FL H0963

Creates port conceptual permits valid for up to 20 years (extendable for 10 more years) that provide state certification of compliance with water quality standards and consistency with coastal zone management programs for seaport facilities and adjacent private industrial marine activities.

Establishes permit application requirements including identification of construction areas, estimated wetland impacts with mitigation plans, impervious surface details, and stormwater treatment systems, with the department balancing facility benefits against environmental impacts.

Authorizes advance mitigation for anticipated impacts and allows subsequent construction permits to rely on conceptual permit assurances if no rule changes occur and the total maximum daily load requirements are met.

Reduces matching fund requirements from 50-50 to 25-75 for projects rehabilitating wharves, docks, berths, and bulkheads, and requires the Department of Transportation to include seaport funding in its budget requests and work programs.

Expands maintenance dredging mixing zones from 100 to 150 meters, extends the time allowance for post-storm dredging from 2 to 3 years, and authorizes seaports to enter into public-private agreements for port infrastructure projects.