CS for CS for SB 1216                            First Engrossed
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       20151216e1
       
    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   23         this chapter inconsistent with or superseded by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   27         superseded by certain planning standards relating to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. 339.155, F.S.; removing certain
   98         duties of regional planning councils; amending s.
   99         373.236, F.S.; authorizing a water management district
  100         to issue a permit to an applicant for the same period
  101         of time as the applicant’s approved master development
  102         order, subject to certain requirements and
  103         restrictions; amending s. 380.06, F.S.; removing the
  104         requirement that certain developers submit biennial
  105         reports to regional planning agencies; providing that
  106         new proposed developments are subject to the state
  107         coordinated review process and not the development of
  108         regional impact review process; amending s. 403.50663,
  109         F.S.; removing requirements relating to certain
  110         informational public meetings; amending s. 403.507,
  111         F.S.; removing the requirement that regional planning
  112         councils prepare reports addressing the impact of
  113         proposed electrical power plants; amending s. 403.508,
  114         F.S.; removing the requirement that regional planning
  115         councils participate in certain proceedings; amending
  116         s. 403.5115, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes
  117         made by the act; amending s. 403.526, F.S.; removing
  118         the requirement that regional planning councils
  119         prepare reports addressing the impact of proposed
  120         transmission lines or corridors; amending s. 403.527,
  121         F.S.; removing the requirement that regional planning
  122         councils parties participate in certain proceedings;
  123         amending s. 403.5272, F.S.; conforming provisions to
  124         changes made by the act; amending s. 403.7264, F.S.;
  125         removing the requirement that regional planning
  126         councils assist with amnesty days for purging small
  127         quantities of hazardous wastes; amending s. 403.941,
  128         F.S.; removing the requirement that regional planning
  129         councils prepare reports addressing the impact of
  130         proposed natural gas transmission lines or corridors;
  131         amending s. 403.9411, F.S.; removing the requirement
  132         that regional planning councils participate in certain
  133         proceedings; amending ss. 419.001 and 985.682, F.S.;
  134         removing provisions relating to the use of a certain
  135         dispute resolution process; providing an effective
  136         date.
  137          
  138  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
  139  
  140         Section 1. Present paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of
  141  section 163.08, Florida Statutes, is redesignated as paragraph
  142  (d), a new paragraph (c) is added to that subsection, and
  143  paragraph (b) of subsection (2) and subsections (10) and (14) of
  144  that section are amended, to read:
  145         163.08 Supplemental authority for improvements to real
  146  property.—
  147         (1)
  148         (c) The Legislature finds that properties damaged by
  149  sinkhole activity which are not adequately repaired may
  150  negatively affect the market valuation of surrounding
  151  properties, resulting in the loss of property tax revenues to
  152  local communities. The Legislature finds that there is a
  153  compelling state interest in providing local government
  154  assistance to enable property owners to voluntarily finance
  155  qualified improvements to property damaged by sinkhole activity.
  156         (2) As used in this section, the term:
  157         (b) “Qualifying improvement” includes any:
  158         1. Energy conservation and efficiency improvement, which is
  159  a measure to reduce consumption through conservation or a more
  160  efficient use of electricity, natural gas, propane, or other
  161  forms of energy on the property, including, but not limited to,
  162  air sealing; installation of insulation; installation of energy
  163  efficient heating, cooling, or ventilation systems; building
  164  modifications to increase the use of daylight; replacement of
  165  windows; installation of energy controls or energy recovery
  166  systems; installation of electric vehicle charging equipment;
  167  and installation of efficient lighting equipment.
  168         2. Renewable energy improvement, which is the installation
  169  of any system in which the electrical, mechanical, or thermal
  170  energy is produced from a method that uses one or more of the
  171  following fuels or energy sources: hydrogen, solar energy,
  172  geothermal energy, bioenergy, and wind energy.
  173         3. Wind resistance improvement, which includes, but is not
  174  limited to:
  175         a. Improving the strength of the roof deck attachment;
  176         b. Creating a secondary water barrier to prevent water
  177  intrusion;
  178         c. Installing wind-resistant shingles;
  179         d. Installing gable-end bracing;
  180         e. Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections;
  181         f. Installing storm shutters; or
  182         g. Installing opening protections.
  183         4. Stabilization or other repairs to property damaged by
  184  sinkhole activity.
  185         (10) A qualifying improvement shall be affixed to a
  186  building or facility that is part of the property and shall
  187  constitute an improvement to the building or facility or a
  188  fixture attached to the building or facility. For the purposes
  189  of stabilization or other repairs to property damaged by
  190  sinkhole activity, a qualifying improvement is deemed affixed to
  191  a building or facility. An agreement between a local government
  192  and a qualifying property owner may not cover wind-resistance
  193  improvements in buildings or facilities under new construction
  194  or construction for which a certificate of occupancy or similar
  195  evidence of substantial completion of new construction or
  196  improvement has not been issued.
  197         (14) At or before the time a purchaser executes a contract
  198  for the sale and purchase of any property for which a non-ad
  199  valorem assessment has been levied under this section and has an
  200  unpaid balance due, the seller shall give the prospective
  201  purchaser a written disclosure statement in the following form,
  202  which shall be set forth in the contract or in a separate
  203  writing:
  204  
  205         QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY,
  206         RENEWABLE ENERGY, OR WIND RESISTANCE, OR SINKHOLE
  207         STABILIZATION OR REPAIR.—The property being purchased
  208         is located within the jurisdiction of a local
  209         government that has placed an assessment on the
  210         property pursuant to s. 163.08, Florida Statutes. The
  211         assessment is for a qualifying improvement to the
  212         property relating to energy efficiency, renewable
  213         energy, or wind resistance, or stabilization or repair
  214         of property damaged by sinkhole activity, and is not
  215         based on the value of property. You are encouraged to
  216         contact the county property appraiser’s office to
  217         learn more about this and other assessments that may
  218         be provided by law.
  219         Section 2. Subsection (9) of section 163.3175, Florida
  220  Statutes, is amended to read:
  221         163.3175 Legislative findings on compatibility of
  222  development with military installations; exchange of information
  223  between local governments and military installations.—
  224         (9) If a local government, as required under s.
  225  163.3177(6)(a), does not adopt criteria and address
  226  compatibility of lands adjacent to or closely proximate to
  227  existing military installations in its future land use plan
  228  element by June 30, 2012, the local government, the military
  229  installation, the state land planning agency, and other parties
  230  as identified by the regional planning council, including, but
  231  not limited to, private landowner representatives, shall enter
  232  into mediation conducted pursuant to s. 186.509. If the local
  233  government comprehensive plan does not contain criteria
  234  addressing compatibility by December 31, 2013, the agency may
  235  notify the Administration Commission. The Administration
  236  Commission may impose sanctions pursuant to s. 163.3184(8). Any
  237  local government that amended its comprehensive plan to address
  238  military installation compatibility requirements after 2004 and
  239  was found to be in compliance is deemed to be in compliance with
  240  this subsection until the local government conducts its
  241  evaluation and appraisal review pursuant to s. 163.3191 and
  242  determines that amendments are necessary to meet updated general
  243  law requirements.
