Florida Senate - 2015                      CS for CS for SB 1216
       
       
        
       By the Committees on Fiscal Policy; and Community Affairs; and
       Senator Simpson
       
       
       
       
       594-03788-15                                          20151216c2
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to community development; amending s.
    3         163.08, F.S.; declaring that there is a compelling
    4         state interest in enabling property owners to
    5         voluntarily finance certain improvements to property
    6         damaged by sinkhole activity with local government
    7         assistance; expanding the definition of the term
    8         “qualifying improvement” to include stabilization or
    9         other repairs to property damaged by sinkhole
   10         activity; providing that stabilization or other
   11         repairs to property damaged by sinkhole activity are
   12         qualifying improvements considered affixed to a
   13         building or facility; revising the form of a specified
   14         written disclosure statement to include an assessment
   15         for a qualifying improvement relating to stabilization
   16         or repair of property damaged by sinkhole activity;
   17         amending s. 163.3175, F.S.; deleting obsolete
   18         provisions; amending s. 163.3184, F.S.; requiring plan
   19         amendments proposing a development that qualifies as a
   20         development of regional impact to be subject to the
   21         state coordinated review process; amending s.
   22         163.3245, F.S.; providing that other requirements of
   23         this chapter inconsistent with or superseded by
   24         certain planning standards relating to a long-term
   25         master plan do not apply; providing that other
   26         requirements of this chapter inconsistent with or
   27         superseded by certain planning standards relating to
   28         detailed specific area plans do not apply; providing
   29         that conservation easements may be based on digital
   30         orthophotography prepared by licensed surveyor and
   31         mapper and may include a right of adjustment subject
   32         to certain requirements; providing that substitution
   33         is accomplished by recording an amendment to a
   34         conservation easement as accepted by and with the
   35         consent of the grantee; requiring the applicant for a
   36         detailed specific area plan to transmit copies of the
   37         application to specified reviewing agencies for review
   38         and comment; requiring such agency comments to be
   39         submitted to the local government having jurisdiction
   40         and to the state land planning agency, subject to
   41         certain requirements; authorizing the Department of
   42         Environmental Protection, the Fish and Wildlife
   43         Conservation Commission, or the water management
   44         district to accept compensatory mitigation under
   45         certain circumstances, pursuant to a specified section
   46         or chapter; providing that the adoption of a long-term
   47         master plan or a detailed specific area plan pursuant
   48         to this section does not limit the right to establish
   49         new agricultural or silvicultural uses under certain
   50         circumstances; allowing an applicant with an approved
   51         master development order to request that the
   52         applicable water management district issue a specified
   53         consumptive use permit for the same period of time as
   54         the approved master development order; providing
   55         applicability; providing that a local government is
   56         not precluded from requiring data and analysis beyond
   57         the minimum criteria established in this section;
   58         amending s. 163.3246, F.S.; removing restrictions on
   59         certain exemptions; providing legislative intent;
   60         designating Pasco County as a pilot community;
   61         requiring the state land planning agency to provide a
   62         written certification to Pasco County within a certain
   63         timeframe; providing requirements for certain plan
   64         amendments; requiring the Office of Program Policy
   65         Analysis and Government Accountability to submit a
   66         report and recommendations to the Governor and the
   67         Legislature by a certain date; providing requirements
   68         for the report; amending s. 163.3248, F.S.; removing
   69         the requirement that regional planning councils
   70         provide assistance in developing a plan for a rural
   71         land stewardship area; amending s. 163.340, F.S.;
   72         expanding the definition of the term “blighted area”
   73         to include a substantial number or percentage of
   74         properties damaged by sinkhole activity which are not
   75         adequately repaired or stabilized; conforming a cross
   76         reference; amending s. 163.524, F.S.; conforming a
   77         cross-reference; repealing s. 186.0201, F.S., relating
   78         to electric substation planning; amending s. 186.505,
   79         F.S.; removing the power of regional planning councils
   80         to establish and conduct cross-acceptance negotiation
   81         processes; creating s. 186.512, F.S.; subdividing the
   82         state into specified geographic regions for the
   83         purpose of regional comprehensive planning;
   84         authorizing the Governor to review and update the
   85         district boundaries of the regional planning councils;
   86         providing requirements to aid in the transition of
   87         regional planning councils; amending s. 186.513, F.S.;
   88         deleting the requirement that regional planning
   89         councils make joint reports and recommendations;
   90         amending s. 190.005, F.S.; requiring community
   91         development districts up to a certain size located
   92         within a connected-city corridor to be established
   93         pursuant to an ordinance; amending s. 253.7828, F.S.;
   94         conforming provisions to changes made by the act;
   95         repealing s. 260.018, F.S., relating to agency
   96         recognition of certain publicly owned lands and
   97         waters; amending s. 339.135, F.S.; deleting obsolete
   98         provisions; amending s. 339.155, F.S.; removing
   99         certain duties of regional planning councils; amending
  100         s. 373.236, F.S.; authorizing a water management
  101         district to issue a permit to an applicant for the
  102         same period of time as the applicant’s approved master
  103         development order, subject to certain requirements and
  104         restrictions; amending s. 380.06, F.S.; removing the
  105         requirement that certain developers submit biennial
  106         reports to regional planning agencies; providing that
  107         new proposed developments are subject to the state
  108         coordinated review process and not the development of
  109         regional impact review process; amending s. 403.50663,
  110         F.S.; removing requirements relating to certain
  111         informational public meetings; amending s. 403.507,
  112         F.S.; removing the requirement that regional planning
  113         councils prepare reports addressing the impact of
  114         proposed electrical power plants; amending s. 403.508,
  115         F.S.; removing the requirement that regional planning
  116         councils participate in certain proceedings; amending
  117         s. 403.5115, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes
  118         made by the act; amending s. 403.526, F.S.; removing
  119         the requirement that regional planning councils
  120         prepare reports addressing the impact of proposed
  121         transmission lines or corridors; amending s. 403.527,
  122         F.S.; removing the requirement that regional planning
  123         councils parties participate in certain proceedings;
  124         amending s. 403.5272, F.S.; conforming provisions to
  125         changes made by the act; amending s. 403.7264, F.S.;
  126         removing the requirement that regional planning
  127         councils assist with amnesty days for purging small
  128         quantities of hazardous wastes; amending s. 403.941,
  129         F.S.; removing the requirement that regional planning
  130         councils prepare reports addressing the impact of
  131         proposed natural gas transmission lines or corridors;
  132         amending s. 403.9411, F.S.; removing the requirement
  133         that regional planning councils participate in certain
  134         proceedings; amending ss. 419.001 and 985.682, F.S.;
  135         removing provisions relating to the use of a certain
  136         dispute resolution process; providing an effective
  137         date.
  138          
  139  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
  140  
  141         Section 1. Present paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of
  142  section 163.08, Florida Statutes, is redesignated as paragraph
  143  (d), a new paragraph (c) is added to that subsection, and
  144  paragraph (b) of subsection (2) and subsections (10) and (14) of
  145  that section are amended, to read:
  146         163.08 Supplemental authority for improvements to real
  147  property.—
  148         (1)
  149         (c) The Legislature finds that properties damaged by
  150  sinkhole activity which are not adequately repaired may
  151  negatively affect the market valuation of surrounding
  152  properties, resulting in the loss of property tax revenues to
  153  local communities. The Legislature finds that there is a
  154  compelling state interest in providing local government
  155  assistance to enable property owners to voluntarily finance
  156  qualified improvements to property damaged by sinkhole activity.
