The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to beach management and erosion control. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection to review specific data when designating beaches as critically eroded and in need of restoration. The bill mandates that local governments with financial plans for beach preservation and certain geological features must have their beaches designated as critically eroded. Additionally, the secretary of the department is authorized to require coastal local governments to develop local strategic beach management plans that include analyses of various factors, such as flooding and property values.

Furthermore, the bill revises the criteria for designating areas of critical state concern, adding low elevation sections near beaches that have been frequently breached by seawater. It also reenacts provisions related to resource planning and management committees to align with the new amendments. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1297 Filed: 161.161, 380.05
H 1297 c1: 161.161, 380.05