HB 7171 Summary

• Creates section 373.4131, Florida Statutes to establish uniform statewide stormwater quality treatment requirements focused on reducing nutrients (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) that impair state waters.

• Requires the Department of Environmental Protection, in coordination with water management districts, to develop and adopt a uniform stormwater quality treatment rule by July 1, 2011.

• Water management districts and delegated local programs may implement the rule without formal rulemaking procedures under chapter 120, and variations from the rule are prohibited except as specified.

• Establishes alternative treatment requirements for redevelopment of sites 10 acres or less and retrofit projects where net reduction in nutrient discharge occurs, based on feasibility assessments of best management practices.

• Exempts existing stormwater systems legally in place before the new rule's effective date and permits issued before that date from the new requirements, unless applicants elect compliance with the new rule.