  157         (2) As used in this section, the term:
  158         (b) “Qualifying improvement” includes any:
  159         1. Energy conservation and efficiency improvement, which is
  160  a measure to reduce consumption through conservation or a more
  161  efficient use of electricity, natural gas, propane, or other
  162  forms of energy on the property, including, but not limited to,
  163  air sealing; installation of insulation; installation of energy
  164  efficient heating, cooling, or ventilation systems; building
  165  modifications to increase the use of daylight; replacement of
  166  windows; installation of energy controls or energy recovery
  167  systems; installation of electric vehicle charging equipment;
  168  and installation of efficient lighting equipment.
  169         2. Renewable energy improvement, which is the installation
  170  of any system in which the electrical, mechanical, or thermal
  171  energy is produced from a method that uses one or more of the
  172  following fuels or energy sources: hydrogen, solar energy,
  173  geothermal energy, bioenergy, and wind energy.
  174         3. Wind resistance improvement, which includes, but is not
  175  limited to:
  176         a. Improving the strength of the roof deck attachment;
  177         b. Creating a secondary water barrier to prevent water
  178  intrusion;
  179         c. Installing wind-resistant shingles;
  180         d. Installing gable-end bracing;
  181         e. Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections;
  182         f. Installing storm shutters; or
  183         g. Installing opening protections.
  184         4. Stabilization or other repairs to property damaged by
  185  sinkhole activity.
  186         (10) A qualifying improvement shall be affixed to a
  187  building or facility that is part of the property and shall
  188  constitute an improvement to the building or facility or a
  189  fixture attached to the building or facility. For the purposes
  190  of stabilization or other repairs to property damaged by
  191  sinkhole activity, a qualifying improvement is deemed affixed to
  192  a building or facility. An agreement between a local government
  193  and a qualifying property owner may not cover wind-resistance
  194  improvements in buildings or facilities under new construction
  195  or construction for which a certificate of occupancy or similar
  196  evidence of substantial completion of new construction or
  197  improvement has not been issued.
  198         (14) At or before the time a purchaser executes a contract
  199  for the sale and purchase of any property for which a non-ad
  200  valorem assessment has been levied under this section and has an
  201  unpaid balance due, the seller shall give the prospective
  202  purchaser a written disclosure statement in the following form,
  203  which shall be set forth in the contract or in a separate
  204  writing:
  205  
  206         QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY,
  207         RENEWABLE ENERGY, OR WIND RESISTANCE, OR SINKHOLE
  208         STABILIZATION OR REPAIR.—The property being purchased
  209         is located within the jurisdiction of a local
  210         government that has placed an assessment on the
  211         property pursuant to s. 163.08, Florida Statutes. The
  212         assessment is for a qualifying improvement to the
  213         property relating to energy efficiency, renewable
  214         energy, or wind resistance, or stabilization or repair
  215         of property damaged by sinkhole activity, and is not
  216         based on the value of property. You are encouraged to
  217         contact the county property appraiser’s office to
  218         learn more about this and other assessments that may
  219         be provided by law.
  220         Section 2. Subsection (9) of section 163.3175, Florida
  221  Statutes, is amended to read:
  222         163.3175 Legislative findings on compatibility of
  223  development with military installations; exchange of information
  224  between local governments and military installations.—
  225         (9) If a local government, as required under s.
  226  163.3177(6)(a), does not adopt criteria and address
  227  compatibility of lands adjacent to or closely proximate to
  228  existing military installations in its future land use plan
  229  element by June 30, 2012, the local government, the military
  230  installation, the state land planning agency, and other parties
  231  as identified by the regional planning council, including, but
  232  not limited to, private landowner representatives, shall enter
  233  into mediation conducted pursuant to s. 186.509. If the local
  234  government comprehensive plan does not contain criteria
  235  addressing compatibility by December 31, 2013, the agency may
  236  notify the Administration Commission. The Administration
  237  Commission may impose sanctions pursuant to s. 163.3184(8). Any
  238  local government that amended its comprehensive plan to address
  239  military installation compatibility requirements after 2004 and
  240  was found to be in compliance is deemed to be in compliance with
  241  this subsection until the local government conducts its
  242  evaluation and appraisal review pursuant to s. 163.3191 and
  243  determines that amendments are necessary to meet updated general
  244  law requirements.
  245         Section 3. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
  246  163.3184, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  247         163.3184 Process for adoption of comprehensive plan or plan
  248  amendment.—
  249         (2) COMPREHENSIVE PLANS AND PLAN AMENDMENTS.—
  250         (c) Plan amendments that are in an area of critical state
  251  concern designated pursuant to s. 380.05; propose a rural land
  252  stewardship area pursuant to s. 163.3248; propose a sector plan
  253  pursuant to s. 163.3245; update a comprehensive plan based on an
  254  evaluation and appraisal pursuant to s. 163.3191; propose a
  255  development that qualifies as a development of regional impact
  256  pursuant to s. 380.06 s. 380.06(24)(x); or are new plans for
  257  newly incorporated municipalities adopted pursuant to s.
  258  163.3167 shall follow the state coordinated review process in
  259  subsection (4).
  260         Section 4. Present subsection (13) of section 163.3245,
  261  Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (14),
  262  subsections (3) and (9) of that section are amended, and a new
  263  subsection (13) and subsection (15) are added to that section,
  264  to read:
  265         163.3245 Sector plans.—
  266         (3) Sector planning encompasses two levels: adoption
  267  pursuant to s. 163.3184 of a long-term master plan for the
  268  entire planning area as part of the comprehensive plan, and
  269  adoption by local development order of two or more detailed
  270  specific area plans that implement the long-term master plan and
  271  within which s. 380.06 is waived.
  272         (a) In addition to the other requirements of this chapter,
  273  except for those that are inconsistent with or superseded by the
  274  planning standards of this paragraph, a long-term master plan
  275  pursuant to this section must include maps, illustrations, and
  276  text supported by data and analysis to address the following:
  277         1. A framework map that, at a minimum, generally depicts
  278  areas of urban, agricultural, rural, and conservation land use;
  279  identifies allowed uses in various parts of the planning area;
  280  specifies maximum and minimum densities and intensities of use;
  281  and provides the general framework for the development pattern
  282  in developed areas with graphic illustrations based on a
  283  hierarchy of places and functional place-making components.
  284         2. A general identification of the water supplies needed
  285  and available sources of water, including water resource
  286  development and water supply development projects, and water
  287  conservation measures needed to meet the projected demand of the
  288  future land uses in the long-term master plan.
  289         3. A general identification of the transportation
  290  facilities to serve the future land uses in the long-term master
  291  plan, including guidelines to be used to establish each modal
  292  component intended to optimize mobility.
  293         4. A general identification of other regionally significant
  294  public facilities necessary to support the future land uses,
  295  which may include central utilities provided onsite within the
  296  planning area, and policies setting forth the procedures to be
  297  used to mitigate the impacts of future land uses on public
  298  facilities.
  299         5. A general identification of regionally significant
  300  natural resources within the planning area based on the best
  301  available data and policies setting forth the procedures for
  302  protection or conservation of specific resources consistent with
  303  the overall conservation and development strategy for the
  304  planning area.
  305         6. General principles and guidelines addressing the urban
  306  form and the interrelationships of future land uses; the
  307  protection and, as appropriate, restoration and management of
  308  lands identified for permanent preservation through recordation
  309  of conservation easements consistent with s. 704.06, which shall
  310  be phased or staged in coordination with detailed specific area
  311  plans to reflect phased or staged development within the
  312  planning area; achieving a more clean, healthy environment;
  313  limiting urban sprawl; providing a range of housing types;
  314  protecting wildlife and natural areas; advancing the efficient
  315  use of land and other resources; creating quality communities of
  316  a design that promotes travel by multiple transportation modes;
  317  and enhancing the prospects for the creation of jobs.
