CS/HB 735

1
A bill to be entitled
2An act relating to the Division of Forestry; amending s.
320.14, F.S.; renaming the Division of Forestry of the
4Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as the
5Florida Forest Service; amending ss. 121.0515, 125.27,
6253.036, and 258.501, F.S.; conforming provisions;
7amending s. 259.035, F.S.; redesignating the director of
8the division as the State Forester; amending ss. 259.036,
9259.037, 259.101, 259.105, 259.10521, 260.0142, 261.03,
10261.04, 261.06, 261.12, 317.0010, 317.0016, 373.591,
11379.226, 403.7071, 479.16, 570.29, and 570.548, F.S.;
12conforming provisions; transferring, renumbering, and
13amending s. 570.549, F.S.; conforming provisions; amending
14ss. 570.903, 581.1843, 589.01, 589.011, 589.012, 589.04,
15589.06, and 589.07, F.S.; conforming provisions; amending
16s. 589.071, F.S.; clarifying what constitutes a violation
17of certain rules regulating traffic control in state
18forests for which penalties apply; conforming provisions;
19amending ss. 589.08, 589.081, 589.09, and 589.10, F.S.;
20conforming provisions; amending s. 589.101, F.S.;
21clarifying requirements for leases of the state's interest
22in oil, gas, and minerals in the Blackwater River State
23Forest; conforming provisions; amending s. 589.11, F.S.;
24clarifying an authorization for the state's cooperation
25with the United States Secretary of Agriculture under the
26federal Clarke-McNary Act; conforming a cross-reference to
27the repeal of certain federal provisions; conforming
28provisions; amending ss. 589.12, 589.13, 589.14, 589.18,
29589.19, 589.20, and 589.21, F.S.; conforming provisions;
30amending s. 589.26, F.S.; clarifying requirements for the
31dedication of state park lands for public use; conforming
32provisions; amending ss. 589.27, 589.275, and 589.277,
33F.S.; conforming provisions; amending ss. 589.28, 589.29,
34589.30, 589.31, 589.32, 589.33, and 589.34, F.S.;
35clarifying requirements for assistance provided to
36counties and municipalities by the Florida Forest Service
37under cooperative agreements; conforming cross-references;
38conforming provisions; amending ss. 590.01, 590.015,
39590.02, 590.081, 590.091, 590.125, 590.14, 590.16, 590.25,
40590.33, 590.34, and 590.35, F.S.; conforming provisions;
41amending s. 590.42, F.S.; clarifying that funds received
42or contributed by counties under a certain federal fire
43assistance program are supplementary to certain county
44fire control funds and assessments; conforming provisions;
45redesignating the title of chapter 591, F.S.; amending s.
46591.15, F.S.; conforming a short title; amending ss.
47591.16, 591.17, 591.18, 591.19, and 591.20, F.S.; revising
48terminology used in provisions relating to community
49forests; conforming provisions; transferring, renumbering,
50and amending ss. 591.21 and 591.22, F.S.; conforming
51provisions; amending ss. 591.23, 591.24, and 591.25, F.S.;
52conforming provisions; amending s. 591.26, F.S.;
53clarifying provisions authorizing sale of community
54forests upon referendum election; amending ss. 633.115,
55633.821, and 790.15, F.S.; conforming provisions;
56providing an effective date.
57
58Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
59
60     Section 1.  Paragraph (h) of subsection (2) of section
6120.14, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
62     20.14  Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.-
63There is created a Department of Agriculture and Consumer
64Services.
65     (2)  The following divisions of the Department of
66Agriculture and Consumer Services are established:
67     (h)  Florida Forest Service Forestry.
68     Section 2.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of section
69121.0515, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
70     121.0515  Special risk membership.-
71     (2)  CRITERIA.-A member, to be designated as a special risk
72member, must meet the following criteria:
73     (b)  The member must be employed as a firefighter and be
74certified, or required to be certified, in compliance with s.
75633.35 and be employed solely within the fire department of a
76local government employer or an agency of state government with
77firefighting responsibilities. In addition, the member's duties
78and responsibilities must include on-the-scene fighting of
79fires, fire prevention, or firefighter training; direct
80supervision of firefighting units, fire prevention, or
81firefighter training; or aerial firefighting surveillance
82performed by fixed-wing aircraft pilots employed by the Florida
83Forest Service Division of Forestry of the Department of
84Agriculture and Consumer Services; or the member must be the
85supervisor or command officer of a member or members who have
86such responsibilities; provided, however, administrative support
87personnel, including, but not limited to, those whose primary
88duties and responsibilities are in accounting, purchasing,
89legal, and personnel, shall not be included and further provided
90that all periods of creditable service in fire prevention or
91firefighter training, or as the supervisor or command officer of
92a member or members who have such responsibilities, and for
93which the employer paid the special risk contribution rate,
94shall be included;
95     Section 3.  Section 125.27, Florida Statutes, is amended to
96read:
97     125.27  Countywide forest fire protection; authority of
98Florida Forest Service the Division of Forestry; state funding;
99county fire control assessments; disposition; equipment
100donations.-
101     (1)  The Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry of the
102Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the board of
103county commissioners of each county in this state shall enter
104into agreements for the establishment and maintenance of
105countywide fire protection of all forest and wild lands within
106the said county, with the total cost of such fire protection
107being funded by state and federal funds. Each county shall,
108under the terms of such agreements, be assessed each fiscal
109year, as its share of the cost of providing such fire
110protection, a sum in dollars equal to the total forest and wild
111land acreage of the county, as determined by the Florida Forest
112Service Division of Forestry, multiplied by 7 cents. The forest
113and wild lands acreage included in such agreements shall be
114reviewed each year by the contracting parties and the number of
115forest and wild land acres and the annual fire control
116assessment adjusted so as to reflect the current forest acreage
117of the county. If In the event the Florida Forest Service
118division and the county commissioners do not agree, the Board of
119Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund shall make such
120acreage determination. All fire control assessments received by
121the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry from the several
122counties under agreements made under pursuant to this section
123shall be deposited as follows:
124     (a)  An amount equal to the total forest land and wild land
125acreage of the counties, multiplied by 4 cents, shall be
126distributed to the Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida Forest
127Service Division of Forestry; and
128     (b)  An amount equal to the total forest land and wild land
129acreage of the counties, multiplied by 3 cents, shall be
130distributed to the General Revenue Fund.
131     (2)  The Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry may
132include provisions in the agreements authorized in this section,
133or execute separate or supplemental agreements with the several
134counties, county agencies, or municipalities, to provide
135communication services and other services directly related to
136fire protection within the county, other than forest fire
137control, on a cost reimbursable basis only, but provided the
138rendering of such services may does not hinder or impede in any
139way the Florida Forest Service's division's ability to
140accomplish its primary function with respect to forest fire
141control.
142     (3)  The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
143may lease, loan, or otherwise make available, without charge, to
144state, county, and local governmental entities that have fire-
145rescue fire/rescue responsibilities, new or used fire protection
146equipment, vehicles, or supplies, including which shall include
147all such items received from public or private entities. The
148department, and those private or public entities providing at no
149cost, or de minimis cost, such items for loan or lease through
150the department are, shall not be held liable for civil damages
151resulting from use or possession of such items. Private or
152public entities that donate fire-rescue fire/rescue equipment,
153vehicles, or supplies directly to state, county, or local
154governmental entities having fire-rescue fire/rescue
155responsibilities are shall not be held liable for civil damages
156resulting from use or possession of such items.
157     Section 4.  Section 253.036, Florida Statutes, is amended
158to read:
159     253.036  Forest management.-All land management plans
160described in s. 253.034(5) that which are prepared for parcels
161larger than 1,000 acres shall contain an analysis of the
162multiple-use potential of the parcel, which analysis shall
163include the potential of the parcel to generate revenues to
164enhance the management of the parcel. The lead agency shall
165prepare the analysis, which shall contain a component or section
166prepared by a qualified professional forester that which
167assesses the feasibility of managing timber resources on the
168parcel for resource conservation and revenue generation purposes
169through a stewardship ethic that embraces sustainable forest
170management practices if the lead management agency determines
171that the timber resource management is not in conflict with the
172primary management objectives of the parcel. For purposes of
173this section, practicing sustainable forest management means
174meeting the needs of the present without compromising the
175ability of future generations to meet their own needs by
176practicing a land stewardship ethic that which integrates the
177reforestation, managing, growing, nurturing, and harvesting of
178trees for useful products with the conservation of soil, air and
179water quality, wildlife and fish habitat, and aesthetics. The
180Legislature intends that each lead management agency, whenever
181practicable and cost effective, use the services of the Florida
182Forest Service Division of Forestry of the Florida Department of
183Agriculture and Consumer Services or other qualified private
184sector professional forester in completing such feasibility
185assessments and implementing timber resource management. The
186Legislature further intends that the lead management agency
187develop a memorandum of agreement with the Florida Forest
188Service Division of Forestry to provide for full reimbursement
189for any services provided for the feasibility assessments or
190timber resource management. All additional revenues generated
191through multiple-use management or compatible secondary use
192management shall be returned to the lead agency responsible for
193such management and shall be used to pay for management
194activities on all conservation, preservation, and recreation
195lands under the agency's jurisdiction. In addition, such revenue
196shall be segregated in an agency trust fund and shall remain
197available to the agency in subsequent fiscal years to support
198land management appropriations.
199     Section 5.  Paragraph (a) of subsection (7) of section
200258.501, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
201     258.501  Myakka River; wild and scenic segment.-
202     (7)  MANAGEMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL.-
203     (a)  Upon designation, the department shall create a
204permanent council to provide interagency and intergovernmental
205coordination in the management of the river. The coordinating
206council shall be composed of one representative appointed from
207each of the following: the department, the Department of
208Transportation, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,
209the Department of Community Affairs, the Florida Forest Service
210Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and
211Consumer Services, the Division of Historical Resources of the
212Department of State, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council,
213the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Southwest
214Florida Regional Planning Council, Manatee County, Sarasota
215County, Charlotte County, the City of Sarasota, the City of
216North Port, agricultural interests, environmental organizations,
217and any others deemed advisable by the department.
218     Section 6.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section
219259.035, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
220     259.035  Acquisition and Restoration Council.-
221     (1)  There is created the Acquisition and Restoration
222Council.
223     (b)  The five remaining appointees shall be composed of the
224Secretary of Environmental Protection, the State Forester
225director of the Division of Forestry of the Department of
226Agriculture and Consumer Services, the executive director of the
227Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the director of the
228Division of Historical Resources of the Department of State, and
229the secretary of the Department of Community Affairs, or their
230respective designees.
231     Section 7.  Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
232259.036, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
233     259.036  Management review teams.-
234     (1)  To determine whether conservation, preservation, and
235recreation lands titled in the name of the Board of Trustees of
236the Internal Improvement Trust Fund are being managed for the
237purposes for which they were acquired and in accordance with a
238land management plan adopted pursuant to s. 259.032, the board
239of trustees, acting through the Department of Environmental
240Protection, shall cause periodic management reviews to be
241conducted as follows:
242     (a)  The department shall establish a regional land
243management review team composed of the following members:
244     1.  One individual who is from the county or local
245community in which the parcel or project is located and who is
246selected by the county commission in the county which is most
247impacted by the acquisition.
248     2.  One individual from the Division of Recreation and
249Parks of the department.
250     3.  One individual from the Florida Forest Service Division
251of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
252Services.
253     4.  One individual from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
254Commission.
255     5.  One individual from the department's district office in
256which the parcel is located.
257     6.  A private land manager mutually agreeable to the state
258agency representatives.
259     7.  A member of the local soil and water conservation
260district board of supervisors.
261     8.  A member of a conservation organization.