  244         Section 3. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
  245  163.3184, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  246         163.3184 Process for adoption of comprehensive plan or plan
  247  amendment.—
  248         (2) COMPREHENSIVE PLANS AND PLAN AMENDMENTS.—
  249         (c) Plan amendments that are in an area of critical state
  250  concern designated pursuant to s. 380.05; propose a rural land
  251  stewardship area pursuant to s. 163.3248; propose a sector plan
  252  pursuant to s. 163.3245; update a comprehensive plan based on an
  253  evaluation and appraisal pursuant to s. 163.3191; propose a
  254  development that qualifies as a development of regional impact
  255  pursuant to s. 380.06 s. 380.06(24)(x); or are new plans for
  256  newly incorporated municipalities adopted pursuant to s.
  257  163.3167 shall follow the state coordinated review process in
  258  subsection (4).
  259         Section 4. Present subsection (13) of section 163.3245,
  260  Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (14),
  261  subsections (3) and (9) of that section are amended, and a new
  262  subsection (13) and subsection (15) are added to that section,
  263  to read:
  264         163.3245 Sector plans.—
  265         (3) Sector planning encompasses two levels: adoption
  266  pursuant to s. 163.3184 of a long-term master plan for the
  267  entire planning area as part of the comprehensive plan, and
  268  adoption by local development order of two or more detailed
  269  specific area plans that implement the long-term master plan and
  270  within which s. 380.06 is waived.
  271         (a) In addition to the other requirements of this chapter,
  272  except for those that are inconsistent with or superseded by the
  273  planning standards of this paragraph, a long-term master plan
  274  pursuant to this section must include maps, illustrations, and
  275  text supported by data and analysis to address the following:
  276         1. A framework map that, at a minimum, generally depicts
  277  areas of urban, agricultural, rural, and conservation land use;
  278  identifies allowed uses in various parts of the planning area;
  279  specifies maximum and minimum densities and intensities of use;
  280  and provides the general framework for the development pattern
  281  in developed areas with graphic illustrations based on a
  282  hierarchy of places and functional place-making components.
  283         2. A general identification of the water supplies needed
  284  and available sources of water, including water resource
  285  development and water supply development projects, and water
  286  conservation measures needed to meet the projected demand of the
  287  future land uses in the long-term master plan.
  288         3. A general identification of the transportation
  289  facilities to serve the future land uses in the long-term master
  290  plan, including guidelines to be used to establish each modal
  291  component intended to optimize mobility.
  292         4. A general identification of other regionally significant
  293  public facilities necessary to support the future land uses,
  294  which may include central utilities provided onsite within the
  295  planning area, and policies setting forth the procedures to be
  296  used to mitigate the impacts of future land uses on public
  297  facilities.
  298         5. A general identification of regionally significant
  299  natural resources within the planning area based on the best
  300  available data and policies setting forth the procedures for
  301  protection or conservation of specific resources consistent with
  302  the overall conservation and development strategy for the
  303  planning area.
  304         6. General principles and guidelines addressing the urban
  305  form and the interrelationships of future land uses; the
  306  protection and, as appropriate, restoration and management of
  307  lands identified for permanent preservation through recordation
  308  of conservation easements consistent with s. 704.06, which shall
  309  be phased or staged in coordination with detailed specific area
  310  plans to reflect phased or staged development within the
  311  planning area; achieving a more clean, healthy environment;
  312  limiting urban sprawl; providing a range of housing types;
  313  protecting wildlife and natural areas; advancing the efficient
  314  use of land and other resources; creating quality communities of
  315  a design that promotes travel by multiple transportation modes;
  316  and enhancing the prospects for the creation of jobs.
  317         7. Identification of general procedures and policies to
  318  facilitate intergovernmental coordination to address
  319  extrajurisdictional impacts from the future land uses.
  320  
  321  A long-term master plan adopted pursuant to this section may be
  322  based upon a planning period longer than the generally
  323  applicable planning period of the local comprehensive plan,
  324  shall specify the projected population within the planning area
  325  during the chosen planning period, and may include a phasing or
  326  staging schedule that allocates a portion of the local
  327  government’s future growth to the planning area through the
  328  planning period. A long-term master plan adopted pursuant to
  329  this section is not required to demonstrate need based upon
  330  projected population growth or on any other basis.
  331         (b) In addition to the other requirements of this chapter,
  332  except for those that are inconsistent with or superseded by the
  333  planning standards of this paragraph, the detailed specific area
  334  plans shall be consistent with the long-term master plan and
  335  must include conditions and commitments that provide for:
  336         1. Development or conservation of an area of at least 1,000
  337  acres consistent with the long-term master plan. The local
  338  government may approve detailed specific area plans of less than
  339  1,000 acres based on local circumstances if it is determined
  340  that the detailed specific area plan furthers the purposes of
  341  this part and part I of chapter 380.
  342         2. Detailed identification and analysis of the maximum and
  343  minimum densities and intensities of use and the distribution,
  344  extent, and location of future land uses.
  345         3. Detailed identification of water resource development
  346  and water supply development projects and related infrastructure
  347  and water conservation measures to address water needs of
  348  development in the detailed specific area plan.
  349         4. Detailed identification of the transportation facilities
  350  to serve the future land uses in the detailed specific area
  351  plan.
  352         5. Detailed identification of other regionally significant
  353  public facilities, including public facilities outside the
  354  jurisdiction of the host local government, impacts of future
  355  land uses on those facilities, and required improvements
  356  consistent with the long-term master plan.
  357         6. Public facilities necessary to serve development in the
  358  detailed specific area plan, including developer contributions
  359  in a 5-year capital improvement schedule of the affected local
  360  government.
  361         7. Detailed analysis and identification of specific
  362  measures to ensure the protection and, as appropriate,
  363  restoration and management of lands within the boundary of the
  364  detailed specific area plan identified for permanent
  365  preservation through recordation of conservation easements
  366  consistent with s. 704.06, which easements shall be effective
  367  before or concurrent with the effective date of the detailed
  368  specific area plan and other important resources both within and
  369  outside the host jurisdiction. Any such conservation easement
  370  may be based on digital orthophotography prepared by a surveyor
  371  and mapper licensed under chapter 472 and may include a right of
  372  adjustment authorizing the grantor to modify portions of the
  373  area protected by a conservation easement and substitute other
  374  lands in their place if the lands to be substituted contain no
  375  less gross acreage than the lands to be removed; have equivalent
  376  values in the proportion and quality of wetlands, uplands, and
  377  wildlife habitat; and are contiguous to other lands protected by
  378  the conservation easement. Substitution is accomplished by
  379  recording an amendment to the conservation easement as accepted
  380  by and with the consent of the grantee, and which consent may
  381  not be unreasonably withheld.