  318         7. Identification of general procedures and policies to
  319  facilitate intergovernmental coordination to address
  320  extrajurisdictional impacts from the future land uses.
  321  
  322  A long-term master plan adopted pursuant to this section may be
  323  based upon a planning period longer than the generally
  324  applicable planning period of the local comprehensive plan,
  325  shall specify the projected population within the planning area
  326  during the chosen planning period, and may include a phasing or
  327  staging schedule that allocates a portion of the local
  328  government’s future growth to the planning area through the
  329  planning period. A long-term master plan adopted pursuant to
  330  this section is not required to demonstrate need based upon
  331  projected population growth or on any other basis.
  332         (b) In addition to the other requirements of this chapter,
  333  except for those that are inconsistent with or superseded by the
  334  planning standards of this paragraph, the detailed specific area
  335  plans shall be consistent with the long-term master plan and
  336  must include conditions and commitments that provide for:
  337         1. Development or conservation of an area of at least 1,000
  338  acres consistent with the long-term master plan. The local
  339  government may approve detailed specific area plans of less than
  340  1,000 acres based on local circumstances if it is determined
  341  that the detailed specific area plan furthers the purposes of
  342  this part and part I of chapter 380.
  343         2. Detailed identification and analysis of the maximum and
  344  minimum densities and intensities of use and the distribution,
  345  extent, and location of future land uses.
  346         3. Detailed identification of water resource development
  347  and water supply development projects and related infrastructure
  348  and water conservation measures to address water needs of
  349  development in the detailed specific area plan.
  350         4. Detailed identification of the transportation facilities
  351  to serve the future land uses in the detailed specific area
  352  plan.
  353         5. Detailed identification of other regionally significant
  354  public facilities, including public facilities outside the
  355  jurisdiction of the host local government, impacts of future
  356  land uses on those facilities, and required improvements
  357  consistent with the long-term master plan.
  358         6. Public facilities necessary to serve development in the
  359  detailed specific area plan, including developer contributions
  360  in a 5-year capital improvement schedule of the affected local
  361  government.
  362         7. Detailed analysis and identification of specific
  363  measures to ensure the protection and, as appropriate,
  364  restoration and management of lands within the boundary of the
  365  detailed specific area plan identified for permanent
  366  preservation through recordation of conservation easements
  367  consistent with s. 704.06, which easements shall be effective
  368  before or concurrent with the effective date of the detailed
  369  specific area plan and other important resources both within and
  370  outside the host jurisdiction. Any such conservation easement
  371  may be based on digital orthophotography prepared by a surveyor
  372  and mapper licensed under chapter 472 and may include a right of
  373  adjustment authorizing the grantor to modify portions of the
  374  area protected by a conservation easement and substitute other
  375  lands in their place if the lands to be substituted contain no
  376  less gross acreage than the lands to be removed; have equivalent
  377  values in the proportion and quality of wetlands, uplands, and
  378  wildlife habitat; and are contiguous to other lands protected by
  379  the conservation easement. Substitution is accomplished by
  380  recording an amendment to the conservation easement as accepted
  381  by and with the consent of the grantee, and which consent may
  382  not be unreasonably withheld.
  383         8. Detailed principles and guidelines addressing the urban
  384  form and the interrelationships of future land uses; achieving a
  385  more clean, healthy environment; limiting urban sprawl;
  386  providing a range of housing types; protecting wildlife and
  387  natural areas; advancing the efficient use of land and other
  388  resources; creating quality communities of a design that
  389  promotes travel by multiple transportation modes; and enhancing
  390  the prospects for the creation of jobs.
  391         9. Identification of specific procedures to facilitate
  392  intergovernmental coordination to address extrajurisdictional
  393  impacts from the detailed specific area plan.
  394  
  395  A detailed specific area plan adopted by local development order
  396  pursuant to this section may be based upon a planning period
  397  longer than the generally applicable planning period of the
  398  local comprehensive plan and shall specify the projected
  399  population within the specific planning area during the chosen
  400  planning period. A detailed specific area plan adopted pursuant
  401  to this section is not required to demonstrate need based upon
  402  projected population growth or on any other basis. All lands
  403  identified in the long-term master plan for permanent
  404  preservation shall be subject to a recorded conservation
  405  easement consistent with s. 704.06 before or concurrent with the
  406  effective date of the final detailed specific area plan to be
  407  approved within the planning area. Any such conservation
  408  easement may be based on digital orthophotography prepared by a
  409  surveyor and mapper licensed under chapter 472 and may include a
  410  right of adjustment authorizing the grantor to modify portions
  411  of the area protected by a conservation easement and substitute
  412  other lands in their place if the lands to be substituted
  413  contain no less gross acreage than the lands to be removed; have
  414  equivalent values in the proportion and quality of wetlands,
  415  uplands, and wildlife habitat; and are contiguous to other lands
  416  protected by the conservation easement. Substitution is
  417  accomplished by recording an amendment to the conservation
  418  easement as accepted by and with the consent of the grantee, and
  419  which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.
  420         (c) In its review of a long-term master plan, the state
  421  land planning agency shall consult with the Department of
  422  Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of
  423  Environmental Protection, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
  424  Commission, and the applicable water management district
  425  regarding the design of areas for protection and conservation of
  426  regionally significant natural resources and for the protection
  427  and, as appropriate, restoration and management of lands
  428  identified for permanent preservation.
  429         (d) In its review of a long-term master plan, the state
  430  land planning agency shall consult with the Department of
  431  Transportation, the applicable metropolitan planning
  432  organization, and any urban transit agency regarding the
  433  location, capacity, design, and phasing or staging of major
  434  transportation facilities in the planning area.
  435         (e) Whenever a local government issues a development order
  436  approving a detailed specific area plan, a copy of such order
  437  shall be rendered to the state land planning agency and the
  438  owner or developer of the property affected by such order, as
  439  prescribed by rules of the state land planning agency for a
  440  development order for a development of regional impact. Within
  441  45 days after the order is rendered, the owner, the developer,
  442  or the state land planning agency may appeal the order to the
  443  Florida Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission by filing a
  444  petition alleging that the detailed specific area plan is not
  445  consistent with the comprehensive plan or with the long-term
  446  master plan adopted pursuant to this section. The appellant
  447  shall furnish a copy of the petition to the opposing party, as
  448  the case may be, and to the local government that issued the
  449  order. The filing of the petition stays the effectiveness of the
  450  order until after completion of the appeal process. However, if
  451  a development order approving a detailed specific area plan has
  452  been challenged by an aggrieved or adversely affected party in a
  453  judicial proceeding pursuant to s. 163.3215, and a party to such
  454  proceeding serves notice to the state land planning agency, the
  455  state land planning agency shall dismiss its appeal to the
  456  commission and shall have the right to intervene in the pending
  457  judicial proceeding pursuant to s. 163.3215. Proceedings for
  458  administrative review of an order approving a detailed specific
  459  area plan shall be conducted consistent with s. 380.07(6). The
  460  commission shall issue a decision granting or denying permission
  461  to develop pursuant to the long-term master plan and the
  462  standards of this part and may attach conditions or restrictions
  463  to its decisions.
  464         (f) The applicant for a detailed specific area plan shall
  465  transmit copies of the application to the reviewing agencies
  466  specified in s. 163.3184(1)(c), or their successor agencies, for
  467  review and comment as to whether the detailed specific area plan
  468  is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the long-term
  469  master plan. Any comments from the reviewing agencies shall be
  470  submitted in writing to the local government with jurisdiction
  471  and to the state land planning agency within 30 days after the
  472  applicant’s transmittal of the application.
