanical mixing of the upper soil profile and the regulating agency establishes through data or evidence that hydric soil indicators would be present but for the disturbance;
“2. The substrate is nonsoil, rock outcrop-soil complex, or is located within an artificially created wetland area, or
“3. One or more of the hydrologic indicators listed in section 17-340.500, F.A.C., are present and reasonable scientific judgment indicates that inundation or saturation is present sufficient to meet the wetland definition of subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C.”
(5) Rule 17-340.300(2)(b), Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read:
“(b) Those areas where the areal extent of obligate or facultative wet plants, or combinations thereof, in the appropriate stratum is equal to or greater than 80 percent of all the plants in that stratum, excluding facultative plants, and either:
“1. The substrate is comprised of hydric soils or riverwash, as identified using standard U.S.D.A.-S.C.S. practices for Florida, including the approved hydric soil indicators, except where the hydric soil is disturbed by a nonhydrologic mechanical mixing of the upper soil profile and the regulating agency establishes through data or evidence that hydric soil indicators would be present but for the disturbance;
“2. The substrate is nonsoil, rock outcrop-soil complex, or is located within an artificially created wetland area; or
“3. One or more of the hydrologic indicators listed in section 17-340.500, F.A.C., are present and reasonable scientific judgment indicates that inundation or saturation is present sufficient to meet the wetland definition of subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C.”
(6) Rule 17-340.300(2)(c), Florida Administrative Code, is deleted.
(7) Rule 17-340.300(2)(d), Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read:
“(c) Those areas, other than pine flatwoods and improved pastures, with undrained hydric soils which meet, in situ, at least one of the criteria listed below. A hydric soil is considered undrained unless reasonable scientific judgment indicates permanent artificial alterations to the onsite hydrology have resulted in conditions which would not support the formation of hydric soils.
“1. Soil classified according to United States Department of Agriculture’s Keys to Soil Taxonomy (4th ed. 1990) as Umbraqualfs, Sulfaquents, Hydraquents, Humaquepts, Histosols (except Folists), Argiaquolls, or Umbraquults.
“2. Saline sands (salt flats-tidal flats).
“3. Soil within a hydric mapping unit designated by the U.S.D.A.-S.C.S. as frequently flooded or depressional, when the hydric nature of the soil has been field verified using the U.S.D.A.-S.C.S. approved hydric soil indicators for Florida. If a permit applicant, or a person petitioning for a formal determination pursuant to subsection 373.421(2), F.S., disputes the boundary of a frequently flooded or depressional mapping unit, the applicant or petitioner may request that the regulating agency, in cooperation with the U.S.D.A.-S.C.S., confirm the boundary. For the purposes of section 120.60, F.S., a request for a boundary confirmation pursuant to this subparagraph shall have the same effect as a timely request for additional information by the regulating agency. The regulating agency’s receipt of the final response provided by the U.S.D.A.-S.C.S. to the request for boundary confirmation shall have the same effect as a receipt of timely requested additional information.
“4. For the purposes of this paragraph only, ‘pine flatwoods’ means a plant community type in Florida occurring on flat terrain with soils which may experience a seasonable high water table near the surface. The canopy species consist of a monotypic or mixed forest of long leaf pine or slash pine. The subcanopy is typically sparse or absent. The ground cover is dominated by saw palmetto with areas of wire grass, gallberry, and other shrubs, grasses, and forbs, which are not obligate or facultative wet species. Pine flatwoods do not include those wetland communities as listed in the wetland definition contained in subsection 17-340.200(19) which may occur in the broader landscape setting of pine flatwoods and which may contain slash pine. Also for the purposes of this paragraph only, ‘improved pasture’ means areas where the dominant native plant community has been replaced with planted or natural recruitment of herbaceous species which are not obligate or facultative wet species and which have been actively maintained for livestock through mechanical means or grazing.”
(8) Rule 17-340.300(2)(e), Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read:
“(d) Those areas where one or more of the hydrologic indicators listed in section 17-340.500, F.A.C., are present, and which have hydric soils, as identified using the U.S.D.A.-S.C.S. approved hydric soil indicators for Florida, and reasonable scientific judgment indicates that inundation or saturation is present sufficient to meet the wetland definition of subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C. These areas shall not extend beyond the seasonal high water elevation.”
(9) Rule 17-340.300(2)(f), Florida Administrative Code, is deleted.
(10) Rule 17-340.300(3), Florida Administrative Code, is added to read:
“(3)(a) If the vegetation or soils of an upland or wetland area have been altered by natural or human-induced factors such that the boundary between wetlands and uplands cannot be delineated reliably by use of the methodology in subsection 17-340.300(2), F.A.C., as determined by the regulating agency, and the area has hydric soils or riverwash, as identified using standard U.S.D.A.-S.C.S. practices for Florida, including the approved hydric soil indicators, except where the hydric soil is disturbed by a nonhydrologic mechanical mixing of the upper soil profile and the regulating agency establishes through data or evidence that hydric soil indicators would be present but for the disturbance, then the most reliable available information shall be used with reasonable scientific judgment to determine where the methodology in subsection 17-340.300(2), F.A.C., would have delineated the boundary between wetlands and uplands. Reliable available information may include, but is not limited to, aerial photographs, remaining vegetation, authoritative site-specific documents, or topographical consistencies.
“(b) This subsection shall not apply to any area where regional or site-specific permitted activities, or activities which did not require a permit, under sections 253.123 and 253.124, F.S. (1957), as subsequently amended, the provisions of Chapter 403, F.S. (1983), relating to dredging and filling activities, Chapter 84-79, Laws of Florida, and Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S., have altered the hydrology of the area to the extent that reasonable scientific judgment, or application of the provisions of section 17-340.550, F.A.C., indicate that under normal circumstances the area no longer inundates or saturates at a frequency and duration sufficient to meet the wetland definition in subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C.
“(c) This subsection shall not be construed to limit the type of evidence which may be used to delineate the landward extent of a wetland under this chapter when an activity violating the regulatory requirements of sections 253.123 and 253.124, F.S. (1957), as subsequently amended, the provisions of Chapter 403, F.S. (1983), relating to dredging and filling activities, Chapter 84-79, Laws of Florida, and Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S., has disturbed the vegetation or soils of an area.”
(11) Rule 17-340.300(4), Florida Administrative Code, is created to read:
“17-340.300(4) The regulating agency shall maintain sufficient soil scientists on staff to provide evaluation or consultation regarding soil determinations in applying the methodologies set forth in subsections 17-340.300(2) or (3), F.A.C. Services provided by the U.S.D.A.-S.C.S., or other competent soil scientists, under contract or agreement with the regulating agency, may be used in lieu of, or to augment, agency staff.”
(12) Rule 17-340.400, Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read:
“17-340.400 Selection of Appropriate Vegetative Stratum.
“Dominance of plant species, as described in paragraphs 17-340.300(2)(a) and 17-340.300(2)(b), shall be determined in a plant stratum (canopy, subcanopy, or ground cover). The top stratum shall be used to determine dominance unless the top stratum, exclusive of facultative plants, constitutes less than 10 percent areal extent, or unless reasonable scientific judgment establishes that the indicator status of the top stratum is not indicative of the hydrologic conditions on site. In such cases, the stratum most indicative of onsite hydrologic conditions, considering the seasonable variability in the amount and distribution of rainfall, shall be used. The evidence concerning the presence or absence of regular and periodic inundation or saturation shall be based on in situ data. All facts and factors relating to the presence or absence of regular and periodic inundation or saturation shall be weighed in deciding whether the evidence supports shifting to a lower stratum. The presence of obligate, facultative wet, or upland plants in a lower stratum does not by itself constitute sufficient evidence to shift strata, but can be considered along with other physical data in establishing the weight of evidence necessary to shift to a lower stratum. The burden of proof shall be with the party asserting that a stratum other than the top stratum should be used to determine dominance. Facultative plants shall not be considered for purposes of determining appropriate strata or dominance.”
(13) Rule 17-340.450(1), Florida Administrative Code, is changed by deletion of the following plant species: Habenaria repens, Schoenus nigricans, and Ulmus americana.
(14) Rule 17-340.450(2), Florida Administrative Code, is changed by deletion of the following plant species: Bucida buceras, Bumelialycioides, Conoclinium coelestinum, Coreopsis tripteris, Erithralis fruticosa, Eryngium baldwini, Eustachys petracea, Helianthus floridanus, Muhlenbergia expansa, Myrsine quianensis, Peperomia floridana, Scutellaria floridana, Scutellaria integrifolia, Stillingia sylvatica var. tenuis, Tripsacum dactyloides, Verbesina virginica, and Wisteria frutescens, Aletris spp., Alopecurus carolinianus, Carphephorus odoratissimus, Carphephorus paniculata, Chasmanthium spp., Elytraria caroliniensis, Euthamia spp., Flaveria spp., Gratiola spp., Habenaria spp. except Habenaria repens (OBL), Hibiscus tiliaceus, Ilex opaca var. opaca, Lilium catesbaei, Metopium toxiferum, Morus rubra, Nephrolepis spp., Oplismenus setarius, Panicum tenue, Vaccinium elliotti, Fimbristylis spathacea, Guapira discolor, Jacquinia keyensis, Morinda royoc, Schizachyrium maritimum, Schizachyrium rhizomatum, Strumpfia maritima, Baccharis glomeruliflora, Lachnanthes caroliniana, Liatris spicata, Lyonia ligustrina, Michella repens, Sambucus conadensis, Sebastiana fruticosa, and Setaria geniculata.
(15) Rule 17-340.450(2) is changed by adding the following species: Chasmanthium spp. except Chasmanthium latifolum (FAC) and Chasmanthium sessiliflorum (FAC), Flaveria floridana, Flaveria linearis, Gratiola spp. except Gratiola hispida (FAC), and Habenaria spp., Schoenus nigricans, and Ulmus americana.
(16) Rule 17-340.450(2) is amended by adding, after the species list, the following language:
“Within Monroe County and the Key Largo portion of Miami-Dade County only, the following species shall be listed as Facultative Wet: Alternanthera maritima, Morinda royoc, and Strumpfia maritima.”
(17) Rule 17-340.450(3) is changed by deleting the following species: Bischofia javanica, Dioclea multiflora, Canella alba, Ernodea littoralis, Eugenia axillaris, Eugenia foeteda, Eugenia rhombea, Eugenia uniflora, Manilkara bahamensis, Musa spp., Pisonia rotundata, Psidium guajava, Randia aculeata, and Reynois septentrionalis, Terminalia catappa, Paspalum bifidum, Ligustrum spp., and Urena lobata.