  382         8. Detailed principles and guidelines addressing the urban
  383  form and the interrelationships of future land uses; achieving a
  384  more clean, healthy environment; limiting urban sprawl;
  385  providing a range of housing types; protecting wildlife and
  386  natural areas; advancing the efficient use of land and other
  387  resources; creating quality communities of a design that
  388  promotes travel by multiple transportation modes; and enhancing
  389  the prospects for the creation of jobs.
  390         9. Identification of specific procedures to facilitate
  391  intergovernmental coordination to address extrajurisdictional
  392  impacts from the detailed specific area plan.
  393  
  394  A detailed specific area plan adopted by local development order
  395  pursuant to this section may be based upon a planning period
  396  longer than the generally applicable planning period of the
  397  local comprehensive plan and shall specify the projected
  398  population within the specific planning area during the chosen
  399  planning period. A detailed specific area plan adopted pursuant
  400  to this section is not required to demonstrate need based upon
  401  projected population growth or on any other basis. All lands
  402  identified in the long-term master plan for permanent
  403  preservation shall be subject to a recorded conservation
  404  easement consistent with s. 704.06 before or concurrent with the
  405  effective date of the final detailed specific area plan to be
  406  approved within the planning area. Any such conservation
  407  easement may be based on digital orthophotography prepared by a
  408  surveyor and mapper licensed under chapter 472 and may include a
  409  right of adjustment authorizing the grantor to modify portions
  410  of the area protected by a conservation easement and substitute
  411  other lands in their place if the lands to be substituted
  412  contain no less gross acreage than the lands to be removed; have
  413  equivalent values in the proportion and quality of wetlands,
  414  uplands, and wildlife habitat; and are contiguous to other lands
  415  protected by the conservation easement. Substitution is
  416  accomplished by recording an amendment to the conservation
  417  easement as accepted by and with the consent of the grantee, and
  418  which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.
  419         (c) In its review of a long-term master plan, the state
  420  land planning agency shall consult with the Department of
  421  Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of
  422  Environmental Protection, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
  423  Commission, and the applicable water management district
  424  regarding the design of areas for protection and conservation of
  425  regionally significant natural resources and for the protection
  426  and, as appropriate, restoration and management of lands
  427  identified for permanent preservation.
  428         (d) In its review of a long-term master plan, the state
  429  land planning agency shall consult with the Department of
  430  Transportation, the applicable metropolitan planning
  431  organization, and any urban transit agency regarding the
  432  location, capacity, design, and phasing or staging of major
  433  transportation facilities in the planning area.
  434         (e) Whenever a local government issues a development order
  435  approving a detailed specific area plan, a copy of such order
  436  shall be rendered to the state land planning agency and the
  437  owner or developer of the property affected by such order, as
  438  prescribed by rules of the state land planning agency for a
  439  development order for a development of regional impact. Within
  440  45 days after the order is rendered, the owner, the developer,
  441  or the state land planning agency may appeal the order to the
  442  Florida Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission by filing a
  443  petition alleging that the detailed specific area plan is not
  444  consistent with the comprehensive plan or with the long-term
  445  master plan adopted pursuant to this section. The appellant
  446  shall furnish a copy of the petition to the opposing party, as
  447  the case may be, and to the local government that issued the
  448  order. The filing of the petition stays the effectiveness of the
  449  order until after completion of the appeal process. However, if
  450  a development order approving a detailed specific area plan has
  451  been challenged by an aggrieved or adversely affected party in a
  452  judicial proceeding pursuant to s. 163.3215, and a party to such
  453  proceeding serves notice to the state land planning agency, the
  454  state land planning agency shall dismiss its appeal to the
  455  commission and shall have the right to intervene in the pending
  456  judicial proceeding pursuant to s. 163.3215. Proceedings for
  457  administrative review of an order approving a detailed specific
  458  area plan shall be conducted consistent with s. 380.07(6). The
  459  commission shall issue a decision granting or denying permission
  460  to develop pursuant to the long-term master plan and the
  461  standards of this part and may attach conditions or restrictions
  462  to its decisions.
  463         (f) The applicant for a detailed specific area plan shall
  464  transmit copies of the application to the reviewing agencies
  465  specified in s. 163.3184(1)(c), or their successor agencies, for
  466  review and comment as to whether the detailed specific area plan
  467  is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the long-term
  468  master plan. Any comments from the reviewing agencies shall be
  469  submitted in writing to the local government with jurisdiction
  470  and to the state land planning agency within 30 days after the
  471  applicant’s transmittal of the application.
  472         (g)(f) This subsection does not prevent preparation and
  473  approval of the sector plan and detailed specific area plan
  474  concurrently or in the same submission.
  475         (h)If an applicant seeks to use wetland or upland
  476  preservation achieved by granting conservation easements
  477  required under this section as compensatory mitigation for
  478  permitting purposes under chapter 373 or chapter 379, the
  479  Department of Environmental Protection, the Fish and Wildlife
  480  Conservation Commission, or the water management district may
  481  accept such mitigation under the criteria established in the
  482  uniform assessment method required by s. 373.414, or pursuant to
  483  chapter 379, as applicable, without considering the fact that a
  484  conservation easement encumbering the same real property was
  485  previously recorded pursuant to paragraph (b).
  486         (9) The adoption of a long-term master plan or a detailed
  487  specific area plan pursuant to this section does not limit the
  488  right to continue existing agricultural or silvicultural uses or
  489  other natural resource-based operations or to establish similar
  490  new agricultural or silvicultural uses that are consistent with
  491  the plans approved pursuant to this section.
  492         (13) An applicant with an approved master development order
  493  may request that the applicable water management district issue
  494  a consumptive use permit as set forth in s. 373.236(8) for the
  495  same period of time as the approved master development order.
  496         (15) The more specific provisions of this section shall
  497  supersede the generally applicable provisions of this chapter
  498  which otherwise would apply. This section does not preclude a
  499  local government from requiring data and analysis beyond the
  500  minimum criteria established in this section.
  501         Section 5. Subsection (11) of section 163.3246, Florida
  502  Statutes, is amended, and subsection (14) is added to that
  503  section to read:
  504         163.3246 Local government comprehensive planning
  505  certification program.—
  506         (11) If the local government of an area described in
  507  subsection (10) does not request that the state land planning
  508  agency review the developments of regional impact that are
  509  proposed within the certified area, an application for approval
  510  of a development order within the certified area shall be exempt
  511  from review under s. 380.06, subject to the following:
  512         (a) Concurrent with filing an application for development
  513  approval with the local government, a developer proposing a
  514  project that would have been subject to review pursuant to s.
  515  380.06 shall notify in writing the regional planning council
  516  with jurisdiction.
  517         (b) The regional planning council shall coordinate with the
  518  developer and the local government to ensure that all
  519  concurrency requirements as well as federal, state, and local
  520  environmental permit requirements are met.