  473         (g)(f) This subsection does not prevent preparation and
  474  approval of the sector plan and detailed specific area plan
  475  concurrently or in the same submission.
  476         (h)If an applicant seeks to use wetland or upland
  477  preservation achieved by granting conservation easements
  478  required under this section as compensatory mitigation for
  479  permitting purposes under chapter 373 or chapter 379, the
  480  Department of Environmental Protection, the Fish and Wildlife
  481  Conservation Commission, or the water management district may
  482  accept such mitigation under the criteria established in the
  483  uniform assessment method required by s. 373.414, or pursuant to
  484  chapter 379, as applicable, without considering the fact that a
  485  conservation easement encumbering the same real property was
  486  previously recorded pursuant to paragraph (b).
  487         (9) The adoption of a long-term master plan or a detailed
  488  specific area plan pursuant to this section does not limit the
  489  right to continue existing agricultural or silvicultural uses or
  490  other natural resource-based operations or to establish similar
  491  new agricultural or silvicultural uses that are consistent with
  492  the plans approved pursuant to this section.
  493         (13) An applicant with an approved master development order
  494  may request that the applicable water management district issue
  495  a consumptive use permit as set forth in s. 373.236(8) for the
  496  same period of time as the approved master development order.
  497         (15) The more specific provisions of this section shall
  498  supersede the generally applicable provisions of this chapter
  499  which otherwise would apply. This section does not preclude a
  500  local government from requiring data and analysis beyond the
  501  minimum criteria established in this section.
  502         Section 5. Subsection (11) of section 163.3246, Florida
  503  Statutes, is amended, and subsection (14) is added to that
  504  section to read:
  505         163.3246 Local government comprehensive planning
  506  certification program.—
  507         (11) If the local government of an area described in
  508  subsection (10) does not request that the state land planning
  509  agency review the developments of regional impact that are
  510  proposed within the certified area, an application for approval
  511  of a development order within the certified area shall be exempt
  512  from review under s. 380.06, subject to the following:
  513         (a) Concurrent with filing an application for development
  514  approval with the local government, a developer proposing a
  515  project that would have been subject to review pursuant to s.
  516  380.06 shall notify in writing the regional planning council
  517  with jurisdiction.
  518         (b) The regional planning council shall coordinate with the
  519  developer and the local government to ensure that all
  520  concurrency requirements as well as federal, state, and local
  521  environmental permit requirements are met.
  522         (14) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage the
  523  creation of connected-city corridors that facilitate the growth
  524  of high-technology industry and innovation through partnerships
  525  that support research, marketing, workforce, and
  526  entrepreneurship. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide
  527  for a locally controlled, comprehensive plan amendment process
  528  for such projects that are designed to achieve a cleaner,
  529  healthier environment; limit urban sprawl by promoting diverse
  530  but interconnected communities; provide a range of
  531  intergenerational housing types; protect wildlife and natural
  532  areas; assure the efficient use of land and other resources;
  533  create quality communities of a design that promotes alternative
  534  transportation networks and travel by multiple transportation
  535  modes; and enhance the prospects for the creation of jobs. The
  536  Legislature finds and declares that this state’s connected-city
  537  corridors require a reduced level of state and regional
  538  oversight because of their high degree of urbanization and the
  539  planning capabilities and resources of the local government.
  540         (a) Notwithstanding subsections (2), (4), (5), (6), and
  541  (7), Pasco County is named a pilot community and shall be
  542  considered certified for a period of 10 years for connected-city
  543  corridor plan amendments. The state land planning agency shall
  544  provide a written notice of certification to Pasco County by
  545  July 15, 2015, which shall be considered a final agency action
  546  subject to challenge under s. 120.569. The notice of
  547  certification must include:
  548         1. The boundary of the connected-city corridor
  549  certification area; and
  550         2. A requirement that Pasco County submit an annual or
  551  biennial monitoring report to the state land planning agency
  552  according to the schedule provided in the written notice. The
  553  monitoring report must, at a minimum, include the number of
  554  amendments to the comprehensive plan adopted by Pasco County,
  555  the number of plan amendments challenged by an affected person,
  556  and the disposition of such challenges.
  557         (b) A plan amendment adopted under this subsection may be
  558  based upon a planning period longer than the generally
  559  applicable planning period of the Pasco County local
  560  comprehensive plan, must specify the projected population within
  561  the planning area during the chosen planning period, may include
  562  a phasing or staging schedule that allocates a portion of Pasco
  563  County’s future growth to the planning area through the planning
  564  period, and may designate a priority zone or subarea within the
  565  connected-city corridor for initial implementation of the plan.
  566  A plan amendment adopted under this subsection is not required
  567  to demonstrate need based upon projected population growth or on
  568  any other basis.
  569         (c) If Pasco County adopts a long-term transportation
  570  network plan and financial feasibility plan, and subject to
  571  compliance with the requirements of such a plan, the projects
  572  within the connected-city corridor are deemed to have satisfied
  573  all concurrency and other state agency or local government
  574  transportation mitigation requirements except for site-specific
  575  access management requirements.
  576         (d) If Pasco County does not request that the state land
  577  planning agency review the developments of regional impact that
  578  are proposed within the certified area, an application for
  579  approval of a development order within the certified area is
  580  exempt from review under s. 380.06.
  581         (e) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government
  582  Accountability (OPPAGA) shall submit to the Governor, the
  583  President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of
  584  Representatives by December 1, 2024, a report and
  585  recommendations for implementing a statewide program that
  586  addresses the legislative findings in this subsection. In
  587  consultation with the state land planning agency, OPPAGA shall
  588  develop the report and recommendations with input from other
  589  state and regional agencies, local governments, and interest
  590  groups. OPPAGA shall also solicit citizen input in the
  591  potentially affected areas and consult with the affected local
  592  government and stakeholder groups. Additionally, OPPAGA shall
  593  review local and state actions and correspondence relating to
  594  the pilot program to identify issues of process and substance in
  595  recommending changes to the pilot program. At a minimum, the
  596  report and recommendations must include:
  597         1. Identification of local governments other than the local
  598  government participating in the pilot program which should be
  599  certified. The report may also recommend that a local government
  600  is no longer appropriate for certification; and
  601         2. Changes to the certification pilot program.
  602         Section 6. Subsection (4) of section 163.3248, Florida
  603  Statutes, is amended to read:
  604         163.3248 Rural land stewardship areas.—
  605         (4) A local government or one or more property owners may
  606  request assistance and participation in the development of a
  607  plan for the rural land stewardship area from the state land
  608  planning agency, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
  609  Services, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the
  610  Department of Environmental Protection, the appropriate water
  611  management district, the Department of Transportation, the
  612  regional planning council, private land owners, and
  613  stakeholders.
