The bill amends section 255.065 of the Florida Statutes to revise the definition of "qualifying project" to include coastal resiliency projects, thereby expanding the scope of public-private partnerships to encompass initiatives aimed at addressing flooding and sea level rise. Additionally, it creates a new section, 380.0934, which defines coastal resiliency projects and grants the Department of Environmental Protection exclusive authority to execute these projects through public-private partnerships. The bill outlines specific actions the department can take to encourage private sector investment, such as entering into long-term revenue-sharing agreements and providing expedited permitting.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of Environmental Protection to publish biennial progress reports on coastal resiliency projects funded through public-private partnerships, detailing project milestones, expenditures, and public benefits. It also requires the creation of an online dashboard for real-time updates on project execution, ensuring transparency and public engagement in the planning and execution of these critical infrastructure projects.

Statutes affected:
H 1345 c1: 255.065