CS/CS/HB 1379 - Environmental Protection Summary

• Revises local government comprehensive plan requirements for capital improvements, sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage, potable water, and natural groundwater aquifer recharge elements, with updates required by July 1, 2024.

• Increases estimated value thresholds for land acquisition agreements requiring Board of Trustees approval from $5 million to $1 million and removes requirement for initial Florida Forever project lands to be submitted for board approval.

• Requires Department of Environmental Protection to disclose appraisal reports to private landowners during negotiations and allows acquisition of parcels at full value determined by highest approved appraisal.

• Establishes Indian River Lagoon Protection Program with basin management action plans, water quality monitoring, and prohibits new onsite sewage systems in specified areas beginning January 1, 2024; requires connection to central sewer or upgrade to enhanced systems by July 1, 2030.

• Renames wastewater grant program as water quality improvement grant program and requires 5-year implementation milestones in basin management action plans with annual reporting on sanitary sewer construction status.