This 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 coastal challenges. Specifically, it adds a new category under the definition that recognizes coastal resiliency projects as those that involve planning, contracting, and execution to combat flooding and sea level rise, as well as infrastructure repairs and upgrades related to stormwater drainage and seawalls.

Additionally, the bill creates a new section, 380.0934, which grants the Department of Environmental Protection exclusive authority to execute coastal resiliency projects through public-private partnerships. The department is empowered to encourage private sector investment by entering into long-term revenue-sharing agreements, providing expedited permitting, and engaging local governments and the public in project planning. Furthermore, the department is required to publish biennial progress reports on these projects, detailing milestones and expenditures, and to maintain an online dashboard for real-time updates on project execution.

Statutes affected:
S 1580 c1: 255.065