262     Section 8.  Subsection (1) of section 259.037, Florida
263Statutes, is amended to read:
264     259.037  Land Management Uniform Accounting Council.-
265     (1)  The Land Management Uniform Accounting Council is
266created within the Department of Environmental Protection and
267shall consist of the director of the Division of State Lands,
268the director of the Division of Recreation and Parks, the
269director of the Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas, and
270the director of the Office of Greenways and Trails of the
271Department of Environmental Protection; the State Forester
272director of the Division of Forestry of the Department of
273Agriculture and Consumer Services; the executive director of the
274Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; and the director of
275the Division of Historical Resources of the Department of State,
276or their respective designees. Each state agency represented on
277the council has shall have one vote. The chair of the council
278shall rotate annually in the foregoing order of state agencies.
279The agency of the representative serving as chair of the council
280shall provide staff support for the council. The Division of
281State Lands shall serve as the recipient of and repository for
282the council's documents. The council shall meet at the request
283of the chair.
284     Section 9.  Paragraph (e) of subsection (3) and subsection
285(5) of section 259.101, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
286     259.101  Florida Preservation 2000 Act.-
287     (3)  LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAMS SUPPLEMENTED.-Less the costs
288of issuance, the costs of funding reserve accounts, and other
289costs with respect to the bonds, the proceeds of bonds issued
290pursuant to this act shall be deposited into the Florida
291Preservation 2000 Trust Fund created by s. 375.045. In fiscal
292year 2000-2001, for each Florida Preservation 2000 program
293described in paragraphs (a)-(g), that portion of each program's
294total remaining cash balance which, as of June 30, 2000, is in
295excess of that program's total remaining appropriation balances
296shall be redistributed by the department and deposited into the
297Save Our Everglades Trust Fund for land acquisition. For
298purposes of calculating the total remaining cash balances for
299this redistribution, the Florida Preservation 2000 Series 2000
300bond proceeds, including interest thereon, and the fiscal year
3011999-2000 General Appropriations Act amounts shall be deducted
302from the remaining cash and appropriation balances,
303respectively. The remaining proceeds shall be distributed by the
304Department of Environmental Protection in the following manner:
305     (e)  Two and nine-tenths percent to the Florida Forest
306Service Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture
307and Consumer Services to fund the acquisition of state forest
308inholdings and additions pursuant to s. 589.07.
309
310Local governments may use federal grants or loans, private
311donations, or environmental mitigation funds, including
312environmental mitigation funds required pursuant to s. 338.250,
313for any part or all of any local match required for the purposes
314described in this subsection. Bond proceeds allocated pursuant
315to paragraph (c) may be used to purchase lands on the priority
316lists developed pursuant to s. 259.035. Title to lands purchased
317pursuant to paragraphs (a), (d), (e), (f), and (g) shall be
318vested in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement
319Trust Fund. Title to lands purchased pursuant to paragraph (c)
320may be vested in the Board of Trustees of the Internal
321Improvement Trust Fund. The board of trustees shall hold title
322to land protection agreements and conservation easements that
323were or will be acquired pursuant to s. 380.0677, and the
324Southwest Florida Water Management District and the St. Johns
325River Water Management District shall monitor such agreements
326and easements within their respective districts until the state
327assumes this responsibility.
328     (5)  Any funds received by the Florida Forest Service
329Division of Forestry from the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund
330pursuant to paragraph (3)(e) may only shall be used only to pay
331the cost of the acquisition of lands in furtherance of outdoor
332recreation and natural resources conservation in this state. The
333administration and use of any funds received by the Florida
334Forest Service Division of Forestry from the Preservation 2000
335Trust Fund are will be subject to such terms and conditions
336imposed thereon by the agency of the state responsible for the
337issuance of the revenue bonds, the proceeds of which are
338deposited in the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund, including
339restrictions imposed to ensure that the interest on any such
340revenue bonds issued by the state as tax-exempt revenue bonds
341are will not be included in the gross income of the holders of
342such bonds for federal income tax purposes. All deeds for or
343leases of with respect to any real property acquired with funds
344received by the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry from
345the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund shall contain such covenants
346and restrictions as are sufficient to ensure that the use of
347such real property at all times complies with s. 375.051 and s.
3489, Art. XII of the 1968 Constitution of Florida; and shall
349contain reverter clauses providing for the reversion of title to
350such property to the Board of Trustees of the Internal
351Improvement Trust Fund or, in the case of a lease of such
352property, providing for termination of the lease upon a failure
353to use the property conveyed thereby for such purposes.
354     Section 10.  Paragraph (f) of subsection (3) of section
355259.105, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
356     259.105  The Florida Forever Act.-
357     (3)  Less the costs of issuing and the costs of funding
358reserve accounts and other costs associated with bonds, the
359proceeds of cash payments or bonds issued pursuant to this
360section shall be deposited into the Florida Forever Trust Fund
361created by s. 259.1051. The proceeds shall be distributed by the
362Department of Environmental Protection in the following manner:
363     (f)  One and five-tenths percent to the Florida Forest
364Service Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture
365and Consumer Services to fund the acquisition of state forest
366inholdings and additions pursuant to s. 589.07, the
367implementation of reforestation plans or sustainable forestry
368management practices, and for capital project expenditures as
369described in this section. At a minimum, 1 percent, but and no
370more than 10 percent, of the funds allocated for the acquisition
371of inholdings and additions pursuant to this paragraph may shall
372be spent on capital project expenditures identified during the
373time of acquisition which meet land management planning
374activities necessary for public access.
375     Section 11.  Subsections (1) and (2) and paragraph (b) of
376subsection (3) of section 259.10521, Florida Statutes, are
377amended to read:
378     259.10521  Citizen support organization; use of property.-
379     (1)  DEFINITION DEFINITIONS.-As used in For the purpose of
380this section, the term "citizen support organization" means an
381organization that is:
382     (a)  a Florida corporation not for profit incorporated
383under the provisions of chapter 617 and approved by the
384Department of State that is:;
385     (a)(b)  Organized and operated to conduct programs and
386activities in the best interest of the state; raise funds;
387request and receive grants, gifts, and bequests of money;
388acquire, receive, hold, invest, and administer, in its own name,
389securities, funds, objects of value, or other property, real or
390personal; and make expenditures to or for the direct or indirect
391benefit of the Babcock Crescent B Ranch;
392     (b)(c)  Determined by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
393Commission and the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry
394within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to be
395consistent with the goals of the state in acquiring the ranch
396and in the best interests of the state; and
397     (c)(d)  Approved in writing by the Fish and Wildlife
398Conservation Commission and the Florida Forest Service Division
399of Forestry to operate for the direct or indirect benefit of the
400ranch and in the best interest of the state. Such approval must
401shall be given in a letter of agreement from the Fish and
402Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Forest Service
403Division of Forestry. Only one citizen support organization may
404be created to operate for the direct or indirect benefit of the
405Babcock Crescent B Ranch.
406     (2)  USE OF PROPERTY.-
407     (a)  The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the
408Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry may permit, without
409charge, appropriate use of fixed property and facilities of the
410Babcock Crescent B Ranch by a citizen support organization,
411subject to the provisions of this section. Such use must be
412directly in keeping with the approved purposes of the citizen
413support organization and may not be made at times or places that
414would unreasonably interfere with recreational opportunities for
415the general public.
416     (b)  The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the
417Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry may adopt rules
418prescribing the conditions prescribe by rule any condition with
419which the citizen support organization must shall comply in
420order to use fixed property or facilities of the ranch.
421     (c)  The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the
422Florida Forest Service may Division of Forestry shall not permit
423the use of any fixed property or facilities of the ranch by a
424citizen support organization that does not provide equal
425membership and employment opportunities to all persons
426regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national
427origin.
428     (3)  PARTNERSHIPS.-
429     (b)  The Legislature may annually appropriate funds from
430the Land Acquisition Trust Fund for use only as state matching
431funds, in conjunction with private donations in aggregates of at
432least $60,000, matched by $40,000 of state funds, for a total
433minimum project amount of $100,000 for capital improvement
434facility development at the ranch at either individually
435designated locations or for priority projects within the overall
436ranch system. The citizen support organization may acquire
437private donations under pursuant to this section, and matching
438state funds for approved projects may be provided in accordance
439with this subsection. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation
440Commission and the Florida Forest Service may Division of
441Forestry are authorized to properly recognize and honor a
442private donor by placing a plaque or other appropriate
443designation noting the contribution on project facilities or by
444naming project facilities after the person or organization that
445provided matching funds. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation
446Commission and the Florida Forest Service may Division of
447Forestry are authorized to adopt necessary administrative rules
448to administer carry out the purposes of this subsection.
449     Section 12.  Paragraph (d) of subsection (1) of section
450260.0142, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
451     260.0142  Florida Greenways and Trails Council;
452composition; powers and duties.-
453     (1)  There is created within the department the Florida
454Greenways and Trails Council which shall advise the department
455in the execution of the department's powers and duties under
456this chapter. The council shall be composed of 21 members,
457consisting of:
458     (d)  The following 10 remaining members shall include:
459     1.  The Secretary of Environmental Protection or a
460designee.
461     2.  The executive director of the Fish and Wildlife
462Conservation Commission or a designee.
463     3.  The Secretary of Community Affairs or a designee.
464     4.  The Secretary of Transportation or a designee.
465     5.  The State Forester Director of the Division of Forestry
466of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or a
467designee.
468     6.  The director of the Division of Historical Resources of
469the Department of State or a designee.
470     7.  A representative of the water management districts.
471Membership on the council shall rotate among the five districts.
472The districts shall determine the order of rotation.
473     8.  A representative of a federal land management agency.
474The Secretary of Environmental Protection shall identify the
475appropriate federal agency and request designation of a
476representative from the agency to serve on the council.
477     9.  A representative of the regional planning councils to
478be appointed by the Secretary of Environmental Protection in
479consultation with the Secretary of Community Affairs. Membership
480on the council shall rotate among the seven regional planning
481councils. The regional planning councils shall determine the
482order of rotation.
483     10.  A representative of local governments to be appointed
484by the Secretary of Environmental Protection in consultation
485with the Secretary of Community Affairs. Membership shall
486alternate between a county representative and a municipal
487representative.
488     Section 13.  Subsections (5) through (12) of section
489261.03, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (4)
490through (11), respectively, and present subsections (4) and (11)
491of that section are amended to read:
492     261.03  Definitions.-As used in this chapter, the term:
493     (4)  "Division" means the Division of Forestry of the
494Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
495     (10)(11)  "Trust fund" means the Incidental Trust Fund of
496the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry of the
497Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
498     Section 14.  Subsection (1) of section 261.04, Florida
499Statutes, is amended to read:
500     261.04  Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Advisory Committee;
501members; appointment.-
502     (1)  Effective July 1, 2003, the Off-Highway Vehicle
503Recreation Advisory Committee is created within the Florida
504Forest Service Division of Forestry and consists of nine
505members, all of whom are appointed by the Commissioner of
506Agriculture. The appointees shall include one representative of
507the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, one
508representative of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor
509Vehicles, one representative of the Department of Environmental
510Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails, one representative
511of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, one citizen
512with scientific expertise in disciplines relating to ecology,
513wildlife biology, or other environmental sciences, one
514representative of a licensed off-highway vehicle dealer, and
515three representatives of off-highway vehicle recreation groups.
516In making these appointments, the commissioner shall consider
517the places of residence of the members to ensure statewide
518representation.
519     Section 15.  Section 261.06, Florida Statutes, is amended
520to read:
521     261.06  Florida Forest Service; functions, duties, and
522responsibilities of the department.-The following are functions,
523duties, and responsibilities of the Florida Forest Service
524department through the division:
525     (1)  Coordinating Coordination of the planning,
526development, conservation, and rehabilitation of state lands in
527and for the system.
528     (2)  Coordinating Coordination of the management,
529maintenance, administration, and operation of state lands in the
530system and providing the provision of law enforcement and
531appropriate public safety activities.