  614         Section 7. Subsection (8) of section 163.340, Florida
  615  Statutes, is amended to read:
  616         163.340 Definitions.—The following terms, wherever used or
  617  referred to in this part, have the following meanings:
  618         (8) “Blighted area” means an area in which there are a
  619  substantial number of deteriorated, or deteriorating
  620  structures;, in which conditions, as indicated by government
  621  maintained statistics or other studies, endanger life or
  622  property or are leading to economic distress; or endanger life
  623  or property, and in which two or more of the following factors
  624  are present:
  625         (a) Predominance of defective or inadequate street layout,
  626  parking facilities, roadways, bridges, or public transportation
  627  facilities.;
  628         (b) Aggregate assessed values of real property in the area
  629  for ad valorem tax purposes have failed to show any appreciable
  630  increase over the 5 years prior to the finding of such
  631  conditions.;
  632         (c) Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy,
  633  accessibility, or usefulness.;
  634         (d) Unsanitary or unsafe conditions.;
  635         (e) Deterioration of site or other improvements.;
  636         (f) Inadequate and outdated building density patterns.;
  637         (g) Falling lease rates per square foot of office,
  638  commercial, or industrial space compared to the remainder of the
  639  county or municipality.;
  640         (h) Tax or special assessment delinquency exceeding the
  641  fair value of the land.;
  642         (i) Residential and commercial vacancy rates higher in the
  643  area than in the remainder of the county or municipality.;
  644         (j) Incidence of crime in the area higher than in the
  645  remainder of the county or municipality.;
  646         (k) Fire and emergency medical service calls to the area
  647  proportionately higher than in the remainder of the county or
  648  municipality.;
  649         (l) A greater number of violations of the Florida Building
  650  Code in the area than the number of violations recorded in the
  651  remainder of the county or municipality.;
  652         (m) Diversity of ownership or defective or unusual
  653  conditions of title which prevent the free alienability of land
  654  within the deteriorated or hazardous area.; or
  655         (n) Governmentally owned property with adverse
  656  environmental conditions caused by a public or private entity.
  657         (o) A substantial number or percentage of properties
  658  damaged by sinkhole activity which have not been adequately
  659  repaired or stabilized.
  660  
  661  However, the term “blighted area” also means any area in which
  662  at least one of the factors identified in paragraphs (a) through
  663  (o) is (n) are present and all taxing authorities subject to s.
  664  163.387(2)(a) agree, either by interlocal agreement or
  665  agreements with the agency or by resolution, that the area is
  666  blighted. Such agreement or resolution must be limited to a
  667  determination shall only determine that the area is blighted.
  668  For purposes of qualifying for the tax credits authorized in
  669  chapter 220, “blighted area” means an area as defined in this
  670  subsection.
  671         Section 8. Subsection (3) of section 163.524, Florida
  672  Statutes, is amended to read:
  673         163.524 Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Program;
  674  participation; creation of Neighborhood Preservation and
  675  Enhancement Districts; creation of Neighborhood Councils and
  676  Neighborhood Enhancement Plans.—
  677         (3) After the boundaries and size of the Neighborhood
  678  Preservation and Enhancement District have been defined, the
  679  local government shall pass an ordinance authorizing the
  680  creation of the Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement
  681  District. The ordinance shall contain a finding that the
  682  boundaries of the Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement
  683  District comply with meet the provisions of s. 163.340(7) or s.
  684  (8)(a)-(o) (8)(a)-(n) or do not contain properties that are
  685  protected by deed restrictions. Such ordinance may be amended or
  686  repealed in the same manner as other local ordinances.
  687         Section 9. Section 186.0201, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
  688         Section 10. Subsection (22) of section 186.505, Florida
  689  Statutes, is amended to read:
  690         186.505 Regional planning councils; powers and duties.—Any
  691  regional planning council created hereunder shall have the
  692  following powers:
  693         (22) To establish and conduct a cross-acceptance
  694  negotiation process with local governments intended to resolve
  695  inconsistencies between applicable local and regional plans,
  696  with participation by local governments being voluntary.
  697         Section 11. Section 186.512, Florida Statutes, is created
  698  to read:
  699         186.512 Designation of regional planning councils.
  700         (1) The territorial area of the state is subdivided into
  701  the following districts for the purpose of regional
  702  comprehensive planning. The name and geographic area of each
  703  respective district must accord with the following:
  704         (a) West Florida Regional Planning Council: Bay, Escambia,
  705  Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington Counties.
  706         (b) Apalachee Regional Planning Council: Calhoun, Franklin,
  707  Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla
  708  Counties.
  709         (c) North Central Florida Regional Planning Council:
  710  Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton,
  711  Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Marion, Suwannee, Taylor, and Union
  712  Counties.
  713         (d) Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council: Baker,
  714  Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns Counties.
  715         (e) East Central Florida Regional Planning Council:
  716  Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia
  717  Counties.
  718         (f) Central Florida Regional Planning Council: DeSoto,
  719  Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, and Polk Counties.
  720         (g) Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council: Citrus, Hernando,
  721  Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties.
  722         (h) Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council: Charlotte,
  723  Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota Counties.
  724         (i) Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council: Indian River,
  725  Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Counties.
  726         (j) South Florida Regional Planning Council: Broward,
  727  Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties.
  728         (2) Beginning January 1, 2016, and thereafter, the Governor
  729  may review and update the district boundaries of the regional
  730  planning councils pursuant to his authority under s. 186.506(4).
  731         (3) For the purposes of transition from one regional
  732  planning council to another, the successor regional planning
  733  council shall apply the prior strategic regional policy plan to
  734  a local government until such time as the successor regional
  735  planning council amends its plan pursuant to this chapter to
  736  include the affected local government within the new region.
  737         Section 12. Section 186.513, Florida Statutes, is amended
  738  to read:
  739         186.513 Reports.—Each regional planning council shall
  740  prepare and furnish an annual report on its activities to the
  741  state land planning agency as defined in s. 163.3164 and the
  742  local general-purpose governments within its boundaries and,
  743  upon payment as may be established by the council, to any
  744  interested person. The regional planning councils shall make a
  745  joint report and recommendations to appropriate legislative
  746  committees.
  747         Section 13. Subsection (2) of section 190.005, Florida
  748  Statutes, is amended to read:
  749         190.005 Establishment of district.—
  750         (2) The exclusive and uniform method for the establishment
  751  of a community development district of less than 1,000 acres in
  752  size or a community development district of up to 2,000 acres in
  753  size located within a connected-city corridor established
  754  pursuant to s. 163.3246(14) shall be pursuant to an ordinance
  755  adopted by the county commission of the county having
  756  jurisdiction over the majority of land in the area in which the
  757  district is to be located granting a petition for the
  758  establishment of a community development district as follows:
  759         (a) A petition for the establishment of a community
  760  development district shall be filed by the petitioner with the
  761  county commission. The petition shall contain the same
  762  information as required in paragraph (1)(a).
  763         (b) A public hearing on the petition shall be conducted by
  764  the county commission in accordance with the requirements and
  765  procedures of paragraph (1)(d).
  766         (c) The county commission shall consider the record of the
  767  public hearing and the factors set forth in paragraph (1)(e) in
  768  making its determination to grant or deny a petition for the
  769  establishment of a community development district.
  770         (d) The county commission shall not adopt any ordinance
  771  which would expand, modify, or delete any provision of the
  772  uniform community development district charter as set forth in
  773  ss. 190.006-190.041. An ordinance establishing a community
  774  development district shall only include the matters provided for
  775  in paragraph (1)(f) unless the commission consents to any of the
  776  optional powers under s. 190.012(2) at the request of the
  777  petitioner.
  778         (e) If all of the land in the area for the proposed
  779  district is within the territorial jurisdiction of a municipal
  780  corporation, then the petition requesting establishment of a
  781  community development district under this act shall be filed by
  782  the petitioner with that particular municipal corporation. In
  783  such event, the duties of the county, hereinabove described, in
  784  action upon the petition shall be the duties of the municipal
  785  corporation. If any of the land area of a proposed district is
  786  within the land area of a municipality, the county commission
  787  may not create the district without municipal approval. If all
  788  of the land in the area for the proposed district, even if less
  789  than 1,000 acres, is within the territorial jurisdiction of two
  790  or more municipalities, except for proposed districts within a
  791  connected-city corridor established pursuant to s. 163.3246(14),
  792  the petition shall be filed with the Florida Land and Water
  793  Adjudicatory Commission and proceed in accordance with
  794  subsection (1).
