FL H1159

Establishes a 15-member Water Oversight and Planning Board to oversee statewide water supply planning, water quality, flood protection, and natural systems protection, with members from state agencies, environmental groups, business organizations, and the five water management districts.

Board shall meet at least quarterly in different locations across the state, with members serving 4-year terms and receiving reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses from Department of Environmental Protection appropriations.

Board shall develop 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year water forecasting plans; identify and inventory potable water sources; consolidate water data into an electronic data center housed in the Florida Geological Survey; and promote water conservation and reuse of reclaimed water.

Board shall review regional water supply plans, assess mechanisms for natural systems protection, investigate impacts of underground activity and dredging on aquifers and waters, and make recommendations for beach management, Everglades restoration, and wetland protection.

Board shall submit long-range plans to the Department of Environmental Protection, water management districts, Governor, and Legislature annually by September 1, and submit findings and recommendations biennially starting September 1, 2017.

Effective date: July 1, 2016.