This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to natural resources, focusing on land acquisition, project eligibility for flooding and sea-level rise resilience, and funding distribution for environmental programs. Key changes include the requirement for applications for full fee simple acquisition projects to specify the reasons for needing full title, and the expansion of entities with which state agencies can contract for land management to include water control districts. Additionally, the scoring system for assessing project eligibility for the statewide flooding and sea-level rise plan is revised to include new criteria that emphasize flood risk reduction and community participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

The bill also outlines the distribution of funds from the Indian Gaming Revenue Clearing Trust Fund, mandating that any remaining funds after specified distributions be transferred to the General Revenue Fund. It establishes a water quality improvement grant program prioritizing projects in rural areas of opportunity and requires the Department of Environmental Protection to announce grant awards by a specific date. Furthermore, it mandates the establishment of an agricultural nonpoint source regional water program aimed at improving water quality in impaired water bodies. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 2506 Filed: 253.0251, 259.032, 380.093, 380.095, 403.0673