  795         (f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection,
  796  within 90 days after a petition for the establishment of a
  797  community development district has been filed pursuant to this
  798  subsection, the governing body of the county or municipal
  799  corporation may transfer the petition to the Florida Land and
  800  Water Adjudicatory Commission, which shall make the
  801  determination to grant or deny the petition as provided in
  802  subsection (1). A county or municipal corporation shall have no
  803  right or power to grant or deny a petition that has been
  804  transferred to the Florida Land and Water Adjudicatory
  805  Commission.
  806         Section 14. Section 253.7828, Florida Statutes, is amended
  807  to read:
  808         253.7828 Impairment of use or conservation by agencies
  809  prohibited.—All agencies of the state, regional planning
  810  councils, water management districts, and local governments
  811  shall recognize the special character of the lands and waters
  812  designated by the state as the Cross Florida Greenways State
  813  Recreation and Conservation Area and shall not take any action
  814  which will impair its use and conservation.
  815         Section 15. Section 260.018, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
  816         Section 16. Paragraph (j) of subsection (4) of section
  817  339.135, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  818         339.135 Work program; legislative budget request;
  819  definitions; preparation, adoption, execution, and amendment.—
  820         (4) FUNDING AND DEVELOPING A TENTATIVE WORK PROGRAM.—
  821         (j) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) and for the 2014-2015
  822  fiscal year only, the department may use up to $15 million of
  823  appropriated funds to pay the costs of strategic and regionally
  824  significant transportation projects. Funds may be used to
  825  provide up to 75 percent of project costs for production-ready
  826  eligible projects. Preference shall be given to projects that
  827  support the state’s economic regions, or that have been
  828  identified as regionally significant in accordance with s.
  829  339.155(4)(c), (d), and (e), and that have an increased level of
  830  nonstate match. This paragraph expires July 1, 2015.
  831         Section 17. Paragraph (b) of subsection (4) of section
  832  339.155, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  833         339.155 Transportation planning.—
  834         (4) ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANS.—
  835         (b) Each regional planning council, as provided for in s.
  836  186.504, or any successor agency thereto, shall develop, as an
  837  element of its strategic regional policy plan, transportation
  838  goals and policies. The transportation goals and policies must
  839  be prioritized to comply with the prevailing principles provided
  840  in subsection (1) and s. 334.046(1). The transportation goals
  841  and policies shall be consistent, to the maximum extent
  842  feasible, with the goals and policies of the metropolitan
  843  planning organization and the Florida Transportation Plan. The
  844  transportation goals and policies of the regional planning
  845  council will be advisory only and shall be submitted to the
  846  department and any affected metropolitan planning organization
  847  for their consideration and comments. Metropolitan planning
  848  organization plans and other local transportation plans shall be
  849  developed consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the
  850  regional transportation goals and policies. The regional
  851  planning council shall review urbanized area transportation
  852  plans and any other planning products stipulated in s. 339.175
  853  and provide the department and respective metropolitan planning
  854  organizations with written recommendations, which the department
  855  and the metropolitan planning organizations shall take under
  856  advisement. Further, the regional planning councils shall
  857  directly assist local governments that are not part of a
  858  metropolitan area transportation planning process in the
  859  development of the transportation element of their comprehensive
  860  plans as required by s. 163.3177.
  861         Section 18. Subsection (8) is added to section 373.236,
  862  Florida Statutes, to read:
  863         373.236 Duration of permits; compliance reports.—
  864         (8) A water management district may issue a permit to an
  865  applicant, as set forth in s. 163.3245(13), for the same period
  866  of time as the applicant’s approved master development order if
  867  the master development order was issued under s. 380.06(21) by a
  868  county which, at the time the order issued, was designated as a
  869  rural area of opportunity under s. 288.0656, was not located in
  870  an area encompassed by a regional water supply plan as set forth
  871  in s. 373.709(1), and was not located within the basin
  872  management action plan of a first magnitude spring. In reviewing
  873  the permit application and determining the permit duration, the
  874  water management district shall apply s. 163.3245(4)(b).
  875         Section 19. Subsection (18) of section 380.06, Florida
  876  Statutes, is amended and subsection (30) is added to that
  877  section, to read:
  878         380.06 Developments of regional impact.—
  879         (18) BIENNIAL REPORTS.—The developer shall submit a
  880  biennial report on the development of regional impact to the
  881  local government, the regional planning agency, the state land
  882  planning agency, and all affected permit agencies in alternate
  883  years on the date specified in the development order, unless the
  884  development order by its terms requires more frequent
  885  monitoring. If the report is not received, the regional planning
  886  agency or the state land planning agency shall notify the local
  887  government. If the local government does not receive the report
  888  or receives notification that the regional planning agency or
  889  the state land planning agency has not received the report, the
  890  local government shall request in writing that the developer
  891  submit the report within 30 days. The failure to submit the
  892  report after 30 days shall result in the temporary suspension of
  893  the development order by the local government. If no additional
  894  development pursuant to the development order has occurred since
  895  the submission of the previous report, then a letter from the
  896  developer stating that no development has occurred shall satisfy
  897  the requirement for a report. Development orders that require
  898  annual reports may be amended to require biennial reports at the
  899  option of the local government.
  900         (30) NEW PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS.—A new proposed development
  901  otherwise subject to the review requirements of this section
  902  shall be approved by a local government pursuant to s.
  903  163.3184(4) in lieu of proceeding in accordance with this
  904  section.
  905         Section 20. Subsections (2) and (3) of section 403.50663,
  906  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  907         403.50663 Informational public meetings.—
  908         (2) Informational public meetings shall be held solely at
  909  the option of each local government or regional planning council
  910  if a public meeting is not held by the local government. It is
  911  the legislative intent that local governments or regional
  912  planning councils attempt to hold such public meetings. Parties
  913  to the proceedings under this act shall be encouraged to attend;
  914  however, no party other than the applicant and the department
  915  shall be required to attend such informational public meetings.
  916         (3) A local government or regional planning council that
  917  intends to conduct an informational public meeting must provide
  918  notice of the meeting to all parties not less than 5 days prior
  919  to the meeting and to the general public in accordance with s.
  920  403.5115(5). The expense for such notice is eligible for
  921  reimbursement under s. 403.518(2)(c)1.
  922         Section 21. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
  923  403.507, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  924         403.507 Preliminary statements of issues, reports, project
  925  analyses, and studies.—
  926         (2)(a) No later than 100 days after the certification
  927  application has been determined complete, the following agencies
  928  shall prepare reports as provided below and shall submit them to
  929  the department and the applicant, unless a final order denying
  930  the determination of need has been issued under s. 403.519:
  931         1. The Department of Economic Opportunity shall prepare a
  932  report containing recommendations which address the impact upon
  933  the public of the proposed electrical power plant, based on the
  934  degree to which the electrical power plant is consistent with
  935  the applicable portions of the state comprehensive plan,
  936  emergency management, and other such matters within its
  937  jurisdiction. The Department of Economic Opportunity may also
  938  comment on the consistency of the proposed electrical power
  939  plant with applicable strategic regional policy plans or local
  940  comprehensive plans and land development regulations.
  941         2. The water management district shall prepare a report as
  942  to matters within its jurisdiction, including but not limited
  943  to, the impact of the proposed electrical power plant on water
  944  resources, regional water supply planning, and district-owned
  945  lands and works.
  946         3. Each local government in whose jurisdiction the proposed
  947  electrical power plant is to be located shall prepare a report
  948  as to the consistency of the proposed electrical power plant
  949  with all applicable local ordinances, regulations, standards, or
  950  criteria that apply to the proposed electrical power plant,
  951  including any applicable local environmental regulations adopted
  952  pursuant to s. 403.182 or by other means.
