CS for CS for CS for SB 550 - Environmental Protection Summary

• Creates Part VII of Chapter 373, Florida Statutes establishing comprehensive water supply policy, planning, production, and funding mechanisms, including requirements for water management districts to develop regional water supply plans and funding for alternative water supply development projects.

• Establishes regional water supply authorities that municipalities, counties, and special districts can create through interlocal agreements to develop, store, and supply water, with authority to levy ad valorem taxes up to 0.5 mill and issue revenue bonds.

• Requires Florida Keys wastewater management compliance including prohibition of domestic wastewater discharge into surface waters by December 31, 2015, advanced treatment requirements by 2018, and functioning reuse systems by 2025; also mandates septic tank evaluations and prohibits land application of septage after January 1, 2016.

• Eliminates ocean outfall discharges for domestic wastewater after December 31, 2025 (except as backup), requires 60 percent reuse systems, and establishes strict treatment standards for Monroe County facilities with specific nitrogen and phosphorus limits.

• Transfers expedited permitting authority from the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to the Secretary of Environmental Protection; lowers job creation thresholds from 100 to 50 jobs; expands eligibility to include renewable energy and biofuel projects; allows appeals of local comprehensive plan approvals through summary hearing procedures.