FL S0320

Establishes a new annual appropriation from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund of the lesser of 7.6 percent or $50 million for projects dedicated to the conservation and management of the Indian River Lagoon

Directs the Department of Environmental Protection to use the funds to make grants, including multiyear grants, for projects implementing the 2008 updated Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan

Requires the department to coordinate all grants with the South Florida Water Management District and the St. Johns River Water Management District, and with other water management districts as necessary

Gives preference to ecosystem monitoring and habitat restoration projects, projects connecting septic systems to central sewer systems, and stormwater/freshwater/agricultural discharge management projects, with sewer connection and discharge management grants requiring a minimum 50 percent local match

Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to submit an annual report on funded projects to the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker beginning January 1, 2024, with an effective date of July 1, 2023