CS/HB 691— Beach Management
by Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee; and Rep. Frishe and others (CS/SB 758 by Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and Senator Jones)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee (EP)
The bill renames ch. 161, part I and II, F.S., as the “Dennis L. Jones Beach and Shore Preservation Act.” It also implements most of the Beach Management Working Group’s recommendations regarding streamlining and transparency. The bill does not reduce environmental protections for beach construction projects, including nourishment and erosion control projects. The bill clarifies guidelines cannot be enforced as rules and clarifies requirements for DEP to make requests for additional information. Finally, the bill exempts certain minimal exploratory activities from permitting.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2012.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 118-0