FL S1686

Designates the Brevard Barrier Island Area in southern Brevard County as an area of critical state concern to protect fragile coastal ecosystems and sea turtle nesting habitat.

Establishes guiding principles for development including prohibiting new shoreline hardening structures, prioritizing water quality restoration in the Indian River Lagoon, and protecting dunes, beaches, and marine resources.

Requires state and local agencies to coordinate plans and regulatory activities consistent with the guiding principles and legislative intent to support safe hurricane evacuation and orderly growth.

Allows the state land planning agency to recommend removal of the designation to the Administration Commission if local regulations adequately protect the area and meet specific environmental recovery benchmarks beginning November 30, 2030.

Effective July 1, 2023.