(18) Rule 17-340.450(3) is changed by adding the following species: Bucida buceras, Bumelia lycioides, Conoclinium coelestinum, Coreopsis tripteris, Erithralis fruticosa, Eryngium baldwini, Eustachys petracea, Helianthus floridanus, Muhlenbergia expansa, Myrsine quianensis, Scutellaria floridana, Scutellaria integrifolia, Stillingia sylvatica var. tenuis, Tripsacum dactyloides, and Verbesina virginica, Aletris spp., Alopecurus carolinianus, Carphephorus odoratissimus, Carphephorus paniculata, Chasmanthium latifolum, Chasmanthium sessiliflorum, Elytraria caroliniensis, Euthamia spp., Fimbristylis spathacea, Flaveria bidentis, Flaveria trinervia, Gratiola hispida, Heliotropium polyphyllum, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Ilex opaca var. opaca, Jacquinia keyensis, Lilium catesbaei, Metopium toxiferum, Morus rubra, Nephrolepis spp., Oplismenus setarius, Panicum tenue, Schizachyrium spp., Vaccinium elliotti, Baccharis glomeruliflora, Lachnanthes caroliniana, Liatrius spicata, Lyonia ligostrina, Sambucus canadensis, Sebastiana fruticosa, and Setaria geniculata.
(19) Rule 17-340.450(3) is amended by adding, after the species list, the following language:
“Within Monroe County and the Key Largo portion of Miami-Dade County only, the following species shall be listed as facultative: Alternanthera paronychioides, Byrsonima lucida, Ernodea littoralis, Guapira discolor, Marnilkara bahamensis, Pisonis rotundata, Pithecellobium keyensis, Pithecellobium unquis-cati, Randia aculeata, Reynosia septentrionalis, and Thrinax radiata.”
(20) Rule 17-340.500, Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read: “The indicators below may be used as evidence of inundation or saturation when used as provided in section 17-340.300, F.A.C. Several of the indicators reflect a specific water elevation. These specific water elevation indicators are intended to be evaluated with meteorological information, surrounding topography, and reliable hydrologic data or analyses when provided, to ensure that such indicators reflect inundation or saturation of a frequency and duration sufficient to meet the wetland definition in subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C., and not rare or aberrant events. These specific water elevation indicators are not intended to be extended from the site of the indicator into surrounding areas when reasonable scientific judgment indicates that the surrounding areas are not wetlands as defined in subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C.
“(1) Algal mats. The presence or remains of nonvascular plant material which develops during periods of inundation and persists after the surface water has receded.
“(2) Aquatic mosses or liverworts on trees or substrates. The presence of those species of mosses or liverworts tolerant of or dependent on surface water inundation.
“(3) Aquatic plants. Defined in subsection 17-340.200(1), F.A.C.
“(4) Aufwuchs. The presence or remains of the assemblage of sessile, attached, or free-living, nonvascular plants and invertebrate animals (including protozoans) which develop a community on inundated surfaces.
“(5) Drift lines and rafted debris. Vegetation, litter, and other natural or manmade material deposited in discrete lines or locations on the ground or against fixed objects, or entangled above the ground within or on fixed objects in a form and manner which indicates that the material was waterborne. This indicator should be used with caution to ensure that the drift lines or rafted debris represent usual and recurring events typical of inundation or saturation at a frequency and duration sufficient to meet the wetland definition of subsection 17-340.200(19), F.A.C.
“(6) Elevated lichen lines. A distinct line, typically on trees, formed by the water-induced limitation on the growth of lichens.
“(7) Evidence of aquatic fauna. The presence or indications of the presence of animals which spend all or portions of their life cycle in water. Only those life stages which depend on being in or on water for daily survival are included in this indicator.
“(8) Hydrologic data. Reports, measurements, or direct observation of inundation or saturation which support the presence of water to an extent consistent with the provisions of the definition of wetlands and the criteria within this rule, including evidence of a seasonal high water table at or above the surface according to methodologies set forth in Soil and Water Relationships of Florida’s Ecological Communities (Florida Soil Conservation Staff 1992).
“(9) Morphological plant adaptations. Specialized structures or tissues produced by certain plants in response to inundation or saturation, which normally are not observed when the plant has not been subject to conditions of inundation or saturation.
“(10) Secondary flow channels. Discrete and obvious natural pathways of water flow landward of the primary bank of a stream watercourse and typically parallel to the main channel.
“(11) Sediment deposition. Mineral or organic matter deposited in or shifted to positions indicating water transport.
“(12) Vegetated tussocks or hummocks. Areas where vegetation is elevated above the natural grade on a mound built up of plant debris, roots, and soils so that the growing vegetation is not subject to the prolonged effects of soil anoxia.
“(13) Water marks. A distinct line created on fixed objects, including vegetation, by a sustained water elevation.”
(21) Rule 17-340.600(2)(e), Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read:
“(e) the seasonal high-water line for artificial lakes, borrow pits, canals, ditches, and other artificial water bodies with side slopes flatter than 1 foot vertical to 4 feet horizontal along with any artificial water body created by diking or impoundment above the ground.”
(22) The first sentence of subsection (1) and paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) of rule 17-340.700, Florida Administrative Code, are changed to read:
“(1) Alteration and maintenance of the following shall be exempt from the rules adopted by the department and the water management districts to implement subsections 373.414(1) through 373.414(6), 373.414(8), and 373.414(10), F.S.; and subsection 373.414(7), F.S., regarding any authority to apply state water quality standards within any works, impoundments, reservoirs, and other watercourses described in this subsection and any authority granted pursuant to section 373.414, F.S. (1991):
“(a) Works, impoundments, reservoirs, and other watercourses constructed and operated solely for wastewater treatment or disposal in accordance with a valid permit reviewed or issued under sections 17-28.700, 17-302.520, F.A.C., Chapters 17-17, 17-600, 17-610, 17-640, 17-650, 17-660, 17-670, 17-671, 17-673, 17-701, F.A.C., or section 403.0885, F.S., or rules implementing section 403.0885, F.S., except for treatment wetlands or receiving wetlands permitted to receive wastewater pursuant to Chapter 17-611, F.A.C., or section 403.0885, F.S., or its implementing rules;
“(b) Works, impoundments, reservoirs, and other watercourses constructed solely for wastewater treatment or disposal before a construction permit was required under Chapter 403, F.S., and operated solely for wastewater treatment or disposal in accordance with a valid permit reviewed or issued under sections 17-28.700, 17-302.520, F.A.C., Chapters 17-17, 17-600, 17-610, 17-640, 17-650, 17-660, 17-670, 17-671, 17-673, 17-701, F.A.C., or section 403.0885, F.S., or rules implementing section 403.0885, F.S., except for treatment wetlands or receiving wetlands permitted to receive wastewater pursuant to Chapter 17-611, F.A.C., or section 403.0885, F.S., or its implementing rules;”
(23) The first sentence of rule 17-340.700(2), Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read:
“(2) Alteration and maintenance of the following shall be exempt from the rules adopted by the department and the water management districts to implement subsections 373.414(1), 373.414(2)(a), 373.414(8), and 373.414(10), F.S.; and subsections 373.414(3) through 373.414(6), F.S.; and subsection 373.414(7), F.S., regarding any authority to apply state water quality standards within any works, impoundments, reservoirs, and other watercourses described in this subsection and any authority granted pursuant to section 373.414, F.S. (1991), except for authority to protect threatened and endangered species in isolated wetlands:”
(24) Rule 17-340.700(7), Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read:
“(7) As used in this subsection, ‘solely for’ means the reason for which a work, impoundment, reservoir, or other watercourse is constructed and operated; and such construction and operation would not have occurred but for the purposes identified in subsection 17-340.700(1) or subsection 17-340.700(2), F.A.C. Furthermore, the phrase does not refer to a work, impoundment, reservoir, or other watercourse constructed or operated for multiple purposes. Incidental uses, such as occasional recreational uses, will not render the exemption inapplicable, so long as the incidental uses are not part of the original planned purpose of the work, impoundment, reservoir, or other watercourse. However, for those works, impoundments, reservoirs, or other watercourses described in paragraphs 17-340.700(1)(c) and 17-340.700(2)(a), F.A.C., use of the system for flood attenuation, whether originally planned or unplanned, shall be considered an incidental use, so long as the works, impoundments, reservoirs, and other watercourses are no more than 2 acres larger than the minimum area required to comply with the stormwater treatment requirements of the district or department. For the purposes of this subsection, reuse from a work, impoundment, reservoir, or other watercourse is part of treatment or disposal.”
(25) The first sentence of rule 17-340.750, Florida Administrative Code, is changed to read:
“17-340.750 Exemption for Surface Waters or Wetlands Created by Mosquito Control Activities.
“Construction, alteration, operation, maintenance, removal, and abandonment of stormwater management systems, dams, impoundments, reservoirs, appurtenant works, or works, in, on, or over lands that have become surface waters or wetlands solely because of mosquito control activities undertaken as part of a governmental mosquito control program, and which lands were neither surface waters nor wetlands before such activities, shall be exempt from the rules adopted by the department and water management districts to implement subsections 373.414(1) through 373.414(6), 373.414(8), and 373.414(10), F.S.; and subsection 373.414(7), F.S., regarding any authority granted pursuant to section 373.414, F.S. (1991):”
(26) Any future amendments to chapter 17-340, Florida Administrative Code, shall be submitted in bill form to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President of the Senate for their consideration and referral to the appropriate committees. Such chapter amendments shall become effective only upon approval by act of the Legislature.
History.—s. 1, ch. 94-122; s. 101, ch. 96-410; s. 46, ch. 97-96; s. 85, ch. 2008-4.
373.422 Applications for activities on state sovereignty lands or other state lands.—If sovereignty lands or other lands owned by the state are the subject of a proposed activity, the issuance of a permit by the department or a water management district must be conditioned upon the receipt by the applicant of all necessary approvals and authorizations under chapters 253 and 258 before the undertaking of the activity. The department or the governing board must issue its permit conditioned upon the securing of the necessary consent or approvals by the applicant. Once the department has adopted rules under s. 373.427 for concurrent review of applications for permits under this part and proprietary authorizations under chapters 253 and 258 to use submerged lands, the permitting conditions required under this section cease to apply to those applications. If the approval or authorization of the board is required, the applicant may not commence any excavation, construction, or other activity until the approval or authorization has been issued.
History.—s. 32, ch. 93-213; s. 503, ch. 94-356.
373.423 Inspection.—
(1) During the construction or alteration of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works, the governing board or department pursuant to s. 403.091 shall make at its expense such periodic inspections as it deems necessary to ensure conformity with the approved plans and specifications included in the permit.
(2) If during construction or alteration the governing board or department finds that the work is not being done in accordance with the approved plans and specifications as indicated in the permit, it shall give the permittee written notice stating with which particulars of the approved plans and specifications the construction is not in compliance and shall order immediate compliance with such plans and specifications. The failure to act in accordance with the orders of the governing board or department after receipt of written notice shall result in the initiation of revocation proceedings in accordance with s. 373.429.
(3) Upon completion of the work, the executive director of the district or the Department of Environmental Protection or its successor agency shall have periodic inspections made of permitted stormwater management systems, dams, reservoirs, impoundments, appurtenant work, or works to protect the public health and safety and the natural resources of the state. No person shall refuse immediate entry or access to any authorized representative of the governing board or the department who requests entry for purposes of such inspection and presents appropriate credentials.
History.—s. 7, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 21, ch. 73-190; s. 48, ch. 79-65; s. 13, ch. 84-341; s. 17, ch. 89-279; s. 269, ch. 94-356.
