This bill aims to enhance the conservation and management of Florida's dry sandy beaches and related natural resources by amending several sections of Florida Statutes. Key changes include the revision of the definition of "conservation purposes" to explicitly include "dry sandy beaches" and the establishment of a pilot program by the Division of State Lands and the Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas to inventory existing dry sandy beaches. The bill also expands the purposes for which the Governor and Cabinet can expend funds to include the protection of dry sandy beaches and related public access facilities. Additionally, it revises the composition of the Acquisition and Restoration Council and the regional land management review team to include specialists in beach preservation.

The bill further emphasizes the importance of public access to beaches and mandates that the Acquisition and Restoration Council maintain a list of qualified nonprofit entities to enforce conservation easements. It also requires the council to prioritize the acquisition of privately owned beach parcels, particularly in densely populated areas, to enhance public access and expand existing beach areas. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1792 Filed: 259.036, 259.04
S 1792 c1: 259.036, 259.04