532     (3)  Managing Management of the trust fund and approving
533approval of the advisory committee's budget recommendations.
534     (4)  Implementing Implementation of the program, including
535the ultimate approval of grant applications submitted by
536governmental agencies or entities or nongovernmental entities.
537     (5)  Coordinating the program Coordination to help ensure
538compliance with environmental laws and regulations for of the
539public program and lands in the system.
540     (6)  Implementing Implementation of the policies
541established by the advisory committee.
542     (7)  Providing Provision of staff assistance to the
543advisory committee.
544     (8)  Preparing Preparation of plans for public lands in, or
545proposed to be included in, the system.
546     (9)  Conducting surveys and preparing the preparation of
547studies as are necessary or desirable for implementing the
548program.
549     (10)  Recruiting Recruitment and using utilization of
550volunteers to further the program.
551     (11)  Adopting rules Rulemaking authority to administer
552implement the provisions of ss. 261.01-261.10.
553     Section 16.  Section 261.12, Florida Statutes, is amended
554to read:
555     261.12  Designated off-highway vehicle funds within the
556Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida Forest Service Division of
557Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
558Services.-
559     (1)  The designated off-highway vehicle funds of the trust
560fund shall consist of deposits from the following sources:
561     (a)  Fees paid to the Department of Highway Safety and
562Motor Vehicles for the titling of off-highway vehicles.
563     (b)  Revenues and income from any other sources required by
564law or as appropriated by the Legislature for deposit to be
565deposited into the trust fund as designated off-highway vehicle
566funds.
567     (c)  Donations from private sources that are designated as
568off-highway vehicle funds.
569     (d)  Interest earned on designated off-highway vehicle
570funds on deposit in the trust fund.
571     (2)  Designated off-highway vehicle funds in the trust fund
572shall be available for recommended allocation by the Off-Highway
573Vehicle Recreation Advisory Committee and the department of
574Agriculture and Consumer Services and upon annual appropriation
575by the Legislature, exclusively for the following:
576     (a)  Implementation of the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation
577Program by the department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,
578including which includes personnel and other related expenses,;
579administrative and operating expenses, and; expenses related to
580safety, training, and rider education programs;, managing,
581maintaining, and rehabilitating management, maintenance, and
582rehabilitation of lands in the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation
583Program's system of lands and trails; and, if funds are
584available, acquiring acquisition of lands for inclusion to be
585included in the system and managing, maintaining, and
586rehabilitating the management, maintenance, and rehabilitation
587of such lands.
588     (b)  Approved grants to governmental agencies or entities
589or nongovernmental entities that wish to provide or improve off-
590highway vehicle recreation areas or trails for public use on
591public lands, provide environmental protection and restoration
592to affected natural areas in the system, provide enforcement of
593applicable regulations related to the system and off-highway
594vehicle activities, or provide education in the operation of
595off-highway vehicles.
596     (c)  Matching funds to be used to match grant funds
597available from other sources.
598     (3)  Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351,
599any balance of designated off-highway vehicle funds in the trust
600fund at the end of any fiscal year shall remain in the trust
601fund therein and shall be available for the purposes set out in
602this section and as otherwise provided by law.
603     Section 17.  Section 317.0010, Florida Statutes, is amended
604to read:
605     317.0010  Disposition of fees.-The department shall deposit
606all funds received under this chapter, less administrative costs
607of $2 per title transaction, into the Incidental Trust Fund of
608the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry of the
609Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
610     Section 18.  Section 317.0016, Florida Statutes, is amended
611to read:
612     317.0016  Expedited service; applications; fees.-The
613department shall provide, through its agents and for use by the
614public, expedited service on title transfers, title issuances,
615duplicate titles, recordation of liens, and certificates of
616repossession. A fee of $7 shall be charged for this service,
617which is in addition to the fees imposed by ss. 317.0007 and
618317.0008, and $3.50 of this fee shall be retained by the
619processing agency. All remaining fees shall be deposited in the
620Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida Forest Service Division of
621Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
622Application for expedited service may be made by mail or in
623person. The department shall issue each title applied for under
624pursuant to this section within 5 working days after receipt of
625the application except for an application for a duplicate title
626certificate covered by s. 317.0008(3), in which case the title
627must be issued within 5 working days after compliance with the
628department's verification requirements.
629     Section 19.  Paragraph (h) of subsection (1) of section
630373.591, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
631     373.591  Management review teams.-
632     (1)  To determine whether conservation, preservation, and
633recreation lands titled in the names of the water management
634districts are being managed for the purposes for which they were
635acquired and in accordance with land management objectives, the
636water management districts shall establish land management
637review teams to conduct periodic management reviews. The land
638management review teams shall be composed of the following
639members:
640     (h)  One individual from the Florida Forest Service
641Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of
642Forestry.
643     Section 20.  Subsection (10) of section 379.226, Florida
644Statutes, is amended to read:
645     379.226  Florida Territorial Waters Act; alien-owned
646commercial fishing vessels; prohibited acts; enforcement.-
647     (10)  Harbormasters and law enforcement agencies may are
648authorized to request assistance from the Civil Air Patrol in
649the surveillance of suspect vessels. Aircraft of the Florida
650Forest Service Division of Forestry of the Department of
651Agriculture and Consumer Services or other state or county
652agencies which are conveniently located and not otherwise
653occupied may be similarly used utilized.
654     Section 21.  Subsection (6) of section 403.7071, Florida
655Statutes, is amended to read:
656     403.7071  Management of storm-generated debris.-Solid waste
657generated as a result of a storm event that is the subject of an
658emergency order issued by the department may be managed as
659follows:
660     (6)  Local governments or their agents may conduct the
661burning of storm-generated yard trash, other storm-generated
662vegetative debris, or untreated wood from construction and
663demolition debris in air-curtain incinerators without prior
664notice to the department. Within 10 days after commencing such
665burning, the local government shall notify the department in
666writing describing the general nature of the materials burned;
667the location and method of burning; and the name, address, and
668telephone number of the representative of the local government
669to contact concerning the work. The operator of the air-curtain
670incinerator is subject to any requirement of the Florida Forest
671Service Division of Forestry or of any other agency concerning
672authorization to conduct open burning. Any person conducting
673open burning of vegetative debris is also subject to such
674requirements.
675     Section 22.  Subsection (5) of section 479.16, Florida
676Statutes, is amended to read:
677     479.16  Signs for which permits are not required.-The
678following signs are exempt from the requirement that a permit
679for a sign be obtained under the provisions of this chapter but
680are required to comply with the provisions of s. 479.11(4)-(8):
681     (5)  Danger or precautionary signs relating to the premises
682on which they are located; forest fire warning signs erected
683under the authority of the Florida Forest Service Division of
684Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
685and signs, notices, or symbols erected by the United States
686Government under the direction of the United States Forestry
687Service.
688     Section 23.  Subsection (8) of section 570.29, Florida
689Statutes, is amended to read:
690     570.29  Departmental divisions.-The department shall
691include the following divisions:
692     (8)  Florida Forest Service Forestry.
693     Section 24.  Section 570.548, Florida Statutes, is amended
694to read:
695     570.548  Florida Forest Service; State Forester Division of
696Forestry; powers and duties.-
697     (1)  The duties of the Florida Forest Service Division of
698Forestry include, but are not limited to, administering and
699enforcing those powers and responsibilities of the Florida
700Forest Service division prescribed in chapters 589, 590, and 591
701and the rules adopted under those chapters pursuant thereto and
702in other forest fire, forest protection, and forest management
703laws of this state.
704     Section 25.  Section 570.549, Florida Statutes, is
705transferred, renumbered as subsection (2) of section 570.548,
706Florida Statutes, and amended to read:
707     570.549  Director; duties.-
708     (2)(a)(1)  The head director of the Florida Forest Service
709shall be the State Forester, who Division of Forestry shall be
710appointed by the commissioner and shall serve at the
711commissioner's pleasure.
712     (b)(2)  It shall be the duty of The State Forester shall
713director of this division to direct and supervise the overall
714operation of the Florida Forest Service division and to exercise
715such other powers and duties as authorized by the department.
716     Section 26.  Subsection (1) of section 570.903, Florida
717Statutes, is amended to read:
718     570.903  Direct-support organization.-
719     (1)  When the Legislature authorizes the establishment of a
720direct-support organization to provide assistance for the
721museums, the Florida Agriculture in the Classroom Program, the
722Florida State Collection of Arthropods, the Friends of the
723Florida State Forests Program of the Florida Forest Service
724Division of Forestry, and the Forestry Arson Alert Program, and
725other programs of the department, the following provisions shall
726govern the creation, use, powers, and duties of the direct-
727support organization:.
728     (a)  The department shall enter into a memorandum or letter
729of agreement with the direct-support organization, which shall
730specify the approval of the department, the powers and duties of
731the direct-support organization, and rules with which the
732direct-support organization must shall comply.
733     (b)  The department may permit, without charge, appropriate
734use of property, facilities, and personnel of the department by
735a direct-support organization, subject to the provisions of ss.
736570.902 and 570.903. The use shall be directly in keeping with
737the approved purposes of the direct-support organization and may
738shall not be made at times or places that would unreasonably
739interfere with opportunities for the general public to use
740department facilities for established purposes.
741     (c)  The department shall prescribe by contract or by rule
742conditions with which a direct-support organization must shall
743comply in order to use property, facilities, or personnel of the
744department or museum. Such rules shall provide for budget and
745audit review and oversight by the department.
746     (d)  The department may shall not permit the use of
747property, facilities, or personnel of the museum, department, or
748designated program by a direct-support organization that which
749does not provide equal employment opportunities to all persons
750regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national
751origin.
752     Section 27.  Subsection (7) of section 581.1843, Florida
753Statutes, is amended to read:
754     581.1843  Citrus nursery stock propagation and production
755and the establishment of regulated areas around citrus
756nurseries.-
757     (7)  The department shall relocate foundation source trees
758maintained by the Division of Plant Industry from various
759locations, including those in Dundee and Winter Haven, to
760protective structures at the Florida Forest Service's Division
761of Forestry nursery in Chiefland or to other protective sites
762located a minimum of 10 miles from any commercial citrus grove.
763     Section 28.  Section 589.01, Florida Statutes, is amended
764to read:
765     589.01  Florida Forestry Council.-The Florida Forestry
766Council, hereinafter called the "council," is hereby created
767within the Florida Forest Service in the Division of Forestry of
768the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The council
769shall be composed of five members appointed by the Department of
770Agriculture and Consumer Services for terms of 4 years.
771     (1)  There shall be one member of the council from each of
772the following areas of forestry:
773     (a)  The pulp and paper manufacturing industry.
774     (b)  A forest products industry other than that described
775in paragraph (a).
776     (c)  A timber or timber products dealer.
777     (d)  An individual forest landowner.
778     (e)  An active member of a statewide conservation
779organization having as one of its principal objectives the
780conservation and development of the forest resource.
781     (2)  At least Not fewer than two but not or more than three
782nominations must shall be made for each appointment to
783membership on the council, and any statewide organization
784representing an area of forestry represented on the council may
785make nominations.
786     (3)  The council shall meet at the call of its chair, at
787the request of a majority of its membership or of the Department
788of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or at such times as the
789department may prescribe be prescribed by rule its rules.
790     (4)  A majority of the members of the council constitutes
791shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, and an act by a
792majority of such quorum at any meeting constitutes shall
793constitute an official act of the council.
