CS/CS/HB 323 - Summary

• Gopher Tortoise Conservation: Requires state land managing agencies to consider using portions of state lands (40+ contiguous acres) as gopher tortoise recipient sites in management plans, with feasibility assessments for economic viability.

• Streamlined Permitting: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission must streamline gopher tortoise recipient site applications by December 31, 2022, requiring information requests within 45 days and approval/denial decisions within 45 days of complete applications.

• Private Land Authorization: Allows landowners with conservation easements or less-than-fee interests to establish gopher tortoise recipient sites or conservation banks on their property if operations do not interfere with conservation management plans and comply with all permitting requirements.

• Derelict Vessel Removal: Expands derelict vessel definitions and procedures, establishes grant programs to local governments for vessel removal, and clarifies vessel disposal processes through the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

• Boating and Waterway Regulations: Restricts public bathing beaches and swim areas from being designated on waters including the Florida Intracoastal Waterway or within 100 feet of its marked channel; authorizes collegiate and interscholastic rowing teams to operate in the marked channel under specific conditions.