  953         4. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall
  954  prepare a report as to matters within its jurisdiction.
  955         5. Each regional planning council shall prepare a report
  956  containing recommendations that address the impact upon the
  957  public of the proposed electrical power plant, based on the
  958  degree to which the electrical power plant is consistent with
  959  the applicable provisions of the strategic regional policy plan
  960  adopted pursuant to chapter 186 and other matters within its
  961  jurisdiction.
  962         5.6. The Department of Transportation shall address the
  963  impact of the proposed electrical power plant on matters within
  964  its jurisdiction.
  965         Section 22. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) and paragraph
  966  (a) of subsection (4) of section 403.508, Florida Statutes, are
  967  amended to read:
  968         403.508 Land use and certification hearings, parties,
  969  participants.—
  970         (3)(a) Parties to the proceeding shall include:
  971         1. The applicant.
  972         2. The Public Service Commission.
  973         3. The Department of Economic Opportunity.
  974         4. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
  975         5. The water management district.
  976         6. The department.
  977         7. The regional planning council.
  978         7.8. The local government.
  979         8.9. The Department of Transportation.
  980         (4)(a) The order of presentation at the certification
  981  hearing, unless otherwise changed by the administrative law
  982  judge to ensure the orderly presentation of witnesses and
  983  evidence, shall be:
  984         1. The applicant.
  985         2. The department.
  986         3. State agencies.
  987         4. Regional agencies, including regional planning councils
  988  and water management districts.
  989         5. Local governments.
  990         6. Other parties.
  991         Section 23. Subsection (5) of section 403.5115, Florida
  992  Statutes, is amended to read:
  993         403.5115 Public notice.—
  994         (5) A local government or regional planning council that
  995  proposes to conduct an informational public meeting pursuant to
  996  s. 403.50663 must publish notice of the meeting in a newspaper
  997  of general circulation within the county or counties in which
  998  the proposed electrical power plant will be located no later
  999  than 7 days prior to the meeting. A newspaper of general
 1000  circulation shall be the newspaper that has the largest daily
 1001  circulation in that county and has its principal office in that
 1002  county. If the newspaper with the largest daily circulation has
 1003  its principal office outside the county, the notices shall
 1004  appear in both the newspaper having the largest circulation in
 1005  that county and in a newspaper authorized to publish legal
 1006  notices in that county.
 1007         Section 24. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
 1008  403.526, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1009         403.526 Preliminary statements of issues, reports, and
 1010  project analyses; studies.—
 1011         (2)(a) No later than 90 days after the filing of the
 1012  application, the following agencies shall prepare reports as
 1013  provided below, unless a final order denying the determination
 1014  of need has been issued under s. 403.537:
 1015         1. The department shall prepare a report as to the impact
 1016  of each proposed transmission line or corridor as it relates to
 1017  matters within its jurisdiction.
 1018         2. Each water management district in the jurisdiction of
 1019  which a proposed transmission line or corridor is to be located
 1020  shall prepare a report as to the impact on water resources and
 1021  other matters within its jurisdiction.
 1022         3. The Department of Economic Opportunity shall prepare a
 1023  report containing recommendations which address the impact upon
 1024  the public of the proposed transmission line or corridor, based
 1025  on the degree to which the proposed transmission line or
 1026  corridor is consistent with the applicable portions of the state
 1027  comprehensive plan, emergency management, and other matters
 1028  within its jurisdiction. The Department of Economic Opportunity
 1029  may also comment on the consistency of the proposed transmission
 1030  line or corridor with applicable strategic regional policy plans
 1031  or local comprehensive plans and land development regulations.
 1032         4. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall
 1033  prepare a report as to the impact of each proposed transmission
 1034  line or corridor on fish and wildlife resources and other
 1035  matters within its jurisdiction.
 1036         5. Each local government shall prepare a report as to the
 1037  impact of each proposed transmission line or corridor on matters
 1038  within its jurisdiction, including the consistency of the
 1039  proposed transmission line or corridor with all applicable local
 1040  ordinances, regulations, standards, or criteria that apply to
 1041  the proposed transmission line or corridor, including local
 1042  comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, land development
 1043  regulations, and any applicable local environmental regulations
 1044  adopted pursuant to s. 403.182 or by other means. A change by
 1045  the responsible local government or local agency in local
 1046  comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, or other regulations
 1047  made after the date required for the filing of the local
 1048  government’s report required by this section is not applicable
 1049  to the certification of the proposed transmission line or
 1050  corridor unless the certification is denied or the application
 1051  is withdrawn.
 1052         6. Each regional planning council shall present a report
 1053  containing recommendations that address the impact upon the
 1054  public of the proposed transmission line or corridor based on
 1055  the degree to which the transmission line or corridor is
 1056  consistent with the applicable provisions of the strategic
 1057  regional policy plan adopted under chapter 186 and other impacts
 1058  of each proposed transmission line or corridor on matters within
 1059  its jurisdiction.
 1060         6.7. The Department of Transportation shall prepare a
 1061  report as to the impact of the proposed transmission line or
 1062  corridor on state roads, railroads, airports, aeronautics,
 1063  seaports, and other matters within its jurisdiction.
 1064         7.8. The commission shall prepare a report containing its
 1065  determination under s. 403.537, and the report may include the
 1066  comments from the commission with respect to any other subject
 1067  within its jurisdiction.
 1068         8.9. Any other agency, if requested by the department,
 1069  shall also perform studies or prepare reports as to subjects
 1070  within the jurisdiction of the agency which may potentially be
 1071  affected by the proposed transmission line.
 1072         Section 25. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) and paragraph
 1073  (a) of subsection (3) of section 403.527, Florida Statutes, are
 1074  amended to read:
 1075         403.527 Certification hearing, parties, participants.—
 1076         (2)(a) Parties to the proceeding shall be:
 1077         1. The applicant.
 1078         2. The department.
 1079         3. The commission.
 1080         4. The Department of Economic Opportunity.
 1081         5. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
 1082         6. The Department of Transportation.
 1083         7. Each water management district in the jurisdiction of
 1084  which the proposed transmission line or corridor is to be
 1085  located.
 1086         8. The local government.
 1087         9. The regional planning council.
 1088         (3)(a) The order of presentation at the certification
 1089  hearing, unless otherwise changed by the administrative law
 1090  judge to ensure the orderly presentation of witnesses and
 1091  evidence, shall be:
 1092         1. The applicant.
 1093         2. The department.
 1094         3. State agencies.
 1095         4. Regional agencies, including regional planning councils
 1096  and water management districts.
 1097         5. Local governments.
 1098         6. Other parties.
 1099         Section 26. Subsections (2) and (3) of section 403.5272,
 1100  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
 1101         403.5272 Informational public meetings.—
 1102         (2) Informational public meetings shall be held solely at
 1103  the option of each local government or regional planning
 1104  council. It is the legislative intent that local governments or
 1105  regional planning councils attempt to hold such public meetings.
 1106  Parties to the proceedings under this act shall be encouraged to
 1107  attend; however, a party other than the applicant and the
 1108  department is not required to attend the informational public
 1109  meetings.
 1110         (3) A local government or regional planning council that
 1111  intends to conduct an informational public meeting must provide
 1112  notice of the meeting, with notice sent to all parties listed in
 1113  s. 403.527(2)(a), not less than 15 days before the meeting and
 1114  to the general public in accordance with s. 403.5363(4).
