CS/HB 691 - Beach Management Summary

• Renames Parts I and II of Chapter 161, Florida Statutes, as the "Dennis L. Jones Beach and Shore Preservation Act."

• Authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection to issue coastal construction permits in advance of incidental take authorization under the Endangered Species Act if permits include a condition prohibiting activity until such authorization is issued.

• Requires the department to adopt rules addressing mixing zone criteria and antidegradation requirements for beach management and inlet permits involving sediment excavation and placement, and requires justification of additional information requests during permitting.

• Directs the department to streamline permitting for periodic maintenance of previously permitted beach nourishment and inlet management projects under the joint coastal permit process, allowing for either two maintenance events or a 15-year permit life, whichever is greater.

• Requires the department to maintain current beach management project listings on its website by fiscal year and notify the Governor's Office and Legislature of funding changes exceeding 25 percent; creates permit exemptions for exploratory activities related to beach restoration and inlet management, including geotechnical surveys, oceanographic instrument deployment, and incidental excavation.

• Effective date: July 1, 2012.