Environment

Florida has a strong regulatory framework of environmental laws designed to protect and manage the State's natural resources. AFCD supports effective environmental programs that protect the public, our natural resources, and private property interests. Environmental permitting requirements are often piecemeal, overlapping and conflicting. This is unnecessarily costly to the developer, confusing to local government, and does not serve the public interest.

Eliminate Conflicting Authority

There is a need for consistency among local, regional, State, and Federal government agencies regarding environmental permitting. There should not be overlapping jurisdictions or conflicting regulations. One agency should be given the authority and responsibility for regulation of a particular resource, without duplication by other agencies. Specific environmental permitting programs considered to be of essential State interest should be preempted to and carried out only by the State.

Follow the Science

Florida has established sophisticated regulatory programs for protecting and restoring water quality and water flow. These programs, such as total maximum daily loads, and minimum flows and levels, require state regulators to follow the science, not political whims, and they should be prioritized as a means to restore and protect Florida springs and other high-value waters. Relying on science-based environmental regulatory programs will help ensure that Florida communities make sound infrastructure investments that protect our resources and allow for continued economic growth.