FL S1436

Creates the Florida Statewide Water Oversight and Planning Council as an advisory council within the Department of Environmental Protection to guide development of 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year water forecasting plans.

Council consists of 15 members including 2 Governor appointees, 1 each from House Speaker and Senate President, representatives from state agencies (Agriculture, Environmental Protection), environmental and business groups (Sierra Club, Florida Homebuilders Association, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida), and 1 member from each of the 5 water management districts.

Council shall identify existing and new potable water sources, promote water conservation and reclaimed water reuse, make recommendations on water storage and flood protection projects, and review impacts of underground activities (drilling, fracking, mining) and dredging on water supplies and aquifers.

Council shall develop recommendations for protecting natural water systems including lakes, springs, wetlands, streams, and wildlife habitats, and manage beaches, coastal systems, Everglades restoration, and wetland protection.

Five-year water forecasting plan due to Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2017; 10-year and 20-year plans due by January 1, 2018; effective July 1, 2015.