The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance stormwater treatment and management regulations, particularly concerning proposed port activities that may contribute to pollution from stormwater runoff. It prohibits certain stormwater treatment and net improvement activities by non-local governmental entities, specifically restricting regional stormwater management systems from providing treatment or enhancement credits. New definitions are introduced, including "compensating stormwater treatment," "enhancement credit," and "pollutant reduction allocation," while also establishing requirements for financial responsibility documentation for applicants seeking environmental resource permits.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the use of enhancement credits for governmental entities to meet environmental resource permit performance standards and mandates the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt relevant rules by a specified date. It also modifies existing language regarding permit issuance, changing the requirement from "prior to" to "before" acceptance of cash donations for mitigation projects. The bill emphasizes that mitigation credits can only be granted if donations cover the full costs of projects and establishes conditions for using credits from mitigation banks. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1457 Filed: 373.036, 373.250, 373.421, 556.102
H 1457 c1: 311.106, 373.414
H 1457 c2: 311.106, 373.414