794     (5)  The powers and duties of the council are to shall be
795as follows:
796     (a)  To Consider and study the entire field of forestry.;
797     (b)  To Advise, counsel, and consult, upon request, with
798the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the
799State Forester director of the Division of Forestry upon request
800in connection with the adoption promulgation, administration,
801and enforcement of all laws and rules relating to forestry.;
802     (c)  To Consider all matters submitted to the council it by
803the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the State
804Forester. director of the Division of Forestry;
805     (d)  To Offer suggestions and recommendations to the
806Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the State
807Forester director of the Division of Forestry on the council's
808its own initiative with in regard to changes in the laws and
809rules relating to forestry for as may be deemed advisable to
810secure the effective administration and enforcement of such laws
811and rules relating to the work of the Florida Forest Service.
812division; and
813     (e)  To Keep a complete record of all of the council's its
814proceedings, showing the names of the members present at each
815meeting and any action taken by the council, and to file and
816maintain such records in the Florida Forest Service Division of
817Forestry as a public record.
818     Section 29.  Section 589.011, Florida Statutes, is amended
819to read:
820     589.011  Use of state forest lands; fees; rules.-The
821Florida Forest Service may:
822     (1)  The Division of Forestry of the Department of
823Agriculture and Consumer Services may Grant privileges, permits,
824leases, and concessions for the use of state forest lands,
825timber, and forest products for purposes not inconsistent with
826the provisions of this chapter.
827     (2)  The Division of Forestry is authorized to Grant
828easements for rights-of-way, over, across, and upon state forest
829lands for the construction and maintenance of public roads,
830poles and lines for the transmission and distribution of
831electrical power, pipelines for the distribution and
832transportation of oils and gases, and poles and lines for
833telephone and telegraphic purposes and for public roads, under
834such conditions and limitations as the Florida Forest Service
835division may impose.
836     (3)  The Division of Forestry shall have the power to Set
837and charge reasonable fees or rent for the use or operation of
838facilities on state forests or any lands leased by or otherwise
839assigned to the Florida Forest Service division for management
840purposes. Moneys collected from such fees and rent shall be
841deposited into the Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida Forest
842Service division.
843     (4)  The Division of Forestry may Adopt and enforce rules
844necessary for the protection, use utilization, occupancy, and
845development of state forest lands or any lands leased by or
846otherwise assigned to the Florida Forest Service division for
847management purposes. Any person who violates violating or
848otherwise fails failing to comply with any provision of this
849subsection or any rule adopted under this subsection commits a
850noncriminal violation as defined in s. 775.08(3), punishable
851only by a fine, not to exceed $500 per violation. Jurisdiction
852shall be with The appropriate county court has jurisdiction.
853     (5)  The Division of Forestry may Prohibit on state forest
854lands, or any lands leased by or otherwise assigned to the
855Florida Forest Service division for management purposes,
856activities that interfere with management objectives, create a
857nuisance, or pose a threat to public safety. Such prohibited
858activities must be posted with signs not more than 500 feet
859apart along, and at each corner of, the boundaries of the land.
860The signs must be placed along the boundary line of posted land
861in a manner and in such position as to be clearly noticeable
862from outside the boundary line. A person who violates the
863provisions of this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the
864second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.
865775.083.
866     (6)  The Division of Forestry may Enter into contracts or
867agreements, with or without competitive bidding or procurement,
868to make available, on a fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory
869basis, property and other structures under the Florida Forest
870Service's division control for the placement of new facilities
871by any wireless provider of mobile service as defined in 47
872U.S.C. s. 153(27) or 47 U.S.C. s. 332(d) or any
873telecommunications company as defined in s. 364.02 when it is
874determined to be practical and feasible to make such property or
875other structures available. The Florida Forest Service division
876may, without adopting a rule, charge a just, reasonable, and
877nondiscriminatory fee for the placement of the facilities,
878payable annually, based on the fair market value of space used
879by comparable communications facilities in the state. The
880Florida Forest Service division and a wireless provider or
881telecommunications company may negotiate the reduction or
882elimination of a fee in consideration of services provided to
883the Florida Forest Service division by the wireless provider or
884telecommunications company. All such fees collected by the
885Florida Forest Service division shall be deposited in the
886Incidental Trust Fund.
887     Section 30.  Section 589.012, Florida Statutes, is amended
888to read:
889     589.012  Friends of Florida State Forests Program.-The
890Friends of Florida State Forests Program is established within
891the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Its purpose
892is to provide support and assistance for existing and future
893programs of the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
894These programs must be consistent with the division's mission
895statement which is incorporated by reference. The purpose of the
896program is to:
897     (1)  Conduct programs and activities related to
898environmental education, fire prevention, recreation, and forest
899management.
900     (2)  Identify and pursue methods to provide resources and
901materials for these programs.
902     (3)  Establish a statewide method to integrate these
903resources and materials.
904     Section 31.  Section 589.04, Florida Statutes, is amended
905to read:
906     589.04  Florida Forest Service; duties of division.-
907     (1)  The Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry shall
908cooperate with federal, state, and local governmental agencies,
909nonprofit organizations, and other persons to:
910     (a)  Promote and encourage forest fire protection, forest
911environmental education, forest land stewardship, good forest
912management, tree planting and care, forest recreation, and the
913proper management of public lands.
914     (b)  Apply for, solicit, and receive grants, funds,
915services, equipment, and supplies from those agencies,
916organizations, firms, and individuals.
917     (2)  All grant proceeds and funds received for these
918purposes shall be deposited in the Incidental Trust Fund of the
919Florida Forest Service. Expenditures of these funds shall be for
920the purposes established in this section.
921     (3)  The Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry shall
922provide direction for the multiple-use management of forest
923lands owned by the state; serve as the lead management agency
924for state-owned land primarily suited for forest resource
925management; and provide to other state agencies having land
926management responsibilities technical guidance and management
927plan development for managing the forest resources on state-
928owned lands managed for other objectives. Multiple-use
929management includes Multiple-purpose use shall include, but is
930not limited to, water-resource protection, forest-ecosystems
931protection, natural-resource-based low-impact recreation, and
932sustainable timber management for forest products.
933     (4)  The Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry shall
934begin immediately an aggressive program to reforest and
935afforest, with appropriate tree species, lands over which the
936Florida Forest Service division has forest resource management
937responsibility.
938     Section 32.  Section 589.06, Florida Statutes, is amended
939to read:
940     589.06  Warrants for payment of accounts.-Upon the
941presentation to the Chief Financial Officer of any accounts duly
942approved by the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry,
943accompanied by such itemized vouchers or accounts as shall be
944required by her or him, the Chief Financial Officer shall audit
945the same and draw a warrant for the amount for which the account
946is audited, payable out of funds to the credit of the Florida
947Forest Service division.
948     Section 33.  Section 589.07, Florida Statutes, is amended
949to read:
950     589.07  Florida Forest Service Division may acquire lands
951for forest purposes.-The Florida Forest Service Division of
952Forestry, on behalf of the state and subject to the restrictions
953mentioned in s. 589.08, may acquire lands, suitable for state
954forest purposes, by gift, donation, contribution, purchase, or
955otherwise and may enter into agreements with the Federal
956Government, or any other agency, for acquiring by gift,
957purchase, or otherwise, such lands as are, in the judgment of
958the Florida Forest Service division, suitable and desirable for
959state forests. The acquisition procedures for state lands
960provided in s. 259.041 do not apply to acquisition of land by
961the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
962     Section 34.  Section 589.071, Florida Statutes, is amended
963to read:
964     589.071  Traffic control within state forest or division-
965assigned lands assigned to Florida Forest Service.-The Florida
966Forest Service, Division of Forestry on behalf of the state, may
967adopt rules to control ingress, egress, and all other movement
968of motor vehicles, bicycles, horses, and pedestrians, as well as
969all other types of traffic, within a state forest or any lands
970leased by or otherwise assigned to the Florida Forest Service
971division for management purposes, outside of the designated
972right-of-way of state or county-maintained roads, and may
973designate special areas off the roadways for the operation of
974recreational type vehicles that which need not be licensed or
975operated by licensed drivers. Any person who violates violating
976or otherwise fails failing to comply with any of the provisions
977of this section or any rule rules adopted under this section
978commits pursuant hereto is guilty of a noncriminal violation as
979defined in s. 775.08(3), punishable only by a fine not to exceed
980$500. Jurisdiction shall be with The appropriate county court
981has jurisdiction.
982     Section 35.  Section 589.08, Florida Statutes, is amended
983to read:
984     589.08  Land acquisition restrictions.-
985     (1)  The Florida Forest Service may not Division of
986Forestry shall enter into an no agreement for the acquisition,
987lease, or purchase of any land or for any other purpose that
988pledges whatsoever which shall pledge the credit of, or
989obligates obligate in any manner whatsoever, the state to pay
990any sum of money or other thing of value for such purpose, and
991the Florida Forest Service may said division shall not in any
992manner or for any purpose pledge the credit of or obligate the
993state to pay any sum of money.
994     (2)  The Florida Forest Service division may receive, hold
995the custody of, and exercise the control of any lands, and set
996aside into a separate, distinct, and inviolable fund, any
997proceeds derived from the sales of the products of such lands,
998the use thereof in any manner, or the sale of such lands, except
999for save the 25 percent of the proceeds to be paid into the
1000State School Fund as provided by law. The Florida Forest Service
1001division may use and apply such funds for the acquisition, use,
1002custody, management, development, or improvement of any lands
1003vested in or subject to the control of the Florida Forest
1004Service division. After full payment is has been made for the
1005purchase of a state forest to the Federal Government or other
1006grantor, 15 percent of the gross receipts from a state forest
1007shall be paid to the fiscally constrained county or counties, as
1008described in s. 218.67(1), in which it is located in proportion
1009to the acreage located in each county for use by the county or
1010counties for school purposes.
1011     Section 36.  Section 589.081, Florida Statutes, is amended
1012to read:
1013     589.081  Withlacoochee State Forest and Goethe State
1014Forest; payment of portion of gross receipts.-The Florida Forest
1015Service Division of Forestry shall pay 15 percent of the gross
1016receipts from Withlacoochee State Forest and the Goethe State
1017Forest to each fiscally constrained county, as described in s.
1018218.67(1), in which a portion of the respective forest is
1019located in proportion to the forest acreage located in such
1020county. The funds must be equally divided between the board of
1021county commissioners and the school board of each fiscally
1022constrained county.
1023     Section 37.  Section 589.09, Florida Statutes, is amended
1024to read:
1025     589.09  Use of lands acquired.-All lands acquired by the
1026Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry on behalf of the
1027state shall be in the custody of and subject to the
1028jurisdiction, management, and control of the Florida Forest
1029Service said division, and, for such purposes and the use
1030utilization and development of such land, the Florida Forest
1031Service said division may use the proceeds of the sale of any
1032products therefrom, the proceeds of the sale of any such lands,
1033except for save the 25 percent of such proceeds which shall be
1034paid into the State School Fund as required by s. 1010.71(1),
1035and such other funds as may be appropriated for use by the
1036Florida Forest Service division, and in the opinion of the
1037Florida Forest Service such division, available for such uses
1038and purposes.
1039     Section 38.  Section 589.10, Florida Statutes, is amended
1040to read:
1041     589.10  Disposition of lands.-The Florida Forest Service
1042Division of Forestry, with the concurrence of the Board of
1043Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund and the
1044Governor, may sell, exchange, lease, or otherwise dispose of any
1045lands under its jurisdiction by the provisions of this chapter
1046when in its judgment it is advantageous to the state to do so in
1047the interest of the highest orderly development, improvement,
1048and management of the state forests and state parks. All such
1049sales, exchanges, leases, or dispositions of such lands require,
1050shall be at least 30 days' upon a 30-day public notice, to be
1051given in the manner deemed reasonable by the Florida Forest
1052Service division.
