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FL S1066
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/5/2026
Primary Sponsor
Appropriations
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates the "Northeast Florida Rivers, Springs, and Community Investment Act" requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to hire a project lead by August 31, 2026, to oversee Ocklawaha River restoration
- Mandates a project plan by July 1, 2027, to restore the Ocklawaha River's natural flow by breaching Kirkpatrick Dam and decommissioning Buckman Lock, with completion targeted for December 31, 2032
- Establishes a 16-member Northeast Florida River and Springs Recreation and Economic Development Advisory Council with representatives from state agencies, local counties (Marion, Putnam, Clay, St. Johns), recreation businesses, and Naval Air Station Jacksonville
- Requires development of an outdoor recreation plan to expand river and springs access for fishing, hunting, swimming, paddling, and hiking, with state-owned land projects to be completed by December 31, 2035
- Directs creation of a grant program for river communities and an economic development program for Marion and Putnam Counties to support job creation and capital investment, both to be implemented by early 2028
Legislative Description
Tributaries of the St. Johns River
Last Action
Retained on Calendar
2/19/2026
Committee Referrals
Appropriations2/6/2026
Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government1/22/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available