FL H1263

Designates wetlands south of State Road 416, north of State Road 50, east of State Road 431, and west of State Road 441 in Orlando as headwaters of the Little Wekiva River and directs their inclusion in Wekiva River System restoration efforts.

Requires the St. Johns River Water Management District to conduct a study assessing the impact of Little Wekiva River headwaters and surrounding wetlands on the Wekiva River System, St. Johns River, and Floridan Aquifer by October 1, 2020.

Prohibits approval or issuance of permits for development projects on Little Wekiva River headwaters wetlands and prevents commencement of previously permitted projects until the Acquisition and Restoration Council makes determinations about land inclusion in the Wekiva-Ocala Connector Project or Florida Forever program.

Requires the district to develop a plan for purchasing and restoring Little Wekiva River headwaters wetlands and submit it to the Governor and Legislature before January 1, 2021.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.