1053     Section 39.  Section 589.101, Florida Statutes, is amended
1054to read:
1055     589.101  Blackwater River State Forest; lease of board's
1056interest in gas, oil, and other minerals.-Notwithstanding the
1057provisions of ss. 253.51-253.61, the Florida Forest Service may
1058Division of Forestry is hereby expressly granted the authority
1059to lease its 25-percent interest in oil, gas, and other minerals
1060within the boundaries of the Blackwater River State Forest;
1061provided, however, such leases may only that grants shall be
1062made only to the lessee or lessees holding the 75-percent
1063interest in such said minerals retained by the United States in
1064its conveyance to this state. The concurrence of the Board of
1065Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund required by s.
1066589.10 is shall not be necessary under the provisions of this
1067section.
1068     Section 40.  Section 589.11, Florida Statutes, is amended
1069to read:
1070     589.11  Duties of Florida Forest Service under federal
1071division as to Clarke-McNary Act Law.-
1072     (1)  The Florida Forest Service may, Division of Forestry
1073is designated and authorized as an the agent of the state, to
1074cooperate with the United States Secretary of Agriculture under
1075s. 5 of the federal the provisions of "ss. 4 and 5, Chapter 348,
107643 Statutes 654, Acts of Congress, June 7, 1924, known as the
1077Clarke-McNary Act, 16 U.S.C. s. 568, Law," to assist owners of
1078farms in establishing, improving, and renewing woodlots,
1079shelterbelts, windbreaks, and other valuable forest growth; in
1080growing and renewing useful timber crops; and in cooperating to
1081cooperate with the wood-using industries or other agencies,
1082governmental or otherwise, interested in proper land use, forest
1083management, and conservative forest utilization.
1084     (2)  As a means of providing seedling trees for the
1085purposes of this section, the Florida Forest Service may
1086division is authorized to operate a seedling tree nursery
1087program and to set reasonable prices for the sale to the public
1088of seedling trees. Receipts from the sale of seedling trees
1089shall be deposited into the Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida
1090Forest Service division.
1091     Section 41.  Section 589.12, Florida Statutes, is amended
1092to read:
1093(Substantial rewording of section. See
1094s. 589.12, F.S., for present text.)
1095     589.12  Rulemaking.-The Florida Forest Service may adopt
1096rules and take other reasonable and necessary actions to
1097administer ss. 589.07-589.11.
1098     Section 42.  Section 589.13, Florida Statutes, is amended
1099to read:
1100     589.13  Lien of Florida Forest Service division and other
1101parties, for forestry work, etc.-Liens prior in dignity to all
1102others accruing thereafter shall exist in favor of the following
1103persons, boards, firms, or corporations upon the following
1104described real estate, under the following circumstances
1105hereinafter mentioned:
1106     (1)  The Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry, the
1107United States Government, or other governmental authority, upon
1108all lands covered in any cooperative or other agreement entered
1109into between the landowner and the Florida Forest Service
1110division (which term shall embrace and include agreements with
1111the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry).;
1112     (2)  The United States Government or other governmental
1113authority, for the prevention and control of woods fires and
1114other forestry work to the extent of the amounts expended by the
1115Florida Forest Service such division, service, or other
1116governmental authority for and on behalf of the landowner and
1117not paid by the landowner under the terms of such said
1118agreement.
1119     Section 43.  Section 589.14, Florida Statutes, is amended
1120to read:
1121     589.14  Enforcement of lien; notice.-The Florida Forest
1122Service Division of Forestry, United States Government, or other
1123governmental authority is shall be entitled to the subject said
1124real estate in equity for the value of such expenditures made by
1125it in pursuance of any such agreement, and may, at any time
1126after the expenditure thereof and after default in payment
1127thereof by the landowner in accordance with the terms of such
1128agreement, file in the office of the clerk of the circuit court
1129of the county in which the property is located, and have
1130recorded in the record of liens kept by such clerk, a notice of
1131the expenditures made in pursuance of such agreement and of
1132default of the landowner in the payment of same in accordance
1133with the terms thereof (the form of notice being provided in s.
1134589.15), and from the date of the filing of such notice, the
1135rights of purchasers or creditors of such landowner shall be
1136subject and subordinate to the claim set out in the notice.
1137     Section 44.  Section 589.18, Florida Statutes, is amended
1138to read:
1139     589.18  Florida Forest Service; Division to make certain
1140investigations.-The Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry
1141shall conduct investigations and make surveys to determine the
1142areas of land in the state that which are available and suitable
1143for reforestation projects and state forests, and may make
1144recommendations recommend to the Board of Trustees of the
1145Internal Improvement Trust Fund, any state agency, or any agency
1146created by state law that which is authorized to accept lands in
1147the name of the state, concerning their acquisition. The Florida
1148Forest Service is division shall be considered as a state agency
1149for purposes of under this section law.
1150     Section 45.  Section 589.19, Florida Statutes, is amended
1151to read:
1152     589.19  Creation of certain state forests; naming of
1153certain state forests.-
1154     (1)  When the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement
1155Trust Fund, any state agency, or any agency created by state law
1156that is, authorized to accept reforestation lands in the name of
1157the state, approves the recommendations of the Florida Forest
1158Service Division of Forestry in reference to the acquisition of
1159land and acquires acquire such land, such the said board, state
1160agency, or agency created by state law, may formally designate
1161and dedicate any area as a reforestation project, or state
1162forest, and where so designated and dedicated, such area shall
1163be under the administration of the Florida Forest Service,
1164division which may shall be authorized to manage and administer
1165such said area according to the purpose for which it was
1166designated and dedicated.
1167     (2)  The first state forest acquired by the Board of
1168Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund in Baker County
1169is designated as to be named the John M. Bethea State Forest.
1170This designation honors is to honor Mr. John M. Bethea, who was
1171Florida's fourth State Forester and a native of Baker County,
1172and whose distinguished career in state government spanned 46
1173years and who is a native of Baker County.
1174     (3)  The state forest managed by the Florida Forest Service
1175Division of Forestry in Seminole County is designated as to be
1176named the Charles H. Bronson State Forest. This designation
1177honors to honor Charles H. Bronson, the tenth Commissioner of
1178Agriculture, for his distinguished contribution to this state's
1179agriculture and natural resources.
1180     Section 46.  Section 589.20, Florida Statutes, is amended
1181to read:
1182     589.20  Cooperation by Florida Forest Service division.-The
1183Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry may cooperate with
1184other state agencies that, who are custodians of lands that
1185which are suitable for forestry purposes, in the designation and
1186dedication of such lands for forestry purposes when, in the
1187opinion of the state agencies concerned, such lands are suitable
1188for these purposes and can be so administered. Upon the
1189designation and dedication of such said lands for these purposes
1190by the agencies concerned, such said lands shall be administered
1191by the Florida Forest Service division.
1192     Section 47.  Section 589.21, Florida Statutes, is amended
1193to read:
1194     589.21  Management to be for public interest.-All state
1195forests and reforestation projects mentioned in this chapter
1196shall be managed and administered by the Florida Forest Service
1197Division of Forestry in the interests of the public. If the
1198public interests are not already safeguarded and clearly defined
1199by law or by regulations adopted by the state agencies
1200authorized by law to administer such lands, or in the papers
1201formally transferring such said projects to the Florida Forest
1202Service division for administration, then, and in that event,
1203the Florida Forest Service division may define the purposes
1204purpose of such projects said project. Such definition of
1205purposes shall be construed to have the authority of law.
1206     Section 48.  Section 589.26, Florida Statutes, is amended
1207to read:
1208     589.26  Dedication of state park lands for public use.-The
1209Florida Forest Service may periodically Division of Forestry is
1210authorized and empowered, from time to time, to dedicate and
1211reserve for the use of the public all or any part of the lands
1212heretofore or hereafter acquired by the Florida Forest Service
1213said Division of Forestry for park purposes, regardless of when
1214such lands are acquired; provided, however, such that said
1215dedication and reservation are shall be subject to such rules
1216and regulations, as to reasonable use by the public, as may be
1217adopted by the Division of Recreation and Parks of the
1218Department of Environmental Protection.
1219     Section 49.  Section 589.27, Florida Statutes, is amended
1220to read:
1221     589.27  Power of eminent domain; procedure.-Whenever the
1222Florida Forest Service finds Division of Forestry shall find it
1223necessary to acquire private property for state forests, for or
1224rights-of-way for state forest roads, or for exercising any of
1225the powers and duties assigned authorized and prescribed by law
1226to be exercised and performed by the Florida Forest Service
1227Division of Forestry, the Florida Forest Service may Division of
1228Forestry is hereby empowered and authorized to exercise the
1229right of eminent domain and to proceed to condemn such said
1230property in the same manner as provided by law for the
1231condemnation of private property by counties.
1232     Section 50.  Section 589.275, Florida Statutes, is amended
1233to read:
1234     589.275  Planting of indigenous trees on state lands.-The
1235It is the intent of the Legislature intends to partially restore
1236the character of the state's original domain of Florida by
1237planting native trees on state lands, and to this end all state
1238lands shall have a portion of such lands designated for
1239indigenous trees, to be established and maintained by the using
1240agency with the assistance of the Florida Forest Service
1241Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and
1242Consumer Services. If the Florida Forest Service division, or
1243primary managing agency, determines that any state lands are
1244unsuitable for this purpose, such lands are shall be exempt from
1245this requirement.
1246     Section 51.  Section 589.277, Florida Statutes, is amended
1247to read:
1248     589.277  Tree planting programs.-
1249     (1)  The Division of Forestry of the Florida Forest Service
1250Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall administer
1251federal, state, and privately sponsored tree planting programs
1252designed to assist private rural landowners and urban
1253communities.
1254     (2)  Contributions from governmental and private sources
1255for tree planting programs may be accepted into the Federal
1256Grants Trust Fund.
1257     (3)  The Florida Forest Service shall Division of Forestry
1258is authorized and directed to develop and implement guidelines
1259and procedures under which the financial resources of the fund
1260allocated for tree planting programs may be used utilized for
1261urban and rural reforestation.
1262     (4)  Grants to municipalities, counties, nonprofit
1263organizations, and qualifying private landowners may be made
1264from allocated moneys in the fund for the purpose of purchasing,
1265planting, and maintaining native tree species.
1266     (5)  The Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry shall
1267assist the Department of Education in developing programs that
1268teach the importance of trees in the urban, rural, and global
1269environment.
1270     Section 52.  Section 589.28, Florida Statutes, is amended
1271to read:
1272     589.28  County commissions or municipalities authorized to
1273cooperate with Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.-
1274County commissions or municipalities may are authorized to
1275cooperate with the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry
1276of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in
1277providing assistance in forestry and forest-related knowledge
1278and skills to stimulate the production of timber wealth through
1279the proper use of forest land and to protect and improve the
1280beauty of urban and suburban areas by helping to create in them
1281an attractive and healthy environment through the proper use of
1282trees and related plant associations. County commissions or
1283municipalities may are hereby authorized to appropriate funds
1284and enter into cooperative agreements with the Florida Forest
1285Service Division of Forestry under the terms and conditions set
1286forth in ss. 589.28-589.34.
1287     Section 53.  Section 589.29, Florida Statutes, is amended
1288to read:
1289     589.29  Quality of assistance.-Any advice and assistance
1290provided under ss. 589.28-589.34 is shall be the responsibility
1291of the State Forester and the Florida Forest Service Division of
1292Forestry and shall be conducted under the supervision of a
1293professional forester in an efficient and competent manner by
1294personnel who have the required education, training, and
1295experience to accomplish the objectives of these sections.
1296     Section 54.  Section 589.30, Florida Statutes, is amended
1297to read:
1298     589.30  Duty of district forester.-It shall be the duty of
1299The district forester shall to direct all work in accordance
1300with the law and with rules adopted by regulations of the
1301Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry; gather and
1302disseminate information in the management of commercial timber,
1303including establishment, protection, and use utilization; and
1304assist in the development and use of forest lands for outdoor
1305recreation, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat. The
1306district forester or his or her representative shall provide
1307encouragement and technical assistance to individuals and urban
1308and county officials in the planning, establishment, and
1309management of trees and plant associations to enhance the beauty
1310of the urban and suburban environment and meet outdoor
1311recreational needs.