 1115         Section 27. Subsection (4) of section 403.7264, Florida
 1116  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1117         403.7264 Amnesty days for purging small quantities of
 1118  hazardous wastes.—Amnesty days are authorized by the state for
 1119  the purpose of purging small quantities of hazardous waste, free
 1120  of charge, from the possession of homeowners, farmers, schools,
 1121  state agencies, and small businesses. These entities have no
 1122  appropriate economically feasible mechanism for disposing of
 1123  their hazardous wastes at the present time. In order to raise
 1124  public awareness on this issue, provide an educational process,
 1125  accommodate those entities which have a need to dispose of small
 1126  quantities of hazardous waste, and preserve the waters of the
 1127  state, amnesty days shall be carried out in the following
 1128  manner:
 1129         (4) Regional planning councils shall assist the department
 1130  in site selection, public awareness, and program coordination.
 1131  However, the department shall retain full responsibility for the
 1132  state amnesty days program.
 1133         Section 28. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
 1134  403.941, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1135         403.941 Preliminary statements of issues, reports, and
 1136  studies.—
 1137         (2)(a) The affected agencies shall prepare reports as
 1138  provided in this paragraph and shall submit them to the
 1139  department and the applicant within 60 days after the
 1140  application is determined sufficient:
 1141         1. The department shall prepare a report as to the impact
 1142  of each proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor
 1143  as it relates to matters within its jurisdiction.
 1144         2. Each water management district in the jurisdiction of
 1145  which a proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor
 1146  is to be located shall prepare a report as to the impact on
 1147  water resources and other matters within its jurisdiction.
 1148         3. The Department of Economic Opportunity shall prepare a
 1149  report containing recommendations which address the impact upon
 1150  the public of the proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or
 1151  corridor, based on the degree to which the proposed natural gas
 1152  transmission pipeline or corridor is consistent with the
 1153  applicable portions of the state comprehensive plan and other
 1154  matters within its jurisdiction. The Department of Economic
 1155  Opportunity may also comment on the consistency of the proposed
 1156  natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor with applicable
 1157  strategic regional policy plans or local comprehensive plans and
 1158  land development regulations.
 1159         4. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall
 1160  prepare a report as to the impact of each proposed natural gas
 1161  transmission pipeline or corridor on fish and wildlife resources
 1162  and other matters within its jurisdiction.
 1163         5. Each local government in which the natural gas
 1164  transmission pipeline or natural gas transmission pipeline
 1165  corridor will be located shall prepare a report as to the impact
 1166  of each proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor
 1167  on matters within its jurisdiction, including the consistency of
 1168  the proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor with
 1169  all applicable local ordinances, regulations, standards, or
 1170  criteria that apply to the proposed natural gas transmission
 1171  pipeline or corridor, including local comprehensive plans,
 1172  zoning regulations, land development regulations, and any
 1173  applicable local environmental regulations adopted pursuant to
 1174  s. 403.182 or by other means. No change by the responsible local
 1175  government or local agency in local comprehensive plans, zoning
 1176  ordinances, or other regulations made after the date required
 1177  for the filing of the local government’s report required by this
 1178  section shall be applicable to the certification of the proposed
 1179  natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor unless the
 1180  certification is denied or the application is withdrawn.
 1181         6. Each regional planning council in which the natural gas
 1182  transmission pipeline or natural gas transmission pipeline
 1183  corridor will be located shall present a report containing
 1184  recommendations that address the impact upon the public of the
 1185  proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor, based on
 1186  the degree to which the natural gas transmission pipeline or
 1187  corridor is consistent with the applicable provisions of the
 1188  strategic regional policy plan adopted pursuant to chapter 186
 1189  and other impacts of each proposed natural gas transmission
 1190  pipeline or corridor on matters within its jurisdiction.
 1191         6.7. The Department of Transportation shall prepare a
 1192  report on the effect of the natural gas transmission pipeline or
 1193  natural gas transmission pipeline corridor on matters within its
 1194  jurisdiction, including roadway crossings by the pipeline. The
 1195  report shall contain at a minimum:
 1196         a. A report by the applicant to the department stating that
 1197  all requirements of the department’s utilities accommodation
 1198  guide have been or will be met in regard to the proposed
 1199  pipeline or pipeline corridor; and
 1200         b. A statement by the department as to the adequacy of the
 1201  report to the department by the applicant.
 1202         7.8. The Department of State, Division of Historical
 1203  Resources, shall prepare a report on the impact of the natural
 1204  gas transmission pipeline or natural gas transmission pipeline
 1205  corridor on matters within its jurisdiction.
 1206         8.9. The commission shall prepare a report addressing
 1207  matters within its jurisdiction. The commission’s report shall
 1208  include its determination of need issued pursuant to s.
 1209  403.9422.
 1210         Section 29. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) and subsection
 1211  (6) of section 403.9411, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
 1212         403.9411 Notice; proceedings; parties and participants.—
 1213         (4)(a) Parties to the proceeding shall be:
 1214         1. The applicant.
 1215         2. The department.
 1216         3. The commission.
 1217         4. The Department of Economic Opportunity.
 1218         5. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
 1219         6. Each water management district in the jurisdiction of
 1220  which the proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor
 1221  is to be located.
 1222         7. The local government.
 1223         8. The regional planning council.
 1224         8.9. The Department of Transportation.
 1225         9.10. The Department of State, Division of Historical
 1226  Resources.
 1227         (6) The order of presentation at the certification hearing,
 1228  unless otherwise changed by the administrative law judge to
 1229  ensure the orderly presentation of witnesses and evidence, shall
 1230  be:
 1231         (a) The applicant.
 1232         (b) The department.
 1233         (c) State agencies.
 1234         (d) Regional agencies, including regional planning councils
 1235  and water management districts.
 1236         (e) Local governments.
 1237         (f) Other parties.
 1238         Section 30. Subsection (6) of section 419.001, Florida
 1239  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1240         419.001 Site selection of community residential homes.—
 1241         (6) If agreed to by both the local government and the
 1242  sponsoring agency, a conflict may be resolved through informal
 1243  mediation. The local government shall arrange for the services
 1244  of an independent mediator or may utilize the dispute resolution
 1245  process established by a regional planning council pursuant to
 1246  s. 186.509. Mediation shall be concluded within 45 days of a
 1247  request therefor. The resolution of any issue through the
 1248  mediation process shall not alter any person’s right to a
 1249  judicial determination of any issue if that person is entitled
 1250  to such a determination under statutory or common law.
 1251         Section 31. Subsection (4) of section 985.682, Florida
 1252  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1253         985.682 Siting of facilities; criteria.—
 1254         (4) When the department requests such a modification and it
 1255  is denied by the local government, the local government or the
 1256  department shall initiate the dispute resolution process
 1257  established under s. 186.509 to reconcile differences on the
 1258  siting of correctional facilities between the department, local
 1259  governments, and private citizens. If the regional planning
 1260  council has not established a dispute resolution process
 1261  pursuant to s. 186.509, The department shall establish, by rule,
 1262  procedures for dispute resolution. The dispute resolution
 1263  process shall require the parties to commence meetings to
 1264  reconcile their differences. If the parties fail to resolve
 1265  their differences within 30 days after the denial, the parties
 1266  shall engage in voluntary mediation or similar process. If the
 1267  parties fail to resolve their differences by mediation within 60
 1268  days after the denial, or if no action is taken on the
 1269  department’s request within 90 days after the request, the
 1270  department must appeal the decision of the local government on
 1271  the requested modification of local plans, ordinances, or
 1272  regulations to the Governor and Cabinet. Any dispute resolution
 1273  process initiated under this section must conform to the time
 1274  limitations set forth herein. However, upon agreement of all
 1275  parties, the time limits may be extended, but in no event may
 1276  the dispute resolution process extend over 180 days.
 1277         Section 32. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.