Synopsis: Revises aquatic preserves where a vessel may not be operated outside a lawfully marked channel; declares the Kristin Jacobs Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area an aquatic preserve area; requires FDEP to conduct enforcement activities for violations of certain onsite sewage treatment and disposal system regulations in accordance with specified provisions; requiring certain facilities and systems to include a domestic wastewater treatment plan as part of a basin management action plan for nutrient total maximum daily loads.

Synopsis: Require local governments to complete a “business impact statement” before adopting a comprehensive plan amendment or land development regulation; requires local governments to minimize or eliminate potential negative impacts of local government action.

Department of Environmental Protection, by Rep. Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach), is a comprehensive bill that includes provisions that will impact consumptive use permitting, reclaimed water use, and resilience planning; provides better protections for seagrass in aquatic preserves; and establishes the Kristin Jacobs Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area as a new aquatic preserve. The bill also includes good language expanding the list of regional entities allowed to receive funding for local resilience efforts to include regional planning councils and estuary partnerships. These entities are critical in regional planning efforts and work extensively with local governments making them a logical conduit for resilience funding.