  521         (14) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage the
  522  creation of connected-city corridors that facilitate the growth
  523  of high-technology industry and innovation through partnerships
  524  that support research, marketing, workforce, and
  525  entrepreneurship. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide
  526  for a locally controlled, comprehensive plan amendment process
  527  for such projects that are designed to achieve a cleaner,
  528  healthier environment; limit urban sprawl by promoting diverse
  529  but interconnected communities; provide a range of
  530  intergenerational housing types; protect wildlife and natural
  531  areas; assure the efficient use of land and other resources;
  532  create quality communities of a design that promotes alternative
  533  transportation networks and travel by multiple transportation
  534  modes; and enhance the prospects for the creation of jobs. The
  535  Legislature finds and declares that this state’s connected-city
  536  corridors require a reduced level of state and regional
  537  oversight because of their high degree of urbanization and the
  538  planning capabilities and resources of the local government.
  539         (a) Notwithstanding subsections (2), (4), (5), (6), and
  540  (7), Pasco County is named a pilot community and shall be
  541  considered certified for a period of 10 years for connected-city
  542  corridor plan amendments. The state land planning agency shall
  543  provide a written notice of certification to Pasco County by
  544  July 15, 2015, which shall be considered a final agency action
  545  subject to challenge under s. 120.569. The notice of
  546  certification must include:
  547         1. The boundary of the connected-city corridor
  548  certification area; and
  549         2. A requirement that Pasco County submit an annual or
  550  biennial monitoring report to the state land planning agency
  551  according to the schedule provided in the written notice. The
  552  monitoring report must, at a minimum, include the number of
  553  amendments to the comprehensive plan adopted by Pasco County,
  554  the number of plan amendments challenged by an affected person,
  555  and the disposition of such challenges.
  556         (b) A plan amendment adopted under this subsection may be
  557  based upon a planning period longer than the generally
  558  applicable planning period of the Pasco County local
  559  comprehensive plan, must specify the projected population within
  560  the planning area during the chosen planning period, may include
  561  a phasing or staging schedule that allocates a portion of Pasco
  562  County’s future growth to the planning area through the planning
  563  period, and may designate a priority zone or subarea within the
  564  connected-city corridor for initial implementation of the plan.
  565  A plan amendment adopted under this subsection is not required
  566  to demonstrate need based upon projected population growth or on
  567  any other basis.
  568         (c) If Pasco County adopts a long-term transportation
  569  network plan and financial feasibility plan, and subject to
  570  compliance with the requirements of such a plan, the projects
  571  within the connected-city corridor are deemed to have satisfied
  572  all concurrency and other state agency or local government
  573  transportation mitigation requirements except for site-specific
  574  access management requirements.
  575         (d) If Pasco County does not request that the state land
  576  planning agency review the developments of regional impact that
  577  are proposed within the certified area, an application for
  578  approval of a development order within the certified area is
  579  exempt from review under s. 380.06.
  580         (e) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government
  581  Accountability (OPPAGA) shall submit to the Governor, the
  582  President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of
  583  Representatives by December 1, 2024, a report and
  584  recommendations for implementing a statewide program that
  585  addresses the legislative findings in this subsection. In
  586  consultation with the state land planning agency, OPPAGA shall
  587  develop the report and recommendations with input from other
  588  state and regional agencies, local governments, and interest
  589  groups. OPPAGA shall also solicit citizen input in the
  590  potentially affected areas and consult with the affected local
  591  government and stakeholder groups. Additionally, OPPAGA shall
  592  review local and state actions and correspondence relating to
  593  the pilot program to identify issues of process and substance in
  594  recommending changes to the pilot program. At a minimum, the
  595  report and recommendations must include:
  596         1. Identification of local governments other than the local
  597  government participating in the pilot program which should be
  598  certified. The report may also recommend that a local government
  599  is no longer appropriate for certification; and
  600         2. Changes to the certification pilot program.
  601         Section 6. Subsection (4) of section 163.3248, Florida
  602  Statutes, is amended to read:
  603         163.3248 Rural land stewardship areas.—
  604         (4) A local government or one or more property owners may
  605  request assistance and participation in the development of a
  606  plan for the rural land stewardship area from the state land
  607  planning agency, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
  608  Services, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the
  609  Department of Environmental Protection, the appropriate water
  610  management district, the Department of Transportation, the
  611  regional planning council, private land owners, and
  612  stakeholders.
  613         Section 7. Subsection (8) of section 163.340, Florida
  614  Statutes, is amended to read:
  615         163.340 Definitions.—The following terms, wherever used or
  616  referred to in this part, have the following meanings:
  617         (8) “Blighted area” means an area in which there are a
  618  substantial number of deteriorated, or deteriorating
  619  structures;, in which conditions, as indicated by government
  620  maintained statistics or other studies, endanger life or
  621  property or are leading to economic distress; or endanger life
  622  or property, and in which two or more of the following factors
  623  are present:
  624         (a) Predominance of defective or inadequate street layout,
  625  parking facilities, roadways, bridges, or public transportation
  626  facilities.;
  627         (b) Aggregate assessed values of real property in the area
  628  for ad valorem tax purposes have failed to show any appreciable
  629  increase over the 5 years prior to the finding of such
  630  conditions.;
  631         (c) Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy,
  632  accessibility, or usefulness.;
  633         (d) Unsanitary or unsafe conditions.;
  634         (e) Deterioration of site or other improvements.;
  635         (f) Inadequate and outdated building density patterns.;
  636         (g) Falling lease rates per square foot of office,
  637  commercial, or industrial space compared to the remainder of the
  638  county or municipality.;
  639         (h) Tax or special assessment delinquency exceeding the
  640  fair value of the land.;
  641         (i) Residential and commercial vacancy rates higher in the
  642  area than in the remainder of the county or municipality.;
  643         (j) Incidence of crime in the area higher than in the
  644  remainder of the county or municipality.;
  645         (k) Fire and emergency medical service calls to the area
  646  proportionately higher than in the remainder of the county or
  647  municipality.;
  648         (l) A greater number of violations of the Florida Building
  649  Code in the area than the number of violations recorded in the
  650  remainder of the county or municipality.;
  651         (m) Diversity of ownership or defective or unusual
  652  conditions of title which prevent the free alienability of land
  653  within the deteriorated or hazardous area.; or
  654         (n) Governmentally owned property with adverse
  655  environmental conditions caused by a public or private entity.
  656         (o) A substantial number or percentage of properties
  657  damaged by sinkhole activity which have not been adequately
  658  repaired or stabilized.
  659  
  660  However, the term “blighted area” also means any area in which
  661  at least one of the factors identified in paragraphs (a) through
  662  (o) is (n) are present and all taxing authorities subject to s.
  663  163.387(2)(a) agree, either by interlocal agreement or
  664  agreements with the agency or by resolution, that the area is
  665  blighted. Such agreement or resolution must be limited to a
  666  determination shall only determine that the area is blighted.
  667  For purposes of qualifying for the tax credits authorized in
  668  chapter 220, “blighted area” means an area as defined in this
  669  subsection.
