FL S0452

Appropriates $20 million annually from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection to implement the Heartland Headwaters Protection and Sustainability Act (Chapter 2017-111, Laws of Florida)

Funds must be used for financial assistance agreements to design or construct projects that protect, restore, or enhance the headwaters of the Alafia, Hillsborough, Kissimmee, Ocklawaha, Peace, and Withlacoochee Rivers in Central Florida's Heartland Region

Distribution of funds must align with projects identified in the heartland headwaters annual report submitted to the Legislature pursuant to s. 373.463

Legislative findings cite a projected 49% population increase in the Central Florida Water Initiative region by 2040 and a 36% increase in water use from 667 million to 908 million gallons per day, with fresh groundwater near or exceeding availability limits in some areas

Effective date is July 1, 2024, with the $20 million distribution subject to reduction by debt service paid on bonds issued after that date for the same purposes