373.426 Abandonment.—
(1) Any owner of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works wishing to abandon or remove such work may first be required by the governing board or the department to obtain a permit to do so and may be required to meet such reasonable conditions as are necessary to assure that such abandonment will not be inconsistent with the overall objectives of the district.
(2) Where any permitted stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works is not owned nor directly controlled by the state or any of its agencies and is not used nor maintained under the authority of the owner for a period of 3 years, it shall be presumed that the owner has abandoned such stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works, and has dedicated the same to the district for the use of the people of the district.
(3) The title of the district to any such stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works may be established and determined in the court appointed by statute to determine the title to real estate.
History.—s. 8, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 22, ch. 73-190; s. 18, ch. 89-279.
373.427 Concurrent permit review.—
(1) The department, in consultation with the water management districts, may adopt procedural rules requiring concurrent application submittal and establishing a concurrent review procedure for any activity regulated under this part that also requires any authorization, permit, waiver, variance, or approval described in paragraphs (a)-(d). The rules must address concurrent review of applications under this part and any one or more of the authorizations, permits, waivers, variances, and approvals described in paragraphs (a)-(d). Applicants that propose such activities must submit, as part of the permit application under this part, all information necessary to satisfy the requirements for:
(a) Proprietary authorization under chapter 253 or chapter 258 to use submerged lands owned by the board of trustees;
(b) Coastal construction permits under s. 161.041;
(c) Coastal construction control line permits under s. 161.053; and
(d) Waiver or variance of the setback requirements under s. 161.052.
The rules adopted under this section may also require submittal of such information as is necessary to determine whether the proposed activity will occur on submerged lands owned by the board of trustees. Notwithstanding s. 120.60, an application under this part is not complete and the timeframes for license approval or denial shall not commence until all information required by rules adopted under this section is received. For applications concurrently reviewed under this section, the agency that conducts the concurrent application review shall issue a notice of consolidated intent to grant or deny the applicable authorizations, permits, waivers, variances, and approvals. The issuance of the notice of consolidated intent to grant or deny is deemed in compliance with s. 120.60 timeframes for license approval or denial on the concurrently processed applications for any required permit, waiver, variance, or approval under this chapter or chapter 161. Failure to satisfy these timeframes shall not result in approval by default of the application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands. If an administrative proceeding pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 is timely requested, the case shall be conducted as a single consolidated administrative proceeding on all such concurrently processed applications. Once the rules adopted pursuant to this section become effective, they shall establish the concurrent review procedure for applications submitted to both the department and the water management districts, including those applications for categories of activities requiring authorization to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands for which the board of trustees has not delegated authority to take final agency action without action by the board of trustees.
(2) In addition to the provisions set forth in subsection (1) and notwithstanding s. 120.60, the procedures established in this subsection shall apply to concurrently reviewed applications which request proprietary authorization to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands for activities for which there has been no delegation of authority to take final agency action without action by the board of trustees.
(a) Unless waived by the applicant, within 90 days of receipt of a complete application, the department or water management district shall issue a recommended consolidated intent to grant or deny on all of the concurrently reviewed applications, and shall submit the recommended consolidated intent to the board of trustees for its consideration of the application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands. The recommended consolidated intent shall not constitute a point of entry to request a hearing pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57. Unless waived by the applicant, the board of trustees shall consider the board of trustees-owned submerged lands portion of the recommended consolidated intent at its next regularly scheduled meeting for which notice may be properly given, and the board of trustees shall determine whether the application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands should be granted, granted with modifications, or denied. The board of trustees shall then direct the department or water management district to issue a notice of intent to grant or deny the application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands. Unless waived by the applicant, within 14 days following the action by the board of trustees, the department or water management district shall issue a notice of consolidated intent to grant or deny on the application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands, in accordance with the directions of the board of trustees, together with all of the concurrently reviewed applications.
(b) The timely issuance of a recommended consolidated intent to grant or deny as set forth in paragraph (a) is deemed in compliance with s. 120.60 timeframes for license approval or denial on the concurrently processed applications for any required permit, waiver, variance, or approval under this chapter or chapter 161. Failure to satisfy these timeframes shall not result in approval by default of the application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands.
(c) Any petition for an administrative hearing pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 must be filed within 14 days of the notice of consolidated intent to grant or deny. Unless waived by the applicant, within 60 days after the recommended order is submitted, or at the next regularly scheduled meeting for which notice may be properly given, whichever is latest, the board of trustees shall determine what action to take on any recommended order issued under ss. 120.569 and 120.57 on the application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands, and shall direct the department or water management district on what action to take in the final order concerning the application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands. The department or water management district shall determine what action to take on any recommended order issued under ss. 120.569 and 120.57 regarding any concurrently processed permits, waivers, variances, or approvals required by this chapter or chapter 161. The department or water management district shall then take final agency action by entering a consolidated final order addressing each of the concurrently reviewed authorizations, permits, waivers, or approvals. Failure to satisfy these timeframes shall not result in approval by default of the application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands. Any provisions relating to authorization to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands shall be as directed by the board of trustees. Issuance of the consolidated final order within 45 days after receipt of the direction of the board of trustees regarding the application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands is deemed in compliance with the timeframes for issuance of final orders under s. 120.60. The final order shall be subject to the provisions of s. 373.4275.
(3) After the effective date of rules adopted under this section, neither the department nor a water management district may issue a permit under this part unless the requirements for issuance of any additional required authorizations, permits, waivers, variances, and approvals set forth in this section which are subject to concurrent review are also satisfied.
(4) When both an environmental resource permit or dredge and fill permit and a waiver, or variance set forth in paragraphs (1)(b)-(d) are granted in a consolidated order, these permits shall be consolidated into a single permit to be known as a joint coastal permit.
(5) Any application fee required under s. 373.109 for a permit under this part is in addition to any fees required for any of the concurrently reviewed applications for authorizations, permits, waivers, variances, or approvals set forth in subsection (1) or subsection (2). The application fees must be allocated, deposited, and used as provided in s. 373.109.
(6) Whenever a concurrently processed application includes an application to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands, any noticing requirements of s. 253.115 shall be met, in addition to those in s. 373.413.
(7) When a water management district acts pursuant to a delegation under s. 253.002, any person instituting an administrative or judicial proceeding regarding such action shall serve a copy of the petition or complaint on the board of trustees. The department or the Department of Legal Affairs, acting on behalf of the board of trustees, may intervene in any such proceeding.
History.—s. 501, ch. 94-356; s. 102, ch. 96-410.
373.4271 Conduct of challenge to consolidated environmental resource permit or associated variance or sovereign submerged lands authorization issued in connection with deepwater ports.—Notwithstanding s. 120.569, s. 120.57, or s. 373.427, or any other provision of law to the contrary, a challenge to a consolidated environmental resource permit or any associated variance or any sovereign submerged lands authorization proposed or issued by the Department of Environmental Protection in connection with the state’s deepwater ports, as listed in s. 403.021(9), shall be conducted pursuant to the summary hearing provisions of s. 120.574; however, the summary proceeding shall be conducted within 30 days after a party files a motion for a summary hearing, regardless of whether the parties agree to the summary proceeding, and the administrative law judge’s decision shall be in the form of a recommended order and does not constitute final agency action of the department. The Department of Environmental Protection shall issue the final order within 45 working days after receipt of the administrative law judge’s recommended order. The summary hearing provisions of this section apply to pending administrative proceedings; however, s. 120.574(1)(b) and (d) and (2)(a)3. and 5. do not apply to pending administrative proceedings. This section shall take effect upon this act becoming a law.
History.—s. 42, ch. 2012-128; s. 80, ch. 2012-174.
373.4275 Review of consolidated orders.—
(1) Beginning on the effective date of the rules adopted under s. 373.427(1), review of any consolidated order rendered pursuant to s. 373.427(1) shall be governed by the provisions of s. 373.114(1). However, the term “party” shall mean any person who participated as a party in a proceeding under ss. 120.569 and 120.57 on the concurrently reviewed authorizations, permits, waivers, variances, or approvals, or any affected person who submitted to the department, water management district, or board of trustees oral or written testimony, sworn or unsworn, of a substantive nature which stated with particularity objections to or support for the authorization, permit, waiver, variance, or approval, provided that such testimony was cognizable within the scope of this chapter or the applicable provisions of chapter 161, chapter 253, or chapter 258 when the consolidated notice of intent includes an authorization, permit, waiver, variance, or approval under those chapters. In such cases, the standard of review shall also ensure consistency with the applicable provisions and purposes of chapter 161, chapter 253, or chapter 258 when the consolidated order includes an authorization, permit, waiver, variance, or approval under those chapters. If the consolidated order subject to review includes approval or denial of proprietary authorization to use submerged lands on which the board of trustees has previously acted, as described in s. 373.427(2), the scope of review under this section shall not encompass such proprietary decision, but the standard of review shall also ensure consistency with the applicable provisions and purposes of chapter 161 when the consolidated order includes a permit, waiver, or approval under that chapter.
(a) The final order issued under this section shall contain separate findings of fact and conclusions of law, and a ruling that individually addresses each authorization, permit, waiver, variance, and approval that was the subject of the review.
(b) If a consolidated order includes proprietary authorization under chapter 253 or chapter 258 to use submerged lands owned by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund for an activity for which the authority has been delegated to take final agency action without action of the board of trustees, the following additional provisions and exceptions to s. 373.114(1) apply:
1. The Governor and Cabinet shall sit concurrently as the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission and the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund in exercising the exclusive authority to review the order;
2. The review may also be initiated by the Governor or any member of the Cabinet within 20 days after the rendering of the order in which case the other provisions of s. 373.114(1)(a) regarding acceptance of a request for review do not apply; and
3. If the Governor and Cabinet find that an authorization to use submerged lands is not consistent with chapter 253 or chapter 258, any authorization, permit, waiver, or approval authorized or granted by the consolidated order must be rescinded or modified or the proceeding must be remanded for further action consistent with the order issued under this section.
(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (3), appellate review of that part of a consolidated order granting or denying authorization to use board of trustees-owned submerged lands on which the board of trustees has previously acted, as described in s. 373.427(2), shall be only pursuant to s. 120.68.
(3) As with an appeal under s. 373.114, the proper initiation of discretionary review under this section tolls the time for seeking judicial review under s. 120.68.
History.—s. 502, ch. 94-356; s. 103, ch. 96-410.
373.428 Federal consistency.—When an activity regulated under this part is subject to federal consistency review under s. 380.23, the final agency action on a permit application submitted under this part shall constitute the state’s determination as to whether the activity is consistent with the federally approved Florida Coastal Management Program. Agencies with authority to review and comment on such activity pursuant to the Florida Coastal Management Program shall review such activity for consistency with only those statutes and rules incorporated into the Florida Coastal Management Program and implemented by that agency. An agency which submits a determination of inconsistency to the permitting agency shall be an indispensable party to any administrative or judicial proceeding in which such determination is an issue; shall be responsible for defending its determination in such proceedings; and shall be liable for any damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees should any be awarded in an appropriate action as a consequence of such determination.
History.—s. 6, ch. 96-370.