  670         Section 8. Subsection (3) of section 163.524, Florida
  671  Statutes, is amended to read:
  672         163.524 Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Program;
  673  participation; creation of Neighborhood Preservation and
  674  Enhancement Districts; creation of Neighborhood Councils and
  675  Neighborhood Enhancement Plans.—
  676         (3) After the boundaries and size of the Neighborhood
  677  Preservation and Enhancement District have been defined, the
  678  local government shall pass an ordinance authorizing the
  679  creation of the Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement
  680  District. The ordinance shall contain a finding that the
  681  boundaries of the Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement
  682  District comply with meet the provisions of s. 163.340(7) or s.
  683  (8)(a)-(o) (8)(a)-(n) or do not contain properties that are
  684  protected by deed restrictions. Such ordinance may be amended or
  685  repealed in the same manner as other local ordinances.
  686         Section 9. Section 186.0201, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
  687         Section 10. Subsection (22) of section 186.505, Florida
  688  Statutes, is amended to read:
  689         186.505 Regional planning councils; powers and duties.—Any
  690  regional planning council created hereunder shall have the
  691  following powers:
  692         (22) To establish and conduct a cross-acceptance
  693  negotiation process with local governments intended to resolve
  694  inconsistencies between applicable local and regional plans,
  695  with participation by local governments being voluntary.
  696         Section 11. Section 186.512, Florida Statutes, is created
  697  to read:
  698         186.512 Designation of regional planning councils.
  699         (1) The territorial area of the state is subdivided into
  700  the following districts for the purpose of regional
  701  comprehensive planning. The name and geographic area of each
  702  respective district must accord with the following:
  703         (a) West Florida Regional Planning Council: Bay, Escambia,
  704  Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington Counties.
  705         (b) Apalachee Regional Planning Council: Calhoun, Franklin,
  706  Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla
  707  Counties.
  708         (c) North Central Florida Regional Planning Council:
  709  Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton,
  710  Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Marion, Suwannee, Taylor, and Union
  711  Counties.
  712         (d) Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council: Baker,
  713  Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns Counties.
  714         (e) East Central Florida Regional Planning Council:
  715  Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia
  716  Counties.
  717         (f) Central Florida Regional Planning Council: DeSoto,
  718  Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, and Polk Counties.
  719         (g) Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council: Citrus, Hernando,
  720  Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties.
  721         (h) Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council: Charlotte,
  722  Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota Counties.
  723         (i) Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council: Indian River,
  724  Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Counties.
  725         (j) South Florida Regional Planning Council: Broward,
  726  Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties.
  727         (2) Beginning January 1, 2016, and thereafter, the Governor
  728  may review and update the district boundaries of the regional
  729  planning councils pursuant to his authority under s. 186.506(4).
  730         (3) For the purposes of transition from one regional
  731  planning council to another, the successor regional planning
  732  council shall apply the prior strategic regional policy plan to
  733  a local government until such time as the successor regional
  734  planning council amends its plan pursuant to this chapter to
  735  include the affected local government within the new region.
  736         Section 12. Section 186.513, Florida Statutes, is amended
  737  to read:
  738         186.513 Reports.—Each regional planning council shall
  739  prepare and furnish an annual report on its activities to the
  740  state land planning agency as defined in s. 163.3164 and the
  741  local general-purpose governments within its boundaries and,
  742  upon payment as may be established by the council, to any
  743  interested person. The regional planning councils shall make a
  744  joint report and recommendations to appropriate legislative
  745  committees.
  746         Section 13. Subsection (2) of section 190.005, Florida
  747  Statutes, is amended to read:
  748         190.005 Establishment of district.—
  749         (2) The exclusive and uniform method for the establishment
  750  of a community development district of less than 1,000 acres in
  751  size or a community development district of up to 7,000 acres in
  752  size located within a connected-city corridor established
  753  pursuant to s. 163.3246(14) shall be pursuant to an ordinance
  754  adopted by the county commission of the county having
  755  jurisdiction over the majority of land in the area in which the
  756  district is to be located granting a petition for the
  757  establishment of a community development district as follows:
  758         (a) A petition for the establishment of a community
  759  development district shall be filed by the petitioner with the
  760  county commission. The petition shall contain the same
  761  information as required in paragraph (1)(a).
  762         (b) A public hearing on the petition shall be conducted by
  763  the county commission in accordance with the requirements and
  764  procedures of paragraph (1)(d).
  765         (c) The county commission shall consider the record of the
  766  public hearing and the factors set forth in paragraph (1)(e) in
  767  making its determination to grant or deny a petition for the
  768  establishment of a community development district.
  769         (d) The county commission shall not adopt any ordinance
  770  which would expand, modify, or delete any provision of the
  771  uniform community development district charter as set forth in
  772  ss. 190.006-190.041. An ordinance establishing a community
  773  development district shall only include the matters provided for
  774  in paragraph (1)(f) unless the commission consents to any of the
  775  optional powers under s. 190.012(2) at the request of the
  776  petitioner.
  777         (e) If all of the land in the area for the proposed
  778  district is within the territorial jurisdiction of a municipal
  779  corporation, then the petition requesting establishment of a
  780  community development district under this act shall be filed by
  781  the petitioner with that particular municipal corporation. In
  782  such event, the duties of the county, hereinabove described, in
  783  action upon the petition shall be the duties of the municipal
  784  corporation. If any of the land area of a proposed district is
  785  within the land area of a municipality, the county commission
  786  may not create the district without municipal approval. If all
  787  of the land in the area for the proposed district, even if less
  788  than 1,000 acres, is within the territorial jurisdiction of two
  789  or more municipalities, except for proposed districts within a
  790  connected-city corridor established pursuant to s. 163.3246(14),
  791  the petition shall be filed with the Florida Land and Water
  792  Adjudicatory Commission and proceed in accordance with
  793  subsection (1).
  794         (f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection,
  795  within 90 days after a petition for the establishment of a
  796  community development district has been filed pursuant to this
  797  subsection, the governing body of the county or municipal
  798  corporation may transfer the petition to the Florida Land and
  799  Water Adjudicatory Commission, which shall make the
  800  determination to grant or deny the petition as provided in
  801  subsection (1). A county or municipal corporation shall have no
  802  right or power to grant or deny a petition that has been
  803  transferred to the Florida Land and Water Adjudicatory
  804  Commission.
  805         Section 14. Section 253.7828, Florida Statutes, is amended
  806  to read:
  807         253.7828 Impairment of use or conservation by agencies
  808  prohibited.—All agencies of the state, regional planning
  809  councils, water management districts, and local governments
  810  shall recognize the special character of the lands and waters
  811  designated by the state as the Cross Florida Greenways State
  812  Recreation and Conservation Area and shall not take any action
  813  which will impair its use and conservation.
  814         Section 15. Section 260.018, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
  815         Section 16. Paragraph (b) of subsection (4) of section
  816  339.155, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  817         339.155 Transportation planning.—
  818         (4) ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANS.—
  819         (b) Each regional planning council, as provided for in s.
