The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to surface waters and environmental protection. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to incorporate a "habitat equivalency analysis" into the uniform mitigation assessment method for wetlands and surface waters, which is defined as a methodology to determine the necessary restoration to compensate for adverse impacts. Additionally, the bill mandates that permits for dredging and filling must include requirements for separate monitoring entities and that permitted entities are fully responsible for any damage caused by their activities. The DEP is also tasked with adopting rules to implement these changes.

Furthermore, the bill revises legislative findings regarding coral reefs, designating them as critical natural infrastructure that can mitigate climate change-related risks. It emphasizes the importance of healthy coral reefs in protecting coastal properties from natural disasters and recognizes the DEP as the lead trustee for coral reef resources. The bill also reenacts certain provisions related to mitigation requirements for transportation projects, ensuring that the updated uniform mitigation assessment method is referenced in these contexts. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1319 Filed: 373.414, 403.811