373.429 Revocation and modification of permits.—The governing board or the department may revoke or modify a permit at any time if it determines that a stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works has become a danger to the public health or safety or if its operation has become inconsistent with the objectives of the district. The affected party may file a written petition for hearing no later than 14 days after notice of revocation or modification is served. If the executive director of the district or the division determines that the danger to the public is imminent, he or she may order a temporary suspension of the construction, alteration, or operation of the works until the hearing is concluded, or may take such action as authorized under s. 373.439.
History.—s. 9, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 19, ch. 89-279; s. 607, ch. 95-148.
373.430 Prohibitions, violation, penalty, intent.—
(1) It shall be a violation of this part, and it shall be prohibited for any person:
(a) To cause pollution, as defined in s. 403.031(7), except as otherwise provided in this part, so as to harm or injure human health or welfare, animal, plant, or aquatic life or property.
(b) To fail to obtain any permit required by this part or by rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, or to violate or fail to comply with any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued by a water management district, the department, or local government pursuant to their lawful authority under this part.
(c) To knowingly make any false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or required to be maintained under this part, or to falsify, tamper with, or knowingly render inaccurate any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this part or by any permit, rule, regulation, or order issued under this part.
(2) A person who commits a violation specified in subsection (1) is liable for any damage caused and for civil penalties as provided in s. 373.129.
(3) A person who willfully commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(a) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in ss. 775.082(3)(e) and 775.083(1)(g), by a fine of not more than $50,000 or by imprisonment for 5 years, or by both, for each offense. Each day during any portion of which such violation occurs constitutes a separate offense.
(4) A person who commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(a) or paragraph (1)(b) due to reckless indifference or gross careless disregard commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in ss. 775.082(4)(b) and 775.083(1)(g), by a fine of not more than $10,000 or 60 days in jail, or by both, for each offense.
(5) A person who willfully commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(b) or who commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(c) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in ss. 775.082(4)(a) and 775.083(1)(g), by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by 6 months in jail, or by both, for each offense.
(6) It is the intent of the Legislature that the civil penalties imposed by the court be of such amount as to ensure immediate and continued compliance with this section.
(7) All moneys recovered under the provisions of this section shall be allocated to the use of the water management district, the department, or the local government, whichever undertook and maintained the enforcement action. All monetary penalties and damages recovered by the department or the state under the provisions of this section shall be deposited into the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund. All monetary penalties and damages recovered pursuant to this section by a water management district shall be retained and used exclusively within the territory of the water management district which collected the money. All monetary penalties and damages recovered pursuant to this subsection by a local government to which authority has been delegated pursuant to s. 373.103(8) shall be used to enhance surface water improvement or pollution control activities.
History.—s. 33, ch. 93-213; s. 40, ch. 96-321; s. 5, ch. 2014-220; s. 39, ch. 2015-229; s. 9, ch. 2020-158.
373.433 Abatement.—Any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works which violates the laws of this state or which violates the standards of the governing board or the department shall be declared a public nuisance. The operation of such stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works may be enjoined by suit by the state or any of its agencies or by a private citizen. The governing board or the department shall be a necessary party to any such suit. Nothing herein shall be construed to conflict with the provisions of s. 373.429.
History.—s. 10, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 20, ch. 89-279.
373.436 Remedial measures.—
(1) Upon completion of any inspection provided for by s. 373.423(3), the executive director or the department shall determine what alterations or repairs are necessary and order that such alterations and repairs shall be made within a time certain, which shall be a reasonable time. The owner of such stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works may file a written petition for hearing before the governing board or the department no later than 14 days after such order is served. If, after such order becomes final, the owner shall fail to make the specified alterations or repairs, the governing board or the department may, in its discretion, cause such alterations or repairs to be made.
(2) Any cost to the district or the department of alterations or repairs made by it under the provisions of subsection (1) shall be a lien against the property of the landowner on whose lands the alterations or repairs are made until the governing board or department is reimbursed, with reasonable interest and attorney’s fees, for its costs.
History.—s. 11, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 21, ch. 89-279.
373.439 Emergency measures.—
(1) The executive director, with the concurrence of the governing board, or the department shall immediately employ any remedial means to protect life and property if either:
(a) The condition of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works is so dangerous to the safety of life or property as not to permit time for the issuance and enforcement of an order relative to maintenance or operation.
(b) Passing or imminent floods threaten the safety of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works.
(2) In applying the emergency measures provided for in this section, the executive director or the Department of Environmental Protection may in an emergency do any of the following:
(a) Lower the water level by releasing water from any impoundment or reservoir.
(b) Completely empty the impoundment or reservoir.
(c) Take such other steps as may be essential to safeguard life and property.
(3) The executive director or the Department of Environmental Protection shall continue in full charge and control of such stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, and its appurtenant works until they are rendered safe or the emergency occasioning the action has ceased.
History.—s. 12, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 49, ch. 79-65; s. 22, ch. 89-279; s. 270, ch. 94-356.
373.441 Role of counties, municipalities, and local pollution control programs in permit processing; delegation.—
(1) The department shall, by December 1, 1994, adopt rules to guide the participation of counties, municipalities, and local pollution control programs in an efficient, streamlined permitting system. Such rules must seek to increase governmental efficiency, maintain environmental standards, and include consideration of:
(a) Provisions under which the environmental resource permit program is delegated, upon approval of the department, only to a county, municipality, or local pollution control program that has the financial, technical, and administrative capabilities and desire to implement and enforce the program;
(b) Provisions under which a locally delegated permit program may have stricter environmental standards than state standards;
(c) Provisions for identifying and reconciling any duplicative permitting by January 1, 1995;
(d) Provisions for timely and cost-efficient notification by the reviewing agency of permit applications, and permit requirements, to counties, municipalities, local pollution control programs, the department, or water management districts, as appropriate;
(e) Provisions for ensuring the consistency of permit applications with local comprehensive plans;
(f) Provisions for the partial delegation of the environmental resource permit program to counties, municipalities, or local pollution control programs, and standards and criteria to be employed in the implementation of such delegation by counties, municipalities, and local pollution control programs;
(g) Special provisions under which the environmental resource permit program may be delegated to counties having populations of 75,000 or fewer, or municipalities with, or local pollution control programs serving, populations of 50,000 or fewer;
(h) Provisions for the applicability of chapter 120 to local government programs when the environmental resource permit program is delegated to counties, municipalities, or local pollution control programs; and
(i) Provisions for a local government to petition the Governor and Cabinet for review of a request for a delegation of authority that is not approved or denied within 1 year after being initiated.
(2) Any denial by the department of a local government’s request for a delegation of authority must provide specific detail of those statutory or rule provisions that were not satisfied. Such detail shall also include specific actions that can be taken in order to allow for the delegation of authority. A local government, upon being denied a request for a delegation of authority, may petition the Governor and Cabinet for a review of the request. The Governor and Cabinet may reverse the decision of the department and may provide any necessary conditions to allow the delegation of authority to occur.
(3) Delegation of authority shall be approved if the local government meets the requirements set forth in rule 62-344, Florida Administrative Code. This section does not require a local government to seek delegation of the environmental resource permit program.
(4) This section does not affect or modify land development regulations adopted by a local government to implement its comprehensive plan pursuant to chapter 163.
(5) The department shall review environmental resource permit applications for electrical distribution and transmission lines and other facilities related to the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity which are not certified under ss. 403.52-403.5365, the Florida Electric Transmission Line Siting Act, regulated under this part.
History.—s. 34, ch. 93-213; s. 17, ch. 94-122; s. 33, ch. 95-146; s. 13, ch. 98-258; s. 67, ch. 2006-230; s. 41, ch. 2010-147.
373.4415 Role of Miami-Dade County in processing permits for limerock mining in Miami-Dade County Lake Belt.—The department and Miami-Dade County shall cooperate to establish and fulfill reasonable requirements for the departmental delegation to the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management of authority to implement the permitting program under ss. 373.403-373.439 for limerock mining activities within the geographic area of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt which was recommended for mining in the report submitted to the Legislature in February 1997 under s. 373.4149. The delegation of authority must be consistent with s. 373.441 and chapter 62-344, Florida Administrative Code. To further streamline permitting within the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt, the department and Miami-Dade County are encouraged to work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to establish a general permit under s. 404 of the Clean Water Act for limerock mining activities within the geographic area of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt consistent with the report submitted in February 1997. Miami-Dade County is further encouraged to seek delegation from the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the implementation of any such general permit. This section does not limit the authority of the department to delegate other responsibilities to Miami-Dade County under this part.
History.—s. 3, ch. 97-222; s. 3, ch. 99-298; s. 4, ch. 2001-172.
373.443 Immunity from liability.—No action shall be brought against the state or district, or any agents or employees of the state or district, for the recovery of damages caused by the partial or total failure of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works upon the ground that the state or district is liable by virtue of any of the following:
(1) Approval of the permit for construction or alteration.
(2) The issuance or enforcement of any order relative to maintenance or operation.
(3) Control or regulation of stormwater management systems, dams, impoundments, reservoirs, appurtenant work, or works regulated under this chapter.
(4) Measures taken to protect against failure during emergency.
History.—s. 13, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 23, ch. 89-279.
373.451 Short title; legislative findings and intent.—
(1) Sections 373.451-373.4595 may be cited as the “Surface Water Improvement and Management Act.”
(2) Legislative intent.—The Legislature finds that the water quality of many of the surface waters of the state has been degraded, or is in danger of becoming degraded, and that the natural systems associated with many surface waters have been altered so that these surface waters no longer perform the important functions that they once performed. These functions include:
(a) Providing aesthetic and recreational pleasure for the people of the state;
(b) Providing habitat for native plants, fish, and wildlife, including endangered and threatened species;
(c) Providing safe drinking water to the growing population of the state; and
(d) Attracting visitors and accruing other economic benefits.
(3) The Legislature finds that the declining quality of the state’s surface waters has been detrimental to the public’s right to enjoy these surface waters and that it is the duty of the state, through the state’s agencies and subdivisions, to enhance the environmental and scenic value of surface waters.
(4) The Legislature finds that factors contributing to the decline in the ecological, aesthetic, recreational, and economic value of the state’s surface waters include:
(a) Point and nonpoint source pollution; and
(b) Destruction of the natural systems which purify surface waters and provide habitats.
(5) The Legislature finds that many surface water problems can be and have been corrected and prevented through plans and programs for surface water improvement and management that are developed and implemented by the water management districts, the department, and local governments.
(6) It is therefore the intent of the Legislature that each water management district develop plans and programs for the improvement and management of surface waters within its boundaries.
(7) It is also the intent of the Legislature that the department, the water management districts, and others conduct research to provide a better scientific understanding of the causes and effects of surface water pollution and of the destruction of natural systems in order to improve and manage surface waters and associated natural systems.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-97; s. 24, ch. 89-279; s. 41, ch. 96-321; s. 4, ch. 2003-265.
373.453 Surface water improvement and management plans and programs.—
(1)(a) Each water management district, in cooperation with the department, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of Economic Opportunity, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, local governments, and others, shall maintain a list that prioritizes water bodies of regional or statewide significance within the water management district. The list shall be reviewed and updated every 5 years.
