FL S1072

Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to mandate that adverse impact analyses on natural habitat for dredging and beach restoration projects be conducted by an independent contractor selected by the local government.

Prohibits the independent contractor from being associated with any project of the dredging contractor for 5 years before and 5 years after the analysis.

Requires local governments to provide written notice of intent to conduct analyses to adjacent local governments that may be impacted by the activity.

Exempts deepwater port maintenance dredging from these requirements.

Takes effect July 1, 2023.