  820  186.504, or any successor agency thereto, shall develop, as an
  821  element of its strategic regional policy plan, transportation
  822  goals and policies. The transportation goals and policies must
  823  be prioritized to comply with the prevailing principles provided
  824  in subsection (1) and s. 334.046(1). The transportation goals
  825  and policies shall be consistent, to the maximum extent
  826  feasible, with the goals and policies of the metropolitan
  827  planning organization and the Florida Transportation Plan. The
  828  transportation goals and policies of the regional planning
  829  council will be advisory only and shall be submitted to the
  830  department and any affected metropolitan planning organization
  831  for their consideration and comments. Metropolitan planning
  832  organization plans and other local transportation plans shall be
  833  developed consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the
  834  regional transportation goals and policies. The regional
  835  planning council shall review urbanized area transportation
  836  plans and any other planning products stipulated in s. 339.175
  837  and provide the department and respective metropolitan planning
  838  organizations with written recommendations, which the department
  839  and the metropolitan planning organizations shall take under
  840  advisement. Further, the regional planning councils shall
  841  directly assist local governments that are not part of a
  842  metropolitan area transportation planning process in the
  843  development of the transportation element of their comprehensive
  844  plans as required by s. 163.3177.
  845         Section 17. Subsection (8) is added to section 373.236,
  846  Florida Statutes, to read:
  847         373.236 Duration of permits; compliance reports.—
  848         (8) A water management district may issue a permit to an
  849  applicant, as set forth in s. 163.3245(13), for the same period
  850  of time as the applicant’s approved master development order if
  851  the master development order was issued under s. 380.06(21) by a
  852  county which, at the time the order issued, was designated as a
  853  rural area of opportunity under s. 288.0656, was not located in
  854  an area encompassed by a regional water supply plan as set forth
  855  in s. 373.709(1), and was not located within the basin
  856  management action plan of a first magnitude spring. In reviewing
  857  the permit application and determining the permit duration, the
  858  water management district shall apply s. 163.3245(4)(b).
  859         Section 18. Subsection (18) of section 380.06, Florida
  860  Statutes, is amended and subsection (30) is added to that
  861  section, to read:
  862         380.06 Developments of regional impact.—
  863         (18) BIENNIAL REPORTS.—The developer shall submit a
  864  biennial report on the development of regional impact to the
  865  local government, the regional planning agency, the state land
  866  planning agency, and all affected permit agencies in alternate
  867  years on the date specified in the development order, unless the
  868  development order by its terms requires more frequent
  869  monitoring. If the report is not received, the regional planning
  870  agency or the state land planning agency shall notify the local
  871  government. If the local government does not receive the report
  872  or receives notification that the regional planning agency or
  873  the state land planning agency has not received the report, the
  874  local government shall request in writing that the developer
  875  submit the report within 30 days. The failure to submit the
  876  report after 30 days shall result in the temporary suspension of
  877  the development order by the local government. If no additional
  878  development pursuant to the development order has occurred since
  879  the submission of the previous report, then a letter from the
  880  developer stating that no development has occurred shall satisfy
  881  the requirement for a report. Development orders that require
  882  annual reports may be amended to require biennial reports at the
  883  option of the local government.
  884         (30) NEW PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS.—A new proposed development
  885  otherwise subject to the review requirements of this section
  886  shall be approved by a local government pursuant to s.
  887  163.3184(4) in lieu of proceeding in accordance with this
  888  section.
  889         Section 19. Subsections (2) and (3) of section 403.50663,
  890  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  891         403.50663 Informational public meetings.—
  892         (2) Informational public meetings shall be held solely at
  893  the option of each local government or regional planning council
  894  if a public meeting is not held by the local government. It is
  895  the legislative intent that local governments or regional
  896  planning councils attempt to hold such public meetings. Parties
  897  to the proceedings under this act shall be encouraged to attend;
  898  however, no party other than the applicant and the department
  899  shall be required to attend such informational public meetings.
  900         (3) A local government or regional planning council that
  901  intends to conduct an informational public meeting must provide
  902  notice of the meeting to all parties not less than 5 days prior
  903  to the meeting and to the general public in accordance with s.
  904  403.5115(5). The expense for such notice is eligible for
  905  reimbursement under s. 403.518(2)(c)1.
  906         Section 20. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
  907  403.507, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  908         403.507 Preliminary statements of issues, reports, project
  909  analyses, and studies.—
  910         (2)(a) No later than 100 days after the certification
  911  application has been determined complete, the following agencies
  912  shall prepare reports as provided below and shall submit them to
  913  the department and the applicant, unless a final order denying
  914  the determination of need has been issued under s. 403.519:
  915         1. The Department of Economic Opportunity shall prepare a
  916  report containing recommendations which address the impact upon
  917  the public of the proposed electrical power plant, based on the
  918  degree to which the electrical power plant is consistent with
  919  the applicable portions of the state comprehensive plan,
  920  emergency management, and other such matters within its
  921  jurisdiction. The Department of Economic Opportunity may also
  922  comment on the consistency of the proposed electrical power
  923  plant with applicable strategic regional policy plans or local
  924  comprehensive plans and land development regulations.
  925         2. The water management district shall prepare a report as
  926  to matters within its jurisdiction, including but not limited
  927  to, the impact of the proposed electrical power plant on water
  928  resources, regional water supply planning, and district-owned
  929  lands and works.
  930         3. Each local government in whose jurisdiction the proposed
  931  electrical power plant is to be located shall prepare a report
  932  as to the consistency of the proposed electrical power plant
  933  with all applicable local ordinances, regulations, standards, or
  934  criteria that apply to the proposed electrical power plant,
  935  including any applicable local environmental regulations adopted
  936  pursuant to s. 403.182 or by other means.
  937         4. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall
  938  prepare a report as to matters within its jurisdiction.
  939         5. Each regional planning council shall prepare a report
  940  containing recommendations that address the impact upon the
  941  public of the proposed electrical power plant, based on the
  942  degree to which the electrical power plant is consistent with
  943  the applicable provisions of the strategic regional policy plan
  944  adopted pursuant to chapter 186 and other matters within its
  945  jurisdiction.
  946         5.6. The Department of Transportation shall address the
  947  impact of the proposed electrical power plant on matters within
  948  its jurisdiction.
  949         Section 21. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) and paragraph
  950  (a) of subsection (4) of section 403.508, Florida Statutes, are
  951  amended to read:
  952         403.508 Land use and certification hearings, parties,
  953  participants.—
  954         (3)(a) Parties to the proceeding shall include:
  955         1. The applicant.
  956         2. The Public Service Commission.
  957         3. The Department of Economic Opportunity.
  958         4. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
  959         5. The water management district.
  960         6. The department.
  961         7. The regional planning council.
  962         7.8. The local government.
  963         8.9. The Department of Transportation.
  964         (4)(a) The order of presentation at the certification
  965  hearing, unless otherwise changed by the administrative law
  966  judge to ensure the orderly presentation of witnesses and
  967  evidence, shall be:
  968         1. The applicant.