(b) Criteria to be used in developing the lists shall include, but not be limited to, consideration of violations of water quality standards occurring in the water body, the amounts of nutrients entering the water body and the water body’s trophic state, water bodies on the department’s list of impaired waters, water bodies with established total maximum daily loads, the existence of or need for a continuous aquatic weed control program in the water body, the biological condition of the water body, reduced fish and wildlife values, threats to agricultural and urban water supplies, threats to public recreational opportunities, the management of the water body through federal, state, or local water quality programs or plans, and public input.
(c) In maintaining their respective priority water body lists, water management districts shall give consideration to the following priority areas:
1. The South Florida Water Management District shall give priority to the restoration needs of Lake Okeechobee, Biscayne Bay, the Lake Worth Lagoon, and the Indian River Lagoon system and their tributaries.
2. The Southwest Florida Water Management District shall give priority to the restoration needs of Tampa Bay and its tributaries.
3. The St. Johns River Water Management District shall give priority to the restoration needs of Lake Apopka, the Lower St. Johns River, and the Indian River Lagoon system and their tributaries.
(2) Unless otherwise provided by law, the water management districts, in cooperation with state agencies, local governments, and others, may develop surface water improvement and management plans and programs for the water bodies identified on the priority lists. Plans developed pursuant to this subsection shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) A description of the water body system, its historical and current uses, its hydrology, and the conditions that have led to the need for restoration or protection;
(b) An identification of all governmental units that have jurisdiction over the water body and its drainage basin within the approved surface water improvement and management plan area, including local, regional, state, and federal units;
(c) A description of land uses within the drainage basin of the priority water body and those of important tributaries;
(d) Identification of point and nonpoint sources of water pollution that are discharged into the water body and its important tributaries;
(e) A description of strategies and a schedule for related management actions for restoring or protecting the water body to Class III or better, including those needed to help achieve state-adopted total maximum daily loads for the water body;
(f) A description of the management actions needed to maintain the water body once it has been restored and to prevent future degradation; and
(g) An estimate of the funding needed to carry out the restoration or protection strategies and a listing of available and potential funding sources and amounts.
(3) The governing board of the appropriate water management district shall hold at least one public hearing and public workshop in the vicinity of a priority water body for which a plan is being developed to obtain public input prior to finalizing the surface water improvement and management plan for the water body. The water management district shall then forward a copy of the plan to the department, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and appropriate local governmental units for their review and comment within 45 calendar days after the date the plan is forwarded to them. The department shall specifically comment on the likelihood that implementing the plan will significantly improve or protect water quality and associated natural systems. At the end of the 45-day review period, the water management district may proceed to approve the plan, whether or not comments have been submitted.
(4) Plans shall be updated as necessary to ensure that they effectively address the restoration and protection needs of the priority water bodies and that they reflect current scientific understandings and budgetary adjustments. If a district determines that modifications of or additions to a plan are necessary, such modifications or additions shall be subject to the review process established in this section.
(5) The governing board of each water management district is encouraged to appoint advisory committees as necessary to assist in formulating and evaluating strategies for water body protection and restoration activities and to increase public awareness and intergovernmental cooperation. Such committees should include representatives of appropriate local governments, state and federal agencies, existing advisory councils for the priority water body, and representatives of the public who use the water body.
(6) The water management districts may contract with appropriate state, local, and regional agencies and others to perform various tasks associated with the development and implementation of surface water improvement and management plans and programs.
History.—s. 2, ch. 87-97; s. 25, ch. 89-279; s. 271, ch. 94-356; s. 187, ch. 99-245; s. 5, ch. 2003-265; s. 250, ch. 2011-142.
373.459 Funds for surface water improvement and management.—
(1) Legislative appropriations provided to the water management districts for surface water improvement and management activities shall be available for detailed planning and plan and program implementation.
(2) An entity that receives state funding for the implementation of programs specified in ss. 373.451-373.459, including a water management district, federal, local, or regional agency, university, or nonprofit or private organization, shall provide a 50-percent match of cash or in-kind services towards the implementation of the specific project for which it is contracting.
(3) The department shall administer all funds appropriated to or received for surface water improvement and management activities. Expenditure of the moneys shall be limited to the costs of detailed planning and plan and program implementation for priority surface water bodies. Moneys may not be expended for planning for, or construction or expansion of, treatment facilities for domestic or industrial waste disposal.
(4) The department shall authorize the release of money in accordance with s. 373.501(2).
(5) The match requirement of subsection (2) does not apply to the Suwannee River Water Management District, the Northwest Florida Water Management District, or a financially disadvantaged small local government as defined in former s. 403.885(3).
History.—s. 5, ch. 87-97; s. 29, ch. 89-279; s. 9, ch. 91-79; s. 11, ch. 91-305; s. 11, ch. 94-115; s. 504, ch. 94-356; s. 44, ch. 96-321; s. 6, ch. 2003-265; s. 8, ch. 2005-291; s. 33, ch. 2006-26; ss. 39, 54, ch. 2007-73; s. 3, ch. 2007-191; s. 17, ch. 2008-5; s. 40, ch. 2015-229.
373.4591 Improvements on private agricultural lands.—
(1) The Legislature encourages public-private partnerships to accomplish water storage, groundwater recharge, and water quality improvements on private agricultural lands. Priority consideration shall be given to public-private partnerships that:
(a) Store or treat water on private lands for purposes of enhancing hydrologic improvement, improving water quality, or assisting in water supply;
(b) Provide critical groundwater recharge; or
(c) Provide for changes in land use to activities that minimize nutrient loads and maximize water conservation.
(2)(a) When an agreement is entered into between the department, a water management district, or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and a private landowner to establish a public-private partnership that may create or impact wetlands or other surface waters, a baseline condition determining the extent of wetlands and other surface waters on the property shall be established and documented in the agreement before improvements are constructed.
(b) When an agreement is entered into between the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and a private landowner to implement best management practices pursuant to s. 403.067(7)(c), a baseline condition determining the extent of wetlands and other surface water on the property may be established at the option and expense of the private landowner and documented in the agreement before improvements are constructed. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall submit the landowner’s proposed baseline condition documentation to the lead agency for review and approval, and the agency shall use its best efforts to complete the review within 45 days.
(3) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the department, and the water management districts shall provide a process for reviewing these requests in the timeframe specified. The determination of a baseline condition shall be conducted using the methods set forth in the rules adopted pursuant to s. 373.421. The baseline condition documented in an agreement shall be considered the extent of wetlands and other surface waters on the property for the purpose of regulation under this chapter for the duration of the agreement and after its expiration.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2012-187; s. 7, ch. 2014-150; s. 14, ch. 2016-1.
373.4592 Everglades improvement and management.—
(1) FINDINGS AND INTENT.—
(a) The Legislature finds that the Everglades ecological system not only contributes to South Florida’s water supply, flood control, and recreation, but serves as the habitat for diverse species of wildlife and plant life. The system is unique in the world and one of Florida’s great treasures. The Everglades ecological system is endangered as a result of adverse changes in water quality, and in the quantity, distribution, and timing of flows, and, therefore, must be restored and protected.
(b) The Legislature finds that, although the district and the department have developed plans and programs for the improvement and management of the surface waters tributary to the Everglades Protection Area, implementation of those plans and programs has not been as timely as is necessary to restore and protect unique flora and fauna of the Everglades, including the Everglades National Park and the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Therefore, the Legislature determines that an appropriate method to proceed with Everglades restoration and protection is to authorize the district to proceed expeditiously with implementation of the Everglades Program.
(c) The Legislature finds that, in the last decade, people have come to realize the tremendous cost the alteration of natural systems has exacted on the region. The Statement of Principles of July 1993 among the Federal Government, the South Florida Water Management District, the Department of Environmental Protection, and certain agricultural industry representatives formed a basis to bring to a close 5 years of costly litigation. That agreement should be used to begin the cleanup and renewal of the Everglades ecosystem.
(d) It is the intent of the Legislature to promote Everglades restoration and protection through certain legislative findings and determinations. The Legislature finds that waters flowing into the Everglades Protection Area contain excessive levels of phosphorus. A reduction in levels of phosphorus will benefit the ecology of the Everglades Protection Area.
(e) It is the intent of the Legislature to pursue comprehensive and innovative solutions to issues of water quality, water quantity, hydroperiod, and invasion of exotic species which face the Everglades ecosystem. The Legislature recognizes that the Everglades ecosystem must be restored both in terms of water quality and water quantity and must be preserved and protected in a manner that is long term and comprehensive. The Legislature further recognizes that the EAA and adjacent areas provide a base for an agricultural industry, which in turn provides important products, jobs, and income regionally and nationally. It is the intent of the Legislature to preserve natural values in the Everglades while also maintaining the quality of life for all residents of South Florida, including those in agriculture, and to minimize the impact on South Florida jobs, including agricultural, tourism, and natural resource-related jobs, all of which contribute to a robust regional economy.
(f) The Legislature finds that improved water supply and hydroperiod management are crucial elements to overall revitalization of the Everglades ecosystem, including Florida Bay. It is the intent of the Legislature to expedite plans and programs for improving water quantity reaching the Everglades, correcting long-standing hydroperiod problems, increasing the total quantity of water flowing through the system, providing water supply for the Everglades National Park, urban and agricultural areas, and Florida Bay, and replacing water previously available from the coastal ridge in areas of southern Miami-Dade County. Whenever possible, wasteful discharges of fresh water to tide shall be reduced, and the water shall be stored for delivery at more optimum times. Additionally, reuse and conservation measures shall be implemented consistent with law. The Legislature further recognizes that additional water storage may be an appropriate use of Lake Okeechobee.
(g) The Legislature finds that the Statement of Principles of July 1993, the Everglades Construction Project, and the regulatory requirements of this section provide a sound basis for the state’s long-term cleanup and restoration objectives for the Everglades. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide a sufficient period of time for construction, testing, and research, so that the benefits of the Long-Term Plan will be determined and maximized prior to requiring additional measures. The Legislature finds that STAs and BMPs are currently the best available technology for achieving the water quality goals of the Everglades Program and that implementation of BMPs, funded by the owners and users of land in the EAA, effectively reduces nutrients in waters flowing into the Everglades Protection Area. A combined program of agricultural BMPs, STAs, and requirements of this section is a reasonable method of achieving total phosphorus discharge reductions. The Everglades Program is an appropriate foundation on which to build a long-term program to ultimately achieve restoration and protection of the Everglades Protection Area.
(h) The Everglades Construction Project represents by far the largest environmental cleanup and restoration program of this type ever undertaken, and the returns from substantial public and private investment must be maximized so that available resources are managed responsibly. To that end, the Legislature directs that the Everglades Construction Project and regulatory requirements associated with the Statement of Principles of July 1993 be pursued expeditiously, but with flexibility, so that superior technology may be utilized when available. Consistent with the implementation of the Everglades Construction Project, landowners shall be provided the maximum opportunity to provide treatment on their land.
(2) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section:
(a) “Best available phosphorus reduction technology” or “BAPRT” means a combination of BMPs and STAs which includes a continuing research and monitoring program to reduce outflow concentrations of phosphorus so as to achieve the phosphorus criterion in the Everglades Protection Area.