1312     Section 55.  Section 589.31, Florida Statutes, is amended
1313to read:
1314     589.31  Cooperative agreement.-Before any assistance is
1315provided under ss. 589.28-589.34 this law, the county or
1316municipality and the Florida Forest Service Division of
1317Forestry, through their duly constituted representatives, shall
1318enter into a mutually satisfactory cooperative agreement
1319covering the specific duties, and set up a budget for any fiscal
1320period beginning July 1 and ending June 30., and The county's or
1321municipality's share of the budget provided shall be remitted
1322turned over to the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry,
1323one-half on or before July 1, and the remainder on or before
1324January 1, and deposited placed in the Incidental Trust Fund of
1325the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
1326     Section 56.  Section 589.32, Florida Statutes, is amended
1327to read:
1328     589.32  Cost of providing county or municipal forestry
1329assistance.-The cost of county or municipal forestry assistance
1330provided under the provisions of ss. 589.28-589.34 shall be
1331jointly determined and paid by the Florida Forest Service
1332Division of Forestry and the county commission or municipality.
1333Such cost must and shall be at least not less than 40 percent of
1334the cost of the equivalent of 1 person-year of assistance.
1335However, the county or municipality share may shall not exceed
1336the sum of $3,000 per annum for each person-year of assistance
1337provided.
1338     Section 57.  Section 589.33, Florida Statutes, is amended
1339to read:
1340     589.33  Expenditure of budgeted funds.-The Florida Forest
1341Service shall expend any money budgeted for a fiscal period
1342shall be expended by the Division of Forestry during the period
1343for which it was budgeted, and amounts not expended or
1344specifically obligated by contract or other legal procedure
1345during that period shall be available for the next fiscal period
1346or shall be returned to the Florida Forest Service Division of
1347Forestry and the county or municipality in the same proportions
1348as appropriated. However, if when 40 percent of the cost of 1
1349person-year of assistance equals or exceeds $3,000, then in that
1350event all of the budget balance reverts will revert to the
1351Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
1352     Section 58.  Section 589.34, Florida Statutes, is amended
1353to read:
1354     589.34  Revocation of agreement.-Any agreement or revision
1355thereof entered into by the Florida Forest Service Division of
1356Forestry and a county or municipality under ss. 589.28-589.34
1357the provisions of this law shall continue from year to year,
1358unless written notice is given to the other party 30 days before
1359prior to July 1 of any year of the intention to discontinue the
1360work and cancel the agreement.
1361     Section 59.  Section 590.01, Florida Statutes, is amended
1362to read:
1363     590.01  Wildfire protection.-The Florida Forest Service
1364division has the primary responsibility for preventing,
1365detecting, and suppressing prevention, detection, and
1366suppression of wildfires wherever they may occur. The Florida
1367Forest Service division shall provide leadership and direction
1368in evaluating, coordinating, allocating the evaluation,
1369coordination, allocation of resources for, and monitoring of
1370wildfire management and protection. The Florida Forest Service
1371division shall promote natural resource management and fuel
1372reduction through the use of prescribed fire and other fuel
1373reduction measures.
1374     Section 60.  Subsections (2) through (5) of section
1375590.015, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (1)
1376through (4), respectively, and present subsection (1) of that
1377section is amended to read:
1378     590.015  Definitions.-As used in this chapter, the term:
1379     (1)  "Division" means the Division of Forestry of the
1380Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
1381     Section 61.  Section 590.02, Florida Statutes, is amended
1382to read:
1383     590.02  Florida Forest Service; Division powers, authority,
1384and duties; liability; building structures; Florida Center for
1385Wildfire and Forest Resources Management Training.-
1386     (1)  The Florida Forest Service division has the following
1387powers, authority, and duties:
1388     (a)  To enforce the provisions of this chapter.;
1389     (b)  To prevent, detect, suppress, and extinguish wildfires
1390wherever they may occur on public or private land in this state
1391and to do all things necessary in the exercise of such powers,
1392authority, and duties.;
1393     (c)  To provide firefighting crews, who shall be under the
1394control and direction of the Florida Forest Service division and
1395its designated agents.;
1396     (d)  To appoint center managers, forest area supervisors,
1397forestry program administrators, a forest protection bureau
1398chief, a forest protection assistant bureau chief, a field
1399operations bureau chief, deputy chiefs of field operations,
1400district managers, senior forest rangers, investigators, forest
1401rangers, firefighter rotorcraft pilots, and other employees who
1402may, at the division's discretion of the Florida Forest Service,
1403be certified as forestry firefighters under pursuant to s.
1404633.35(4). Notwithstanding any other provisions of law
1405notwithstanding, center managers, district managers, the forest
1406protection assistant bureau chief, and deputy chiefs of field
1407operations shall have Selected Exempt Service status in the
1408state personnel designation.;
1409     (e)  To develop a training curriculum for forestry
1410firefighters that contains which must contain the basic
1411volunteer structural fire training course approved by the
1412Florida State Fire College of the Division of State Fire Marshal
1413and a minimum of 250 hours of wildfire training.;
1414     (f)  To adopt make rules to administer accomplish the
1415purposes of this chapter.;
1416     (g)  To provide fire management services and emergency
1417response assistance and to set and charge reasonable fees for
1418performance of those services. Moneys collected from such fees
1419shall be deposited into the Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida
1420Forest Service. division; and
1421     (h)  To require all state, regional, and local government
1422agencies operating aircraft in the vicinity of an ongoing
1423wildfire to operate in compliance with the applicable state
1424Wildfire Aviation Plan.
1425     (2)  Division Employees of the Florida Forest Service, and
1426the firefighting crews under their control and direction, may
1427enter upon any lands for the purpose of preventing and
1428suppressing wildfires and investigating smoke complaints or open
1429burning not in compliance with authorization and to enforce the
1430provisions of this chapter.
1431     (3)  Employees of the Florida Forest Service division and
1432of federal, state, and local agencies, and all other persons and
1433entities that are under contract or agreement with the Florida
1434Forest Service division to assist in firefighting operations as
1435well as those entities, called upon by the Florida Forest
1436Service division to assist in firefighting may, in the
1437performance of their duties, set counterfires, remove fences and
1438other obstacles, dig trenches, cut firelines, use water from
1439public and private sources, and carry on all other customary
1440activities in the fighting of wildfires without incurring
1441liability to any person or entity.
1442     (4)  The department may build structures, notwithstanding
1443chapters 216 and 255, not to exceed a cost of $50,000 per
1444structure from existing resources on forest lands, federal
1445excess property, and unneeded existing structures. These
1446structures must meet all applicable building codes.
1447     (5)  The Florida Forest Service division shall organize its
1448operational units to most effectively prevent, detect, and
1449suppress wildfires, and, to that end, may employ the necessary
1450personnel to manage its activities in each unit. The Florida
1451Forest Service division may construct lookout towers, roads,
1452bridges, firelines, and other facilities and may purchase or
1453fabricate tools, supplies, and equipment for firefighting. The
1454Florida Forest Service division may reimburse the public and
1455private entities that it engages to assist in the suppression of
1456wildfires for their personnel and equipment, including aircraft.
1457     (6)  The Florida Forest Service division shall undertake
1458privatization alternatives for fire prevention activities
1459including constructing fire lines and conducting prescribed
1460burns and, where appropriate, entering into agreements or
1461contracts with the private sector to perform such activities.
1462     (7)  The Florida Forest Service division may organize,
1463staff, equip, and operate the Florida Center for Wildfire and
1464Forest Resources Management Training. The center shall serve as
1465a site where fire and forest resource managers can obtain
1466current knowledge, techniques, skills, and theory as they relate
1467to their respective disciplines.
1468     (a)  The center may establish cooperative efforts involving
1469federal, state, and local entities; hire appropriate personnel;
1470and engage others by contract or agreement with or without
1471compensation to assist in carrying out the training and
1472operations of the center.
1473     (b)  The center shall provide wildfire suppression training
1474opportunities for rural fire departments, volunteer fire
1475departments, and other local fire response units.
1476     (c)  The center shall will focus on curriculum related to,
1477but not limited to, fuel reduction, an incident management
1478system, prescribed burning certification, multiple-use land
1479management, water quality, forest health, environmental
1480education, and wildfire suppression training for structural
1481firefighters.
1482     (d)  The center may assess appropriate fees for food,
1483lodging, travel, course materials, and supplies in order to meet
1484its operational costs and may grant free meals, room, and
1485scholarships to persons and other entities in exchange for
1486instructional assistance.
1487     (e)  An advisory committee consisting of the following
1488individuals or their designees must review program curriculum,
1489course content, and scheduling:
1490     1.  The State Forester or his or her designee. Director of
1491the Florida Division of Forestry; the assistant director of the
1492Florida Division of Forestry;
1493     2.  The director of the School of Forest Resources and
1494Conservation of the University of Florida.;
1495     3.  The director of the Division of Recreation and Parks of
1496the Department of Environmental Protection.;
1497     4.  The director of the Division of the State Fire
1498Marshal.;
1499     5.  The director of the Florida Chapter of The Nature
1500Conservancy.;
1501     6.  The executive vice president of the Florida Forestry
1502Association.;
1503     7.  The president of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation.;
1504     8.  The executive director of the Fish and Wildlife
1505Conservation Commission.;
1506     9.  The executive director of a water management district
1507as appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture.;
1508     10.  The supervisor of the National Forests in Florida.;
1509     11.  The president of the Florida Fire Chief's
1510Association.; and
1511     12.  The executive director of the Tall Timbers Research
1512Station.
1513     (8)  The Cross City Work Center is designated as shall be
1514named the L. Earl Peterson Forestry Station. This designation
1515honors is to honor Mr. L. Earl Peterson, Florida's sixth State
1516Forester and a native of Dixie County, whose distinguished
1517career in state government has spanned 44 years, and who is a
1518native of Dixie County.
1519     Section 62.  Subsection (3) of section 590.081, Florida
1520Statutes, is amended to read:
1521     590.081  Severe drought conditions; burning prohibited.-
1522     (3)  It is unlawful for any person to set fire to, or cause
1523fire to be set to, any wild lands or to build a campfire or
1524bonfire or to burn trash or other debris within the designated
1525area of a severe drought emergency unless a written permit is
1526obtained from the Florida Forest Service division or its
1527designated agent.
1528     Section 63.  Section 590.091, Florida Statutes, is amended
1529to read:
1530     590.091  Designation of railroad rights-of-way as wildfire
1531hazard areas.-
1532     (1)  The Florida Forest Service division may annually
1533designate, on or before October 1, those railroad rights-of-way
1534in this state that which are known wildfire hazard areas.
1535     (2)  It shall be the duty of all railroad companies
1536operating in this state to maintain their rights-of-way
1537designated as provided in subsection (1), as known wildfire
1538hazard areas, in an approved condition as shall be prescribed by
1539rule of the Florida Forest Service division and to provide
1540adequate firebreaks where needed, so as to prevent fire from
1541igniting or spreading from rights-of-way to adjacent property.
1542     Section 64.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (1), paragraph (a)
1543of subsection (2), paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) of subsection
1544(3), and subsection (4) of section 590.125, Florida Statutes,
1545are amended to read:
1546     590.125  Open burning authorized by the Florida Forest
1547Service division.-
1548     (1)  DEFINITIONS.-As used in this section, the term:
1549     (b)  "Certified prescribed burn manager" means an
1550individual who successfully completes the certification program
1551of the Florida Forest Service division and possesses a valid
1552certification number.
