HB 135 Summary

• Amends section 375.041, Florida Statutes to establish a new annual appropriation of $20 million from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection for Florida Keys conservation purposes.

• The $20 million may be used to implement the Florida Keys Stewardship Act through financial assistance agreements with local governments, or to acquire land within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern with priority given to acquisitions protecting water resources and natural groundwater recharge.

• Prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection from using the appropriated $20 million funds for wastewater management projects or programs.

• Reduces the $20 million distribution by amounts equal to debt service paid on bonds issued after July 1, 2023 for these purposes.

• Takes effect July 1, 2023.