(b) “Best management practice” or “BMP” means a practice or combination of practices determined by the district, in cooperation with the department, based on research, field-testing, and expert review, to be the most effective and practicable, including economic and technological considerations, on-farm means of improving water quality in agricultural discharges to a level that balances water quality improvements and agricultural productivity.
(c) “C-139 Basin” or “Basin” means those lands described in subsection (16).
(d) “Department” means the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
(e) “District” means the South Florida Water Management District.
(f) “Everglades Agricultural Area” or “EAA” means the Everglades Agricultural Area, which are those lands described in subsection (15).
(g) “Everglades Construction Project” means the project described in the February 15, 1994, conceptual design document together with construction and operation schedules on file with the South Florida Water Management District, except as modified by this section and further described in the Long-Term Plan.
(h) “Everglades Program” means the program of projects, regulations, and research provided by this section, including the Everglades Construction Project.
(i) “Everglades Protection Area” means Water Conservation Areas 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Everglades National Park.
(j) “Long-Term Plan” or “Plan” means the district’s “Everglades Protection Area Tributary Basins Conceptual Plan for Achieving Long-Term Water Quality Goals Final Report” dated March 2003, as subsequently modified in accordance with paragraph (3)(b), and the district’s “Restoration Strategies Regional Water Quality Plan” dated April 27, 2012, as may be subsequently modified pursuant to paragraph (3)(b).
(k) “Master permit” means a single permit issued to a legally responsible entity defined by rule, authorizing the construction, alteration, maintenance, or operation of multiple stormwater management systems that may be owned or operated by different persons and which provides an opportunity to achieve collective compliance with applicable department and district rules and the provisions of this section.
(l) “Optimization” shall mean maximizing the potential treatment effectiveness of the STAs through measures such as additional compartmentalization, improved flow control, vegetation management, or operation refinements, in combination with improvements where practicable in urban and agricultural BMPs, and includes integration with congressionally authorized components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan or “CERP”.
(m) “Phosphorus criterion” means a numeric interpretation for phosphorus of the Class III narrative nutrient criterion.
(n) “Stormwater management program” shall have the meaning set forth in s. 403.031(15).
(o) “Stormwater treatment areas” or “STAs” means those treatment areas described and depicted in the district’s conceptual design document of February 15, 1994, and any modifications as provided in this section.
(p) “Technology-based effluent limitation” or “TBEL” means the technology-based treatment requirements as defined in rule 62-650.200, Florida Administrative Code.
(3) EVERGLADES LONG-TERM PLAN.—
(a) The Legislature finds that the Everglades Program required by this section establishes more extensive and comprehensive requirements for surface water improvement and management within the Everglades than the SWIM plan requirements provided in ss. 373.451 and 373.453. In order to avoid duplicative requirements, and in order to conserve the resources available to the district, the SWIM plan requirements of those sections shall not apply to the Everglades Protection Area and the EAA during the term of the Everglades Program, and the district will neither propose, nor take final agency action on, any Everglades SWIM plan for those areas until the Everglades Program is fully implemented. Funds identified under former s. 259.101(3)(b), Florida Statutes 2014, may be used for acquisition of lands necessary to implement the Everglades Construction Project, to the extent these funds are identified in the Statement of Principles of July 1993. The district’s actions in implementing the Everglades Construction Project relating to the responsibilities of the EAA and C-139 Basin for funding and water quality compliance in the EAA and the Everglades Protection Area shall be governed by this section. Other strategies or activities in the March 1992 Everglades SWIM plan may be implemented if otherwise authorized by law.
(b) The Legislature finds that the most reliable means of optimizing the performance of STAs and achieving reasonable further progress in reducing phosphorus entering the Everglades Protection Area is to utilize a long-term planning process. The Legislature finds that the Long-Term Plan provides the best available phosphorus reduction technology based upon a combination of the BMPs and STAs described in the Plan provided that the Plan shall seek to achieve the phosphorus criterion in the Everglades Protection Area. The pre-2006 projects identified in the Long-Term Plan shall be implemented by the district without delay, and revised with the planning goal and objective of achieving the phosphorus criterion to be adopted pursuant to subparagraph (4)(e)2. in the Everglades Protection Area, and not based on any planning goal or objective in the Plan that is inconsistent with this section. Revisions to the Long-Term Plan shall be incorporated through an adaptive management approach including a process development and engineering component to identify and implement incremental optimization measures for further phosphorus reductions. Revisions to the Long-Term Plan shall be approved by the department. In addition, the department may propose changes to the Long-Term Plan as science and environmental conditions warrant.
(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that implementation of the Long-Term Plan shall be integrated and consistent with the implementation of the projects and activities in the congressionally authorized components of the CERP so that unnecessary and duplicative costs will be avoided. Nothing in this section shall modify any existing cost share or responsibility provided for projects listed in s. 528 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 (110 Stat. 3769) or provided for projects listed in s. 601 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (114 Stat. 2572). The Legislature does not intend for the provisions of this section to diminish commitments made by the State of Florida to restore and maintain water quality in the Everglades Protection Area, including the federal lands in the settlement agreement referenced in paragraph (4)(e).
(d) The Long-Term Plan shall be implemented and shall achieve water quality standards relating to the phosphorus criterion in the Everglades Protection Area as determined by a network of monitoring stations established for this purpose. Not later than December 31, 2008, and each 5 years thereafter, the department shall review and approve incremental phosphorus reduction measures.
(4) EVERGLADES PROGRAM.—
(a) Everglades Construction Project.—The district shall implement the Everglades Construction Project. By the time of completion of the project, the state, district, or other governmental authority shall purchase the inholdings in the Rotenberger tract and such other lands necessary to achieve a 2:1 mitigation ratio for the use of Brown’s Farm and other similar lands, including those needed for the STA 1 Inflow and Distribution Works. The inclusion of public lands as part of the project is for the purpose of treating waters not coming from the EAA for hydroperiod restoration. It is the intent of the Legislature that the district aggressively pursue the implementation of the Everglades Construction Project in accordance with the schedule in this subsection. The Legislature recognizes that adherence to the schedule is dependent upon factors beyond the control of the district, including the timely receipt of funds from all contributors. The district shall take all reasonable measures to complete timely performance of the schedule in this section in order to finish the Everglades Construction Project. The district shall not delay implementation of the project beyond the time delay caused by those circumstances and conditions that prevent timely performance. The district shall not levy ad valorem taxes in excess of 0.1 mill within the Okeechobee Basin for the purposes of the design, construction, and acquisition of the Everglades Construction Project. The ad valorem tax proceeds not exceeding 0.1 mill levied within the Okeechobee Basin for such purposes shall also be used for design, construction, and implementation of the Long-Term Plan, including operation and maintenance, and research for the projects and strategies in the Long-Term Plan, and including the enhancements and operation and maintenance of the Everglades Construction Project and shall be the sole direct district contribution from district ad valorem taxes appropriated or expended for the design, construction, and acquisition of the Everglades Construction Project unless the Legislature by specific amendment to this section increases the 0.1 mill ad valorem tax contribution, increases the agricultural privilege taxes, or otherwise reallocates the relative contribution by ad valorem taxpayers and taxpayers paying the agricultural privilege taxes toward the funding of the design, construction, and acquisition of the Everglades Construction Project. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 200.069 to the contrary, any millage levied under the 0.1 mill limitation in this paragraph shall be included as a separate entry on the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes pursuant to s. 200.069. Once the STAs are completed, the district shall allow these areas to be used by the public for recreational purposes in the manner set forth in s. 373.1391(1), considering the suitability of these lands for such uses. These lands shall be made available for recreational use unless the district governing board can demonstrate that such uses are incompatible with the restoration goals of the Everglades Construction Project or the water quality and hydrological purposes of the STAs or would otherwise adversely impact the implementation of the project. The district shall give preferential consideration to the hiring of agricultural workers displaced as a result of the Everglades Construction Project, consistent with their qualifications and abilities, for the construction and operation of these STAs. The following milestones apply to the completion of the Everglades Construction Project as depicted in the February 15, 1994, conceptual design document:
1. The district must complete the final design of the STA 1 East and West and pursue STA 1 East project components as part of a cost-shared program with the Federal Government. The district must be the local sponsor of the federal project that will include STA 1 East, and STA 1 West if so authorized by federal law;
2. Construction of STA 1 East is to be completed under the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with the currently authorized C-51 flood control project;
3. The district must complete construction of STA 1 West and STA 1 Inflow and Distribution Works under the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, if the direction is authorized under federal law, in conjunction with the currently authorized C-51 flood control project;
4. The district must complete construction of STA 3/4 by October 1, 2003; however, the district may modify this schedule to incorporate and accelerate enhancements to STA 3/4 as directed in the Long-Term Plan;
5. The district must complete construction of STA 6;
6. The district must, by December 31, 2006, complete construction of enhancements to the Everglades Construction Project recommended in the Long-Term Plan and initiate other pre-2006 strategies in the plan; and
7. East Beach Water Control District, South Shore Drainage District, South Florida Conservancy District, East Shore Water Control District, and the lessee of agricultural lease number 3420 shall complete any system modifications described in the Everglades Construction Project to the extent that funds are available from the Everglades Fund. These entities shall divert the discharges described within the Everglades Construction Project within 60 days of completion of construction of the appropriate STA. Such required modifications shall be deemed to be a part of each district’s plan of reclamation pursuant to chapter 298.
(b) Everglades water supply and hydroperiod improvement and restoration.—
1. A comprehensive program to revitalize the Everglades shall include programs and projects to improve the water quantity reaching the Everglades Protection Area at optimum times and improve hydroperiod deficiencies in the Everglades ecosystem. To the greatest extent possible, wasteful discharges of fresh water to tide shall be reduced, and water conservation practices and reuse measures shall be implemented by water users, consistent with law. Water supply management must include improvement of water quantity reaching the Everglades, correction of long-standing hydroperiod problems, and an increase in the total quantity of water flowing through the system. Water supply management must provide water supply for the Everglades National Park, the urban and agricultural areas, and the Florida Bay and must replace water previously available from the coastal ridge areas of southern Miami-Dade County. The Everglades Construction Project redirects some water currently lost to tide. It is an important first step in completing hydroperiod improvement.
2. The district shall operate the Everglades Construction Project as specified in the February 15, 1994, conceptual design document, to provide additional inflows to the Everglades Protection Area. The increased flow from the project shall be directed to the Everglades Protection Area as needed to achieve an average annual increase of 28 percent compared to the baseline years of 1979 to 1988. Consistent with the design of the Everglades Construction Project and without demonstratively reducing water quality benefits, the regulatory releases will be timed and distributed to the Everglades Protection Area to maximize environmental benefits.
3. The district shall operate the Everglades Construction Project in accordance with the February 15, 1994, conceptual design document to maximize the water quantity benefits and improve the hydroperiod of the Everglades Protection Area. All reductions of flow to the Everglades Protection Area from BMP implementation will be replaced. The district shall develop a model to be used for quantifying the amount of water to be replaced. The timing and distribution of this replaced water will be directed to the Everglades Protection Area to maximize the natural balance of the Everglades Protection Area.