  969         2. The department.
  970         3. State agencies.
  971         4. Regional agencies, including regional planning councils
  972  and water management districts.
  973         5. Local governments.
  974         6. Other parties.
  975         Section 22. Subsection (5) of section 403.5115, Florida
  976  Statutes, is amended to read:
  977         403.5115 Public notice.—
  978         (5) A local government or regional planning council that
  979  proposes to conduct an informational public meeting pursuant to
  980  s. 403.50663 must publish notice of the meeting in a newspaper
  981  of general circulation within the county or counties in which
  982  the proposed electrical power plant will be located no later
  983  than 7 days prior to the meeting. A newspaper of general
  984  circulation shall be the newspaper that has the largest daily
  985  circulation in that county and has its principal office in that
  986  county. If the newspaper with the largest daily circulation has
  987  its principal office outside the county, the notices shall
  988  appear in both the newspaper having the largest circulation in
  989  that county and in a newspaper authorized to publish legal
  990  notices in that county.
  991         Section 23. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
  992  403.526, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  993         403.526 Preliminary statements of issues, reports, and
  994  project analyses; studies.—
  995         (2)(a) No later than 90 days after the filing of the
  996  application, the following agencies shall prepare reports as
  997  provided below, unless a final order denying the determination
  998  of need has been issued under s. 403.537:
  999         1. The department shall prepare a report as to the impact
 1000  of each proposed transmission line or corridor as it relates to
 1001  matters within its jurisdiction.
 1002         2. Each water management district in the jurisdiction of
 1003  which a proposed transmission line or corridor is to be located
 1004  shall prepare a report as to the impact on water resources and
 1005  other matters within its jurisdiction.
 1006         3. The Department of Economic Opportunity shall prepare a
 1007  report containing recommendations which address the impact upon
 1008  the public of the proposed transmission line or corridor, based
 1009  on the degree to which the proposed transmission line or
 1010  corridor is consistent with the applicable portions of the state
 1011  comprehensive plan, emergency management, and other matters
 1012  within its jurisdiction. The Department of Economic Opportunity
 1013  may also comment on the consistency of the proposed transmission
 1014  line or corridor with applicable strategic regional policy plans
 1015  or local comprehensive plans and land development regulations.
 1016         4. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall
 1017  prepare a report as to the impact of each proposed transmission
 1018  line or corridor on fish and wildlife resources and other
 1019  matters within its jurisdiction.
 1020         5. Each local government shall prepare a report as to the
 1021  impact of each proposed transmission line or corridor on matters
 1022  within its jurisdiction, including the consistency of the
 1023  proposed transmission line or corridor with all applicable local
 1024  ordinances, regulations, standards, or criteria that apply to
 1025  the proposed transmission line or corridor, including local
 1026  comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, land development
 1027  regulations, and any applicable local environmental regulations
 1028  adopted pursuant to s. 403.182 or by other means. A change by
 1029  the responsible local government or local agency in local
 1030  comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, or other regulations
 1031  made after the date required for the filing of the local
 1032  government’s report required by this section is not applicable
 1033  to the certification of the proposed transmission line or
 1034  corridor unless the certification is denied or the application
 1035  is withdrawn.
 1036         6. Each regional planning council shall present a report
 1037  containing recommendations that address the impact upon the
 1038  public of the proposed transmission line or corridor based on
 1039  the degree to which the transmission line or corridor is
 1040  consistent with the applicable provisions of the strategic
 1041  regional policy plan adopted under chapter 186 and other impacts
 1042  of each proposed transmission line or corridor on matters within
 1043  its jurisdiction.
 1044         6.7. The Department of Transportation shall prepare a
 1045  report as to the impact of the proposed transmission line or
 1046  corridor on state roads, railroads, airports, aeronautics,
 1047  seaports, and other matters within its jurisdiction.
 1048         7.8. The commission shall prepare a report containing its
 1049  determination under s. 403.537, and the report may include the
 1050  comments from the commission with respect to any other subject
 1051  within its jurisdiction.
 1052         8.9. Any other agency, if requested by the department,
 1053  shall also perform studies or prepare reports as to subjects
 1054  within the jurisdiction of the agency which may potentially be
 1055  affected by the proposed transmission line.
 1056         Section 24. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) and paragraph
 1057  (a) of subsection (3) of section 403.527, Florida Statutes, are
 1058  amended to read:
 1059         403.527 Certification hearing, parties, participants.—
 1060         (2)(a) Parties to the proceeding shall be:
 1061         1. The applicant.
 1062         2. The department.
 1063         3. The commission.
 1064         4. The Department of Economic Opportunity.
 1065         5. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
 1066         6. The Department of Transportation.
 1067         7. Each water management district in the jurisdiction of
 1068  which the proposed transmission line or corridor is to be
 1069  located.
 1070         8. The local government.
 1071         9. The regional planning council.
 1072         (3)(a) The order of presentation at the certification
 1073  hearing, unless otherwise changed by the administrative law
 1074  judge to ensure the orderly presentation of witnesses and
 1075  evidence, shall be:
 1076         1. The applicant.
 1077         2. The department.
 1078         3. State agencies.
 1079         4. Regional agencies, including regional planning councils
 1080  and water management districts.
 1081         5. Local governments.
 1082         6. Other parties.
 1083         Section 25. Subsections (2) and (3) of section 403.5272,
 1084  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
 1085         403.5272 Informational public meetings.—
 1086         (2) Informational public meetings shall be held solely at
 1087  the option of each local government or regional planning
 1088  council. It is the legislative intent that local governments or
 1089  regional planning councils attempt to hold such public meetings.
 1090  Parties to the proceedings under this act shall be encouraged to
 1091  attend; however, a party other than the applicant and the
 1092  department is not required to attend the informational public
 1093  meetings.
 1094         (3) A local government or regional planning council that
 1095  intends to conduct an informational public meeting must provide
 1096  notice of the meeting, with notice sent to all parties listed in
 1097  s. 403.527(2)(a), not less than 15 days before the meeting and
 1098  to the general public in accordance with s. 403.5363(4).
 1099         Section 26. Subsection (4) of section 403.7264, Florida
 1100  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1101         403.7264 Amnesty days for purging small quantities of
 1102  hazardous wastes.—Amnesty days are authorized by the state for
 1103  the purpose of purging small quantities of hazardous waste, free
 1104  of charge, from the possession of homeowners, farmers, schools,
 1105  state agencies, and small businesses. These entities have no
 1106  appropriate economically feasible mechanism for disposing of
 1107  their hazardous wastes at the present time. In order to raise
 1108  public awareness on this issue, provide an educational process,
 1109  accommodate those entities which have a need to dispose of small
 1110  quantities of hazardous waste, and preserve the waters of the
 1111  state, amnesty days shall be carried out in the following
 1112  manner:
 1113         (4) Regional planning councils shall assist the department
 1114  in site selection, public awareness, and program coordination.
 1115  However, the department shall retain full responsibility for the
 1116  state amnesty days program.
