This bill amends section 255.065 of the Florida Statutes to revise the definition of "qualifying project" to include coastal resiliency projects, specifically adding a new category under the definition. Additionally, it creates a new section, 380.0934, which establishes the Department of Environmental Protection as the exclusive authority to execute coastal resiliency projects through public-private partnerships. The bill outlines specific definitions related to coastal resiliency projects, including planning and executing initiatives to address flooding and sea level rise, as well as infrastructure repairs and upgrades.

Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection to take various actions to encourage private sector investment in these projects, such as entering into long-term revenue-sharing agreements and providing expedited permitting. It also mandates the department to publish biennial progress reports on its website, detailing project milestones, expenditures, and public benefits, along with maintaining an online dashboard for real-time updates on project execution. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
H 751 Filed: 255.065