4. The Legislature recognizes the complexity of the Everglades watershed, as well as legal mandates under Florida and federal law. As local sponsor of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project, the district must coordinate its water supply and hydroperiod programs with the Federal Government. Federal planning, research, operating guidelines, and restrictions for the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project now under review by federal agencies will provide important components of the district’s Everglades Program. The department and district shall use their best efforts to seek the amendment of the authorized purposes of the project to include water quality protection, hydroperiod restoration, and environmental enhancement as authorized purposes of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project, in addition to the existing purposes of water supply, flood protection, and allied purposes. Further, the department and the district shall use their best efforts to request that the Federal Government include in the evaluation of the regulation schedule for Lake Okeechobee a review of the regulatory releases, so as to facilitate releases of water into the Everglades Protection Area which further improve hydroperiod restoration.
5. The district, through cooperation with the federal and state agencies, shall develop other programs and methods to increase the water flow and improve the hydroperiod of the Everglades Protection Area.
6. Nothing in this section is intended to provide an allocation or reservation of water or to modify the provisions of part II. All decisions regarding allocations and reservations of water shall be governed by applicable law.
7. The district shall proceed to expeditiously implement the minimum flows and levels for the Everglades Protection Area as required by s. 373.042 and shall expeditiously complete the Lower East Coast Water Supply Plan.
(c) STA 3/4 modification.—The Everglades Program will contribute to the restoration of the Rotenberger and Holey Land tracts. The Everglades Construction Project provides a first step toward restoration by improving hydroperiod with treated water for the Rotenberger tract and by providing a source of treated water for the Holey Land. It is further the intent of the Legislature that the easternmost tract of the Holey Land, known as the “Toe of the Boot,” be removed from STA 3/4 under the circumstances set forth in this paragraph. The district shall proceed to modify the Everglades Construction Project, provided that the redesign achieves at least as many environmental and hydrological benefits as are included in the original design, including treatment of waters from sources other than the EAA, and does not delay construction of STA 3/4. The district is authorized to use eminent domain to acquire alternative lands, only if such lands are located within 1 mile of the northern border of STA 3/4.
(d) Everglades research and monitoring program.—
1. The department and the district shall review and evaluate available water quality data for the Everglades Protection Area and tributary waters and identify any additional information necessary to adequately describe water quality in the Everglades Protection Area and tributary waters. The department and the district shall also initiate a research and monitoring program to generate such additional information identified and to evaluate the effectiveness of the BMPs and STAs, as they are implemented, in improving water quality and maintaining designated and existing beneficial uses of the Everglades Protection Area and tributary waters. As part of the program, the district shall monitor all discharges into the Everglades Protection Area for purposes of determining compliance with state water quality standards.
2. The research and monitoring program shall evaluate the ecological and hydrological needs of the Everglades Protection Area, including the minimum flows and levels. Consistent with such needs, the program shall also evaluate water quality standards for the Everglades Protection Area and for the canals of the EAA, so that these canals can be classified in the manner set forth in paragraph (e) and protected as an integral part of the water management system which includes the STAs of the Everglades Construction Project and allows landowners in the EAA to achieve applicable water quality standards compliance by BMPs and STA treatment to the extent this treatment is available and effective.
3. The research and monitoring program shall include research seeking to optimize the design and operation of the STAs, including research to reduce outflow concentrations, and to identify other treatment and management methods and regulatory programs that are superior to STAs in achieving the intent and purposes of this section.
4. The research and monitoring program shall be conducted to allow the department to propose a phosphorus criterion in the Everglades Protection Area, and to evaluate existing state water quality standards applicable to the Everglades Protection Area and existing state water quality standards and classifications applicable to the EAA canals. In developing the phosphorus criterion, the department shall also consider the minimum flows and levels for the Everglades Protection Area and the district’s water supply plans for the Lower East Coast.
5. Beginning March 1, 2006, as part of the consolidated annual report required by s. 373.036(7), the district and the department shall annually issue a peer-reviewed report regarding the research and monitoring program that summarizes all data and findings. The report shall identify water quality parameters, in addition to phosphorus, which exceed state water quality standards or are causing or contributing to adverse impacts in the Everglades Protection Area.
6. The district shall continue research seeking to optimize the design and operation of STAs and to identify other treatment and management methods that are superior to STAs in achieving optimum water quality and water quantity for the benefit of the Everglades. The district shall optimize the design and operation of the STAs described in the Everglades Construction Project prior to expanding their size. Additional methods to achieve compliance with water quality standards shall not be limited to more intensive management of the STAs.
(e) Evaluation of water quality standards.—
1. The department and the district shall employ all means practicable to complete by December 31, 1998, any additional research necessary to:
a. Numerically interpret for phosphorus the Class III narrative nutrient criterion necessary to meet water quality standards in the Everglades Protection Area; and
b. Evaluate existing water quality standards applicable to the Everglades Protection Area and EAA canals.
2. In no case shall such phosphorus criterion allow waters in the Everglades Protection Area to be altered so as to cause an imbalance in the natural populations of aquatic flora or fauna. The phosphorus criterion shall be 10 parts per billion (ppb) in the Everglades Protection Area in the event the department does not adopt by rule such criterion by December 31, 2003. However, in the event the department fails to adopt a phosphorus criterion on or before December 31, 2002, any person whose substantial interests would be affected by the rulemaking shall have the right, on or before February 28, 2003, to petition for a writ of mandamus to compel the department to adopt by rule such criterion. Venue for the mandamus action must be Leon County. The court may stay implementation of the 10 parts per billion (ppb) criterion during the pendency of the mandamus proceeding upon a demonstration by the petitioner of irreparable harm in the absence of such relief. The department’s phosphorus criterion, whenever adopted, shall supersede the 10 parts per billion (ppb) criterion otherwise established by this section, but shall not be lower than the natural conditions of the Everglades Protection Area and shall take into account spatial and temporal variability. The department’s rule adopting a phosphorus criterion may include moderating provisions during the implementation of the initial phase of the Long-Term Plan authorizing discharges based upon BAPRT providing net improvement to impacted areas. Discharges to unimpacted areas may also be authorized by moderating provisions, which shall require BAPRT, and which must be based upon a determination by the department that the environmental benefits of the discharge clearly outweigh potential adverse impacts and otherwise comply with antidegradation requirements. Moderating provisions authorized by this section shall not extend beyond December 2016 unless further authorized by the Legislature.
3. The department shall use the best available information to define relationships between waters discharged to, and the resulting water quality in, the Everglades Protection Area. The department or the district shall use these relationships to establish discharge limits in permits for discharges into the EAA canals and the Everglades Protection Area necessary to prevent an imbalance in the natural populations of aquatic flora or fauna in the Everglades Protection Area, and to provide a net improvement in the areas already impacted. During the implementation of the initial phase of the Long-Term Plan, permits issued by the department shall be based on BAPRT and shall include technology-based effluent limitations consistent with the Long-Term Plan. Compliance with the phosphorus criterion shall be based upon a long-term geometric mean of concentration levels to be measured at sampling stations recognized from the research to be reasonably representative of receiving waters in the Everglades Protection Area, and so located so as to assure that the Everglades Protection Area is not altered so as to cause an imbalance in natural populations of aquatic flora and fauna and to assure a net improvement in the areas already impacted. For the Everglades National Park and the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the method for measuring compliance with the phosphorus criterion shall be in a manner consistent with Appendices A and B, respectively, of the settlement agreement dated July 26, 1991, entered in case No. 88-1886-Civ-Hoeveler, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, that recognizes and provides for incorporation of relevant research.
4. The department’s evaluation of any other water quality standards must include the department’s antidegradation standards and EAA canal classifications. In recognition of the special nature of the conveyance canals of the EAA, as a component of the classification process, the department is directed to formally recognize by rulemaking existing actual beneficial uses of the conveyance canals in the EAA. This shall include recognition of the Class III designated uses of recreation, propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife, the integrated water management purposes for which the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project was constructed, flood control, conveyance of water to and from Lake Okeechobee for urban and agricultural water supply, Everglades hydroperiod restoration, conveyance of water to the STAs, and navigation.
(f) EAA best management practices.—
1. The district, in cooperation with the department, shall develop and implement a water quality monitoring program to evaluate the effectiveness of the BMPs in achieving and maintaining compliance with state water quality standards and restoring and maintaining designated and existing beneficial uses. The program shall include an analysis of the effectiveness of the BMPs in treating constituents that are not being significantly improved by the STAs. The monitoring program shall include monitoring of appropriate parameters at representative locations.
2. The district shall continue to require and enforce the BMP and other requirements of chapters 40E-61 and 40E-63, Florida Administrative Code, during the terms of the existing permits issued pursuant to those rules. Chapter 40E-61, Florida Administrative Code, may be amended to include the BMPs required by chapter 40E-63, Florida Administrative Code. Prior to the expiration of existing permits, and during each 5-year term of subsequent permits as provided for in this section, those rules shall be amended to implement a comprehensive program of research, testing, and implementation of BMPs that will address all water quality standards within the EAA and Everglades Protection Area. Under this program:
a. EAA landowners, through the EAA Environmental Protection District or otherwise, shall sponsor a program of BMP research with qualified experts to identify appropriate BMPs.
b. Consistent with the water quality monitoring program, BMPs will be field-tested in a sufficient number of representative sites in the EAA to reflect soil and crop types and other factors that influence BMP design and effectiveness.
c. BMPs as required for varying crops and soil types shall be included in permit conditions in the 5-year permits issued pursuant to this section.
d. The district shall conduct research in cooperation with EAA landowners to identify water quality parameters that are not being significantly improved either by the STAs or the BMPs, and to identify further BMP strategies needed to address these parameters.
3. The Legislature finds that through the implementation of the Everglades BMPs Program and the implementation of the Everglades Construction Project, reasonable further progress will be made towards addressing water quality requirements of the EAA canals and the Everglades Protection Area. Permittees within the EAA and the C-139 Basin who are in full compliance with the conditions of permits under chapters 40E-61 and 40E-63, Florida Administrative Code, have made all payments required under the Everglades Program, and are in compliance with subparagraph (a)7., if applicable, shall not be required to implement additional water quality improvement measures, prior to December 31, 2006, other than those required by subparagraph 2., with the following exceptions:
a. Nothing in this subparagraph shall limit the existing authority of the department or the district to limit or regulate discharges that pose a significant danger to the public health and safety; and
b. New land uses and new stormwater management facilities other than alterations to existing agricultural stormwater management systems for water quality improvements shall not be accorded the compliance established by this section. Permits may be required to implement improvements or alterations to existing agricultural water management systems.
4. As of December 31, 2006, all permits, including those issued prior to that date, shall require implementation of additional water quality measures, taking into account the water quality treatment actually provided by the STAs and the effectiveness of the BMPs. As of that date, no permittee’s discharge shall cause or contribute to any violation of water quality standards in the Everglades Protection Area.
5. Effective immediately, landowners within the C-139 Basin shall not collectively exceed an annual average loading of phosphorus based proportionately on the historical rainfall for the C-139 Basin over the period of October 1, 1978, to September 30, 1988. New surface inflows shall not increase the annual average loading of phosphorus stated above. Provided that the C-139 Basin does not exceed this annual average loading, all landowners within the Basin shall be in compliance for that year. Compliance determinations for individual landowners within the C-139 Basin for remedial action, if the Basin is determined by the district to be out of compliance for that year, shall be based on the landowners’ proportional share of the total phosphorus loading. The total phosphorus discharge load shall be determined as set forth in Appendix B2 of Rule 40E-63, Everglades Program, Florida Administrative Code.