1553     (2)  NONCERTIFIED BURNING.-
1554     (a)  Persons may be authorized to burn wild land or
1555vegetative land-clearing debris in accordance with this
1556subsection if:
1557     1.  There is specific consent of the landowner or his or
1558her designee;
1559     2.  Authorization has been obtained from the Florida Forest
1560Service division or its designated agent before starting the
1561burn;
1562     3.  There are adequate firebreaks at the burn site and
1563sufficient personnel and firefighting equipment for the control
1564of the fire;
1565     4.  The fire remains within the boundary of the authorized
1566area;
1567     5.  Someone is present at the burn site until the fire is
1568extinguished;
1569     6.  The Florida Forest Service division does not cancel the
1570authorization; and
1571     7.  The Florida Forest Service division determines that air
1572quality and fire danger are favorable for safe burning.
1573     (3)  CERTIFIED PRESCRIBED BURNING; LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND
1574PURPOSE.-
1575     (a)  The application of prescribed burning is a land
1576management tool that benefits the safety of the public, the
1577environment, and the economy of the state. The Legislature finds
1578that:
1579     1.  Prescribed burning reduces vegetative fuels within wild
1580land areas. Reduction of the fuel load reduces the risk and
1581severity of wildfire, thereby reducing the threat of loss of
1582life and property, particularly in urban areas.
1583     2.  Most of Florida's natural communities require periodic
1584fire for maintenance of their ecological integrity. Prescribed
1585burning is essential to the perpetuation, restoration, and
1586management of many plant and animal communities. Significant
1587loss of the state's biological diversity will occur if fire is
1588excluded from fire-dependent systems.
1589     3.  Forestland and rangeland constitute significant
1590economic, biological, and aesthetic resources of statewide
1591importance. Prescribed burning on forestland prepares sites for
1592reforestation, removes undesirable competing vegetation,
1593expedites nutrient cycling, and controls or eliminates certain
1594forest pathogens. On rangeland, prescribed burning improves the
1595quality and quantity of herbaceous vegetation necessary for
1596livestock production.
1597     4.  The state purchased hundreds of thousands of acres of
1598land for parks, preserves, wildlife management areas, forests,
1599and other public purposes. The use of prescribed burning for
1600management of public lands is essential to maintain the specific
1601resource values for which these lands were acquired.
1602     5.  A public education program is necessary to make
1603citizens and visitors aware of the public safety, resource, and
1604economic benefits of prescribed burning.
1605     6.  Proper training in the use of prescribed burning is
1606necessary to ensure maximum benefits and protection for the
1607public.
1608     7.  As Florida's population continues to grow, pressures
1609from liability issues and nuisance complaints inhibit the use of
1610prescribed burning. Therefore, the Florida Forest Service
1611division is urged to maximize the opportunities for prescribed
1612burning conducted during its daytime and nighttime authorization
1613process.
1614     (b)  Certified prescribed burning pertains only to
1615broadcast burning. It must be conducted in accordance with this
1616subsection and:
1617     1.  May be accomplished only when a certified prescribed
1618burn manager is present on site with a copy of the prescription
1619from ignition of the burn to its completion.
1620     2.  Requires that a written prescription be prepared before
1621receiving authorization to burn from the Florida Forest Service
1622division.
1623     3.  Requires that the specific consent of the landowner or
1624his or her designee be obtained before requesting an
1625authorization.
1626     4.  Requires that an authorization to burn be obtained from
1627the Florida Forest Service division before igniting the burn.
1628     5.  Requires that there be adequate firebreaks at the burn
1629site and sufficient personnel and firefighting equipment for the
1630control of the fire.
1631     6.  Is considered to be in the public interest and does not
1632constitute a public or private nuisance when conducted under
1633applicable state air pollution statutes and rules.
1634     7.  Is considered to be a property right of the property
1635owner if vegetative fuels are burned as required in this
1636subsection.
1637     (e)  The Florida Forest Service division shall adopt rules
1638for the use of prescribed burning and for certifying and
1639decertifying certified prescribed burn managers based on their
1640past experience, training, and record of compliance with this
1641section.
1642     (4)  WILDFIRE HAZARD REDUCTION TREATMENT BY THE FLORIDA
1643FOREST SERVICE DIVISION.-The Florida Forest Service division may
1644conduct fuel reduction initiatives, including, but not limited
1645to, burning and mechanical and chemical treatment, on any area
1646of wild land within the state which is reasonably determined to
1647be in danger of wildfire in accordance with the following
1648procedures:
1649     (a)  Describe the areas that will receive fuels treatment
1650to the affected local governmental entity.
1651     (b)  Publish a treatment notice, including a description of
1652the area to be treated, in a conspicuous manner in at least one
1653newspaper of general circulation in the area of the treatment
1654not less than 10 days before the treatment.
1655     (c)  Prepare, and the county tax collector shall include
1656with the annual tax statement, a notice to be sent to all
1657landowners in each township designated by the Florida Forest
1658Service division as a wildfire hazard area. The notice must
1659describe particularly the area to be treated and the tentative
1660date or dates of the treatment and must list the reasons for and
1661the expected benefits from the wildfire hazard reduction.
1662     (d)  Consider any landowner objections to the fuels
1663treatment of his or her property. The landowner may apply to the
1664State Forester director of the division for a review of
1665alternative methods of fuel reduction on the property. If the
1666State Forester director or his or her designee does not resolve
1667the landowner objection, the State Forester director shall
1668convene a panel made up of the local forestry unit manager, the
1669fire chief of the jurisdiction, and the affected county or city
1670manager, or any of their designees. If the panel's
1671recommendation is not acceptable to the landowner, the landowner
1672may request further consideration by the Commissioner of
1673Agriculture or his or her designee and shall thereafter be
1674entitled to an administrative hearing pursuant to the provisions
1675of chapter 120.
1676     Section 65.  Section 590.14, Florida Statutes, is amended
1677to read:
1678     590.14  Notice of violation; penalties.-
1679     (1)  If a Florida Forest Service division employee
1680determines that a person has violated chapter 589 or this
1681chapter, he or she may issue a notice of violation indicating
1682the statute violated. This notice shall will be filed with the
1683Florida Forest Service division and a copy forwarded to the
1684appropriate law enforcement entity for further action if
1685necessary.
1686     (2)  In addition to any penalties provided by law, any
1687person who causes a wildfire or permits any authorized fire to
1688escape the boundaries of the authorization or to burn past the
1689time of the authorization is liable for the payment of all
1690reasonable costs and expenses incurred in suppressing the fire
1691or $150, whichever is greater. All costs and expenses incurred
1692by the Florida Forest Service division shall be payable to the
1693Florida Forest Service division. When such costs and expenses
1694are not paid within 30 days after demand, the Florida Forest
1695Service division may take proper legal proceedings for the
1696collection of the costs and expenses. Those costs incurred by an
1697agency acting at the division's direction of the Florida Forest
1698Service are recoverable by that agency.
1699     (3)  The department may also impose an administrative fine,
1700not to exceed $1,000 per violation of any section of chapter 589
1701or this chapter. The fine shall be based upon the degree of
1702damage, the prior violation record of the person, and whether
1703the person knowingly provided false information to obtain an
1704authorization. The fines shall be deposited in the Incidental
1705Trust Fund of the Florida Forest Service division.
1706     (4)  The penalties provided in this section shall extend to
1707both the actual violator and the person or persons, firm, or
1708corporation causing, directing, or permitting the violation.
1709     Section 66.  Section 590.16, Florida Statutes, is amended
1710to read:
1711     590.16  Rewards.-The Florida Forest Service division, in
1712its discretion, may offer and pay rewards for information
1713leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who violates
1714any provision of this chapter.
1715     Section 67.  Section 590.25, Florida Statutes, is amended
1716to read:
1717     590.25  Penalty for preventing or obstructing
1718extinguishment of wildfires.-Any person who interferes Whoever
1719shall interfere with, obstructs, obstruct or commits commit any
1720act aimed to obstruct the extinguishment of wildfires by the
1721employees of the Florida Forest Service division or any other
1722person engaged in the extinguishment of a wildfire, or who
1723damages or destroys any equipment being used for such purpose,
1724commits shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree,
1725punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
1726     Section 68.  Section 590.33, Florida Statutes, is amended
1727to read:
1728     590.33  State compact administrator; compact advisory
1729committee.-In pursuance of art. III of the compact, the State
1730Forester director of the division shall act as compact
1731administrator for Florida of the Southeastern Interstate Forest
1732Fire Protection Compact during his or her term of office as
1733State Forester director, and his or her successor as compact
1734administrator shall be his or her successor as State Forester
1735director of the division. As compact administrator, he or she
1736shall be an ex officio member of the advisory committee of the
1737Southeastern Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact, and
1738chair ex officio of the Florida members of the advisory
1739committee. There shall be four members of the Southeastern
1740Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact Advisory Committee
1741from Florida. Two of the members from Florida shall be members
1742of the Legislature of Florida, one from the Senate and one from
1743the House of Representatives, and the terms of any such members
1744shall terminate at the time they cease to hold legislative
1745office, and their successors as members shall be named in like
1746manner. The Governor shall appoint the other two members from
1747Florida, one of whom shall be associated with forestry or forest
1748products industries. The terms of such members shall be 3 years
1749and such members shall hold office until their respective
1750successors are shall be appointed and qualified. Vacancies
1751occurring in the office of such members for from any reason or
1752cause shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the
1753unexpired term. The State Forester, director of the division as
1754compact administrator for Florida, may delegate, from time to
1755time, to any deputy or other subordinate in his or her
1756department or office, the power to be present and participate,
1757including voting, as his or her representative or substitute at
1758any meeting of or hearing by or other proceeding of the compact
1759administrators or of the advisory committee. The terms of each
1760of the initial four memberships, whether appointed at said time
1761or not, shall begin upon the date upon which the compact becomes
1762shall become effective in accordance with art. II of said
1763compact. Any member of the advisory committee may be removed
1764from office by the Governor upon charges and after a hearing.
1765     Section 69.  Section 590.34, Florida Statutes, is amended
1766to read:
1767     590.34  State compact administrator and compact advisory
1768committee members; powers; aid from other state agencies.-There
1769is hereby granted to the State Forester director of the
1770division, as compact administrator and chair ex officio of the
1771Florida members of the advisory committee, and to the members
1772from Florida of the advisory committee all the powers provided
1773for in the compact and all the powers necessary or incidental to
1774the carrying out of the compact in every particular. All
1775officers of Florida are hereby authorized and directed to do all
1776things falling within their respective provinces and
1777jurisdiction necessary or incidental to the carrying out of the
1778compact in every particular; it being hereby declared to be the
1779policy of the state to perform and carry out the said compact
1780and to accomplish the purposes thereof. All officers, bureaus,
1781departments, and persons of and in the state government or
1782administration of the state are hereby authorized and directed
1783at convenient times and upon request of the compact
1784administrator or of the advisory committee to furnish
1785information data relating to the purposes of the compact
1786possessed by them or any of them to the compact administrator of
1787the advisory committee. They are further authorized to aid the
1788compact administrator or the advisory committee by loan of
1789personnel, equipment, or other means in carrying out the
1790purposes of the compact.
1791     Section 70.  Section 590.35, Florida Statutes, is amended
1792to read:
1793     590.35  Construction of ss. 590.31-590.34.-Any powers
1794herein granted to the Florida Forest Service division shall be
1795regarded as in aid of and supplemental to and in no case a
1796limitation upon any of the powers vested in the Florida Forest
1797Service division by other laws of Florida or by the laws of the
1798States of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North
1799Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia
1800or by the Congress or the terms of the compact.