 1117         Section 27. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
 1118  403.941, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1119         403.941 Preliminary statements of issues, reports, and
 1120  studies.—
 1121         (2)(a) The affected agencies shall prepare reports as
 1122  provided in this paragraph and shall submit them to the
 1123  department and the applicant within 60 days after the
 1124  application is determined sufficient:
 1125         1. The department shall prepare a report as to the impact
 1126  of each proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor
 1127  as it relates to matters within its jurisdiction.
 1128         2. Each water management district in the jurisdiction of
 1129  which a proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor
 1130  is to be located shall prepare a report as to the impact on
 1131  water resources and other matters within its jurisdiction.
 1132         3. The Department of Economic Opportunity shall prepare a
 1133  report containing recommendations which address the impact upon
 1134  the public of the proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or
 1135  corridor, based on the degree to which the proposed natural gas
 1136  transmission pipeline or corridor is consistent with the
 1137  applicable portions of the state comprehensive plan and other
 1138  matters within its jurisdiction. The Department of Economic
 1139  Opportunity may also comment on the consistency of the proposed
 1140  natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor with applicable
 1141  strategic regional policy plans or local comprehensive plans and
 1142  land development regulations.
 1143         4. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall
 1144  prepare a report as to the impact of each proposed natural gas
 1145  transmission pipeline or corridor on fish and wildlife resources
 1146  and other matters within its jurisdiction.
 1147         5. Each local government in which the natural gas
 1148  transmission pipeline or natural gas transmission pipeline
 1149  corridor will be located shall prepare a report as to the impact
 1150  of each proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor
 1151  on matters within its jurisdiction, including the consistency of
 1152  the proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor with
 1153  all applicable local ordinances, regulations, standards, or
 1154  criteria that apply to the proposed natural gas transmission
 1155  pipeline or corridor, including local comprehensive plans,
 1156  zoning regulations, land development regulations, and any
 1157  applicable local environmental regulations adopted pursuant to
 1158  s. 403.182 or by other means. No change by the responsible local
 1159  government or local agency in local comprehensive plans, zoning
 1160  ordinances, or other regulations made after the date required
 1161  for the filing of the local government’s report required by this
 1162  section shall be applicable to the certification of the proposed
 1163  natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor unless the
 1164  certification is denied or the application is withdrawn.
 1165         6. Each regional planning council in which the natural gas
 1166  transmission pipeline or natural gas transmission pipeline
 1167  corridor will be located shall present a report containing
 1168  recommendations that address the impact upon the public of the
 1169  proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor, based on
 1170  the degree to which the natural gas transmission pipeline or
 1171  corridor is consistent with the applicable provisions of the
 1172  strategic regional policy plan adopted pursuant to chapter 186
 1173  and other impacts of each proposed natural gas transmission
 1174  pipeline or corridor on matters within its jurisdiction.
 1175         6.7. The Department of Transportation shall prepare a
 1176  report on the effect of the natural gas transmission pipeline or
 1177  natural gas transmission pipeline corridor on matters within its
 1178  jurisdiction, including roadway crossings by the pipeline. The
 1179  report shall contain at a minimum:
 1180         a. A report by the applicant to the department stating that
 1181  all requirements of the department’s utilities accommodation
 1182  guide have been or will be met in regard to the proposed
 1183  pipeline or pipeline corridor; and
 1184         b. A statement by the department as to the adequacy of the
 1185  report to the department by the applicant.
 1186         7.8. The Department of State, Division of Historical
 1187  Resources, shall prepare a report on the impact of the natural
 1188  gas transmission pipeline or natural gas transmission pipeline
 1189  corridor on matters within its jurisdiction.
 1190         8.9. The commission shall prepare a report addressing
 1191  matters within its jurisdiction. The commission’s report shall
 1192  include its determination of need issued pursuant to s.
 1193  403.9422.
 1194         Section 28. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) and subsection
 1195  (6) of section 403.9411, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
 1196         403.9411 Notice; proceedings; parties and participants.—
 1197         (4)(a) Parties to the proceeding shall be:
 1198         1. The applicant.
 1199         2. The department.
 1200         3. The commission.
 1201         4. The Department of Economic Opportunity.
 1202         5. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
 1203         6. Each water management district in the jurisdiction of
 1204  which the proposed natural gas transmission pipeline or corridor
 1205  is to be located.
 1206         7. The local government.
 1207         8. The regional planning council.
 1208         8.9. The Department of Transportation.
 1209         9.10. The Department of State, Division of Historical
 1210  Resources.
 1211         (6) The order of presentation at the certification hearing,
 1212  unless otherwise changed by the administrative law judge to
 1213  ensure the orderly presentation of witnesses and evidence, shall
 1214  be:
 1215         (a) The applicant.
 1216         (b) The department.
 1217         (c) State agencies.
 1218         (d) Regional agencies, including regional planning councils
 1219  and water management districts.
 1220         (e) Local governments.
 1221         (f) Other parties.
 1222         Section 29. Subsection (6) of section 419.001, Florida
 1223  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1224         419.001 Site selection of community residential homes.—
 1225         (6) If agreed to by both the local government and the
 1226  sponsoring agency, a conflict may be resolved through informal
 1227  mediation. The local government shall arrange for the services
 1228  of an independent mediator or may utilize the dispute resolution
 1229  process established by a regional planning council pursuant to
 1230  s. 186.509. Mediation shall be concluded within 45 days of a
 1231  request therefor. The resolution of any issue through the
 1232  mediation process shall not alter any person’s right to a
 1233  judicial determination of any issue if that person is entitled
 1234  to such a determination under statutory or common law.
 1235         Section 30. Subsection (4) of section 985.682, Florida
 1236  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1237         985.682 Siting of facilities; criteria.—
 1238         (4) When the department requests such a modification and it
 1239  is denied by the local government, the local government or the
 1240  department shall initiate the dispute resolution process
 1241  established under s. 186.509 to reconcile differences on the
 1242  siting of correctional facilities between the department, local
 1243  governments, and private citizens. If the regional planning
 1244  council has not established a dispute resolution process
 1245  pursuant to s. 186.509, The department shall establish, by rule,
 1246  procedures for dispute resolution. The dispute resolution
 1247  process shall require the parties to commence meetings to
 1248  reconcile their differences. If the parties fail to resolve
 1249  their differences within 30 days after the denial, the parties
 1250  shall engage in voluntary mediation or similar process. If the
 1251  parties fail to resolve their differences by mediation within 60
 1252  days after the denial, or if no action is taken on the
 1253  department’s request within 90 days after the request, the
 1254  department must appeal the decision of the local government on
 1255  the requested modification of local plans, ordinances, or
 1256  regulations to the Governor and Cabinet. Any dispute resolution
 1257  process initiated under this section must conform to the time
 1258  limitations set forth herein. However, upon agreement of all
 1259  parties, the time limits may be extended, but in no event may
 1260  the dispute resolution process extend over 180 days.
 1261         Section 31. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.