6. The district, in cooperation with the department, shall develop and implement a water quality monitoring program to evaluate the quality of the discharge from the C-139 Basin. Upon determination by the department or the district that the C-139 Basin is exceeding any presently existing water quality standards, the district shall require landowners within the C-139 Basin to implement BMPs appropriate to the land uses within the C-139 Basin consistent with subparagraph 2. Thereafter, the provisions of subparagraphs 2.-4. shall apply to the landowners within the C-139 Basin.
(g) Monitoring and control of exotic species.—
1. The district shall establish a biological monitoring network throughout the Everglades Protection Area and shall prepare a survey of exotic species at least every 2 years.
2. In addition, the district shall establish a program to coordinate with federal, state, or other governmental entities the control of continued expansion and the removal of these exotic species. The district’s program shall give high priority to species affecting the largest areal extent within the Everglades Protection Area.
(h) Use attainability analysis.—After completion of all projects and improvements in the Long-Term Plan, the district shall complete a use attainability analysis to determine if those projects and improvements will achieve the water-quality-based effluent limits established in permits and orders authorizing the operation of those facilities.
(5) ACQUISITION AND LEASE OF STATE LANDS.—
(a) As used in this subsection, the term:
1. “Available land” means land within the EAA owned by the board of trustees which is covered by any of the following leases: Numbers 3543, 3420, 1447, 1971-5, and 3433, and the southern one-third of number 2376 constituting 127 acres, more or less.
2. “Board of trustees” means the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.
3. “Designated acre,” as to any impacted farmer, means an acre of land which is designated for STAs or water retention or storage in the February 15, 1994, conceptual design document and which is owned or leased by the farmer or on which one or more agricultural products were produced which, during the period beginning October 1, 1992, and ending September 30, 1993, were processed at a facility owned by the farmer.
4. “Impacted farmer” means a producer or processor of agricultural commodities and includes subsidiaries and affiliates that have designated acres.
5. “Impacted vegetable farmer” means an impacted farmer in the EAA who uses more than 30 percent of the land farmed by that farmer, whether owned or leased, for the production of vegetables.
6. “Vegetable-area available land” means land within the EAA owned by the board of trustees which is covered by lease numbers 3422 and 1935/1935S.
(b) The Legislature declares that it is necessary for the public health and welfare that the Everglades water and water-related resources be conserved and protected. The Legislature further declares that certain lands may be needed for the treatment or storage of water prior to its release into the Everglades Protection Area. The acquisition of real property for this objective constitutes a public purpose for which public funds may be expended. In addition to other authority pursuant to this chapter to acquire real property, the governing board of the district is empowered and authorized to acquire fee title or easements by eminent domain for the limited purpose of implementing stormwater management systems, identified and described in the Everglades Construction Project or determined necessary to meet water quality requirements established by rule or permit.
(c) The Legislature determines it to be in the public interest to minimize the potential loss of land and related product supply to farmers and processors who are most affected by acquisition of land for Everglades restoration and hydroperiod purposes. Accordingly, subject to the priority established below for vegetable-area available land, impacted farmers shall have priority in the leasing of available land. An impacted farmer shall have the right to lease each parcel of available land, upon expiration of the existing lease, for a term of 20 years and at a rental rate determined by appraisal using established state procedures. For those parcels of land that have previously been competitively bid, the rental rate shall not be less than the rate the board of trustees currently receives. The board of trustees may also adjust the rental rate on an annual basis using an appropriate index, and update the appraisals at 5-year intervals. If more than one impacted farmer desires to lease a particular parcel of available land, the one that has the greatest number of designated acres shall have priority.
(d) Impacted vegetable farmers shall have priority in leasing vegetable-area available land. An impacted vegetable farmer shall have the right to lease vegetable-area available land, upon expiration of the existing lease, for a term of 20 years or a term ending August 25, 2018, whichever term first expires, and at a rental rate determined by appraisal using established state procedures. If the lessee elects, such terms may consist of an initial 5-year term, with successive options to renew at the lessee’s option for additional 5-year terms. For extensions of leases on those parcels of land that have previously been competitively bid, the rental rate shall not be less than the rate the board of trustees currently receives. The board of trustees may also adjust the rental rate on an annual basis using an appropriate index, and update the appraisals at 5-year intervals. If more than one impacted vegetable farmer desires to lease vegetable-area available land, the one that has the greatest number of designated acres shall have priority.
(e) Impacted vegetable farmers with farming operations in areas of Florida other than the EAA shall have priority in leasing suitable surplus lands, where such lands are located in the St. Johns River Water Management District and in the vicinity of the other areas where such impacted vegetable farmers operate. The suitability of such use shall be determined solely by the St. Johns River Water Management District. The St. Johns River Water Management District shall make good faith efforts to provide these impacted vegetable farmers with the opportunity to lease such suitable lands to offset their designated acres. The rental rate shall be determined by appraisal using established procedures.
(f) The corporation conducting correctional work programs under part II of chapter 946 shall be entitled to renew, for a period of 20 years, its lease with the Department of Corrections which expires June 30, 1998, which includes the utilization of land for the production of sugar cane, and which is identified as lease number 2671 with the board of trustees.
(g) Except as specified in paragraph (f), once the leases or lease extensions specified in this subsection have been granted and become effective, the trustees shall retain the authority to terminate after 9 years any such lease or lease extension upon 2 years’ notice to the lessee and a finding by the trustees that the lessee has ceased to be impacted as provided in this section. In that event, the outgoing lessee is entitled to be compensated for any documented, unamortized planting costs associated with the lease and any unamortized capital costs incurred prior to the notice. In addition, the trustees may terminate such lease or lease extension if the lessee fails to comply with, and after reasonable notice and opportunity to correct or fails to correct, any material provision of the lease or its obligation under this section.
(6) EVERGLADES AGRICULTURAL PRIVILEGE TAX.—
(a) There is hereby imposed an annual Everglades agricultural privilege tax for the privilege of conducting an agricultural trade or business on:
1. All real property located within the EAA that is classified as agricultural under the provisions of chapter 193; and
2. Leasehold or other interests in real property located within the EAA owned by the United States, the state, or any agency thereof permitting the property to be used for agricultural purposes in a manner that would allow such property to be classified as agricultural under the provisions of chapter 193 if not governmentally owned, whether or not such property is actually classified as agricultural under the provisions of chapter 193.
It is hereby determined by the Legislature that the privilege of conducting an agricultural trade or business on such property constitutes a reasonable basis for imposition of the Everglades agricultural privilege tax and that logical differences exist between the agricultural use of such property and the use of other property within the EAA for residential or nonagricultural commercial use. The Everglades agricultural privilege tax shall constitute a lien against the property, or the leasehold or other interest in governmental property permitting such property to be used for agricultural purposes, described on the Everglades agricultural privilege tax roll. The lien shall be in effect from January 1 of the year the tax notice is mailed until discharged by payment and shall be equal in rank and dignity with the liens of all state, county, district, or municipal taxes and non-ad valorem assessments imposed pursuant to general law, special act, or local ordinance and shall be superior in dignity to all other liens, titles, and claims.
(b) The Everglades agricultural privilege tax, other than for leasehold or other interests in governmental property permitting such property to be used for agricultural purposes, shall be collected in the manner provided for ad valorem taxes. By September 15 of each year, the governing board of the district shall certify by resolution an Everglades agricultural privilege tax roll on compatible electronic medium to the tax collector of each county in which a portion of the EAA is located. The district shall also produce one copy of the roll in printed form which shall be available for inspection by the public. The district shall post the Everglades agricultural privilege tax for each parcel on the roll. The tax collector shall not accept any such roll that is not certified on compatible electronic medium and that does not contain the posting of the Everglades agricultural privilege tax for each parcel. It is the responsibility of the district that such rolls be free of errors and omissions. Alterations to such rolls may be made by the executive director of the district, or a designee, up to 10 days before certification. If the tax collector or any taxpayer discovers errors or omissions on such roll, such person may request the district to file a corrected roll or a correction of the amount of any Everglades agricultural privilege tax. Other than for leasehold or other interests in governmental property permitting such property to be used for agricultural purposes, Everglades agricultural privilege taxes collected pursuant to this section shall be included in the combined notice for ad valorem taxes and non-ad valorem assessments provided for in s. 197.3635. Such Everglades agricultural privilege taxes shall be listed in the portion of the combined notice utilized for non-ad valorem assessments. A separate mailing is authorized only as a solution to the most exigent factual circumstances. However, if a tax collector cannot merge an Everglades agricultural privilege tax roll to produce such a notice, the tax collector shall mail a separate notice of Everglades agricultural privilege taxes or shall direct the district to mail such a separate notice. In deciding whether a separate mailing is necessary, the tax collector shall consider all costs to the district and taxpayers of such a separate mailing and the adverse effects to the taxpayers of delayed and multiple notices. The district shall bear all costs associated with any separate notice. Everglades agricultural privilege taxes collected pursuant to this section shall be subject to all collection provisions of chapter 197, including provisions relating to discount for early payment, prepayment by installment method, deferred payment, penalty for delinquent payment, and issuance and sale of tax certificates and tax deeds for nonpayment. Everglades agricultural privilege taxes for leasehold or other interests in property owned by the United States, the state, or any agency thereof permitting such property to be used for agricultural purposes shall be included on the notice provided pursuant to s. 196.31, a copy of which shall be provided to lessees or other interestholders registering with the district, and shall be collected from the lessee or other appropriate interestholder and remitted to the district immediately upon collection. Everglades agricultural privilege taxes included on the statement provided pursuant to s. 196.31 shall be due and collected on or prior to the next April 1 following provision of the notice. Proceeds of the Everglades agricultural privilege taxes shall be distributed by the tax collector to the district. Each tax collector shall be paid a commission equal to the actual cost of collection, not to exceed 2 percent, on the amount of Everglades agricultural privilege taxes collected and remitted. Notwithstanding any general law or special act to the contrary, Everglades agricultural privilege taxes shall not be included on the notice of proposed property taxes provided for in s. 200.069.
(c) The initial Everglades agricultural privilege tax roll shall be certified for the tax notices mailed in November 1994. Incentive credits to the Everglades agricultural privilege taxes to be included on the initial Everglades agricultural privilege tax roll, if any, shall be based upon the total phosphorus load reduction for the year ending April 30, 1993. The Everglades agricultural privilege taxes for each year shall be computed in the following manner:
1. Annual Everglades agricultural privilege taxes shall be charged for the privilege of conducting an agricultural trade or business on each acre of real property or portion thereof. The annual Everglades agricultural privilege tax shall be $24.89 per acre for the tax notices mailed in November 1994 through November 1997; $27 per acre for the tax notices mailed in November 1998 through November 2001; $31 per acre for the tax notices mailed in November 2002 through November 2005; and $35 per acre for the tax notices mailed in November 2006 through November 2013.
2.