1801     Section 71.  Section 590.42, Florida Statutes, is amended
1802to read:
1803     590.42  Federally funded fire protection assistance
1804programs.-
1805     (1)  The Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry of the
1806Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may enter into
1807agreements with the United States Secretary of Agriculture of
1808the United States in order to participate in the federal
1809Volunteer Rural Community Fire Assistance Protection Program
1810authorized by 16 U.S.C. s. 2106 Pub. L. No. 92-419, whereby the
1811Federal Government provides financial assistance to the states
1812on a matching basis of up to 50 percent of expenditures for such
1813purposes.
1814     (2)  With respect to the formulation of projects relating
1815to fire protection of livestock, wildlife, crops, pastures,
1816orchards, rangeland, woodland, farmsteads, or other
1817improvements, and other values in rural areas, for which such
1818federal matching funds are available, any participating county
1819or fire department may contribute to the nonfederal matching
1820share and may also contribute such other nonfederal cooperation
1821as may be deemed necessary by the Florida Forest Service
1822division.
1823     (3)  Any financial assistance received by, or contributions
1824to the nonfederal matching share provided by, a participating
1825county under The provisions of this section are supplementary to
1826any county fire control funds or assessments under the
1827provisions of s. 125.27.
1828     Section 72.  The title of chapter 591, Florida Statutes, is
1829redesignated as "COMMUNITY FORESTS."
1830     Section 73.  Section 591.15, Florida Statutes, is amended
1831to read:
1832(Substantial rewording of section. See
1833s. 591.15, F.S., for present text.)
1834     591.15  Short title.-This chapter may be cited as the
1835"Florida Community Forest Law."
1836     Section 74.  Subsection (1) of section 591.16, Florida
1837Statutes, is amended to read:
1838     591.16  Community forests; purposes.-The general purposes
1839of this law are:
1840     (1)  To encourage counties, municipalities cities, towns,
1841and school districts to utilize idle lands for productive forest
1842purposes.
1843     Section 75.  Section 591.17, Florida Statutes, is amended
1844to read:
1845     591.17  Community forests; Definitions.-As used in this
1846chapter, the term terms hereinafter used, unless the text
1847clearly indicates a different meaning, shall be as follows:
1848     (1)(2)  The term "Community forest" means shall mean any
1849forest area established under this chapter law by a county,
1850municipality city, town, or school district.
1851     (2)(8)  The term "Contiguous sale" means shall mean sale of
1852like forest products from adjoining areas that normally would be
1853in the same sale area as determined by the forester on the
1854forestry committee.
1855     (3)(4)  "County" or "municipality" includes The term
1856"counties, cities, towns" shall mean any recognized political
1857subdivision of the state government.
1858     (4)(7)  The term "Forest products" means shall mean any
1859product produced from trees.
1860     (5)(3)  The term "Forestry committee" means shall mean the
1861appointed committee for directing the activities of community
1862forests.
1863     (6)(1)  The term "Governing board" means a board of shall
1864mean county commissioners, city commission commissioners, town
1865council councils, school board boards, or any other governing
1866body of a county, municipality counties, cities, towns, or
1867school district districts.
1868     (6)  The term "division" shall mean the Division of
1869Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
1870     (7)(5)  The term "School district" means an shall mean
1871individual school district districts of a county or a vocational
1872agricultural department departments located in such a district
1873these districts.
1874     Section 76.  Section 591.18, Florida Statutes, is amended
1875to read:
1876     591.18  Community forests; Purchase or establishment.-All
1877counties, municipalities cities, towns, or school districts,
1878through their governing boards, may are hereby empowered to
1879establish, from lands owned by such county, municipality city,
1880town, or school district in fee simple, or to acquire by
1881purchase or gift, lands at present covered with forest or tree
1882growth, or suitable for the growth of trees, and to administer
1883the same under the direction of the Florida Forest Service
1884Division of Forestry, in accordance with the practice and
1885principles of scientific forestry, for the benefit of such the
1886said counties, municipalities cities, towns, or school
1887districts. Such tracts may be of any size suitable for the
1888purpose but must be located within the county embracing the
1889county, municipality city, town, or school district., provided
1890that it shall be requisite for The governing board availing
1891itself of the provisions of this chapter shall law to submit to
1892the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry, and secure its
1893approval of the area and location of any lands proposed to be
1894acquired or used for the purposes of county, municipality city,
1895town, or school district forests.
1896     Section 77.  Section 591.19, Florida Statutes, is amended
1897to read:
1898     591.19  Community forests; Tax delinquent lands.-The
1899Department of Revenue, the Board of Trustees of the Internal
1900Improvement Trust Fund, and counties, municipalities cities,
1901towns, school districts, or any other public agency holding fee
1902simple or tax certificate lands are hereby empowered to, and
1903may, upon application to them, transfer title of fee simple
1904lands not in other public use to any county, municipality city,
1905town, or school district for forest purposes as described under
1906this chapter if law, provided such lands are approved by the
1907Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry for this purpose.
1908     Section 78.  Section 591.20, Florida Statutes, is amended
1909to read:
1910     591.20  Community forests; Forestry committee; duties;
1911appropriations.-
1912     (1)  The governing board of any county, municipality city,
1913town, or school district desiring to establish community forests
1914after enactment of this law shall appoint a forestry committee,
1915consisting of three members, as follows: one member of governing
1916board, one member from the Florida Forest Service Division of
1917Forestry to be designated by the Florida Forest Service
1918division, and one taxpayer of the county, municipality city,
1919town, or school district who is not a member of the governing
1920board. The first two members of such committee shall hold office
1921until replaced in their respective official positions. The third
1922member shall hold office for 3 years. Any vacancy shall be
1923filled at the first regular session of the governing board after
1924the vacancy occurs. The president of the committee shall be
1925selected by the three members for a 1-year term at their first
1926regular meeting. The representative of the Florida Forest
1927Service may Division of Forestry shall not serve as an officer
1928of the committee or nor be responsible for making reports. All
1929members shall serve without compensation, but are entitled to
1930reimbursement shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as
1931provided in s. 112.061.
1932     Section 79.  Section 591.21, Florida Statutes, is
1933transferred, renumbered as subsections (2) and (3) of section
1934591.20, Florida Statutes, and amended to read:
1935     591.21  Community forests; duties of forestry committee.-
1936     (2)(1)  It shall be the duty of The forestry committee
1937shall to advise the governing board in acquiring, developing,
1938and managing the forest, and in making contracts, agreements,
1939and permits for and with the forest, and, if desirable, in
1940hiring a qualified forester and laborers and in making rules and
1941regulations for operating the forest.
1942     (3)(2)  For any sale in excess of $100, the governing body
1943must shall ask for and receive open competitive bids and
1944purchase from the lowest and best bidder. For sale of forest
1945products in excess of $500 for the total contract, the sale
1946shall be advertised in one issue each of 2 consecutive weeks in
1947a county newspaper of general circulation, and the highest and
1948best bid shall be accepted. Contiguous sales may shall not be
1949made.
1950     Section 80.  Section 591.22, Florida Statutes, is
1951transferred, renumbered as subsection (4) of section 591.20,
1952Florida Statutes, and amended to read:
1953     591.22  Community forests; appropriations.-
1954     (4)  Counties, municipalities cities, towns, or school
1955districts in which forestry committees are have been appointed
1956may appropriate money from available funds to be used by such
1957committees said committee to carry out the purposes of this
1958chapter law. Each The forestry committee shall annually adopt
1959each year make a budget of recommendation for acquisition and
1960operation and management of the forest for approval by the
1961governing board.
1962     Section 81.  Section 591.23, Florida Statutes, is amended
1963to read:
1964     591.23  Community forests; Revenues;, use.-Revenue from the
1965forests shall be credited to the general fund of counties,
1966municipalities cities, towns, or school districts; provided,
1967however, revenues from lands under land use agreements with
1968youth organizations such as chapters of the Future Farmers of
1969America must, shall be disposed of subject to the terms of such
1970agreements. When the revenue from any forest other than these
1971under such land use agreements, exceeds the necessary expenses
1972of the forest, including desirable acquisition, the excess shall
1973will be used by the governing board for regular purposes and in
1974reduction of taxation.
1975     Section 82.  Section 591.24, Florida Statutes, is amended
1976to read:
1977     591.24  Community forests; Fiscal reports.-A fiscal year
1978report of expenditures, income, sales, development, and
1979management shall be made by the forestry committee to the
1980governing board of the county, municipality city, town, or
1981school district, and a copy shall be sent to the Florida Forest
1982Service Division of Forestry. All reports shall be audited by
1983the regular auditor of the county, municipality city, town, or
1984school district.
1985     Section 83.  Section 591.25, Florida Statutes, is amended
1986to read:
1987     591.25  Community forests; Fire protection, etc.-All lands
1988entered or acquired under the provisions of this chapter law
1989shall be protected at all times from wildfire and shall be kept
1990and maintained as a permanent public forest except as
1991hereinafter provided. The timber growing on such forest lands
1992thereon shall be cut in accordance with forestry methods
1993approved by the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry and
1994in such a manner as to perpetuate succeeding stands of trees.
1995All such forest lands shall be open to the use of the public for
1996recreational purposes so far as such recreational purposes do
1997not interfere with, or prevent the use of, such lands to the
1998best advantage as a public forest as determined by the forestry
1999committee.
2000     Section 84.  Section 591.26, Florida Statutes, is amended
2001to read:
2002     591.26  Community forests; Sale upon referendum approval.-A
2003If it becomes desirable to sell any community forest or portion
2004thereof may be sold if such sale is as determined jointly
2005proposed by the governing board and forestry committee and
2006approved by a majority, it shall be put to a vote of those
2007electors voting the people at any regular election and a
2008majority of those voting must approve the action. If such sale
2009is approved by the electors, any funds received from the such
2010sale shall be deposited in the general fund of the county,
2011municipality city, town, or school district making the sale and
2012used in consolidating existing community forests or in
2013establishing another community forest.
2014     Section 85.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) and paragraph
2015(b) of subsection (2) of section 633.115, Florida Statutes, are
2016amended to read:
2017     633.115  Fire and Emergency Incident Information Reporting
2018Program; duties; fire reports.-
2019     (1)
2020     (b)  The Division of State Fire Marshal shall consult with
2021the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry of the
2022Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Bureau
2023of Emergency Medical Services of the Department of Health to
2024coordinate data, ensure accuracy of the data, and limit
2025duplication of efforts in data collection, analysis, and
2026reporting.
2027     (2)  The Fire and Emergency Incident Information System
2028Technical Advisory Panel is created within the Division of State
2029Fire Marshal. The panel shall advise, review, and recommend to
2030the State Fire Marshal with respect to the requirements of this
2031section. The membership of the panel shall consist of the
2032following 15 members:
2033     (b)  One member from the Florida Forest Service Division of
2034Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,
2035appointed by the State Forester division director.
2036     Section 86.  Paragraph (e) of subsection (6) of section
2037633.821, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
2038     633.821  Workplace safety.-
2039     (6)
2040     (e)  This subsection does not apply to wildland or
2041prescribed live fire training exercises sanctioned by the
2042Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry of the Department of
2043Agriculture and Consumer Services or the National Wildfire
2044Coordinating Group.
2045     Section 87.  Subsection (1) of section 790.15, Florida
2046Statutes, is amended to read:
2047     790.15  Discharging firearm in public.-
2048     (1)  Except as provided in subsection (2) or subsection
2049(3), any person who knowingly discharges a firearm in any public
2050place or on the right-of-way of any paved public road, highway,
2051or street or who whosoever knowingly discharges any firearm over
2052the right-of-way of any paved public road, highway, or street or
2053over any occupied premises commits is guilty of a misdemeanor of
2054the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.
2055775.083. This section does not apply to a person lawfully
2056defending life or property or performing official duties
2057requiring the discharge of a firearm or to a person discharging
2058a firearm on public roads or properties expressly approved for
2059hunting by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or the
2060Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
2061     Section 88.  This act shall take effect July 1, 2011.


CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.