Florida’s Resilience Plan is now law. Here’s what’s in it.
Bottom Line: On Wednesday Governor DeSantis signed two pieces of environmental legislation, including SB 1954, the into law. Also, the legislation was immediately effective meaning the wheels are already in motion. This legislation marks the largest overhaul of the handling of Florida’s environmental policy since the creation of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the 1970’s. Governor DeSantis advocated for the creation of a resiliency task force and a series of reforms regarding Florida’s approach to issues like sea level rise and the legislature delivered. The key changes which are coming to Florida are these:
- Creation of a grant program which would fund “resilience” planning outlined by local governments
- Tasks Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection with guidelines for eligibility and oversight of the state’s resilience program in addition to the creation of a statewide recommended plan for addressing sea-level rise
- All plans to be updated annually based on current conditions and new information
- The creation of a Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research within the University of South Florida’s Marine Science Center
- Mandates Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research use the available annual reporting information in its planning and reporting (which is used for budget purposes)
The companion legislation funds these initiatives at a rate of $100 million per year, much of which will be accessible by local governments as part of the grant program. In terms of how this will work... The state will create an annual blueprint for local governments to consider. Local governments will then submit their specific proposals for combating sea-level rise/flooding issues and grants will fund approved projects through Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection. Ongoing research to be used by all entities would be provided through a new research arm at USF. It's a pragmatic approach which utilizes all of the resources available within our state and makes them available to each of our communities. Local leadership will be key from here. With up to $100 million available for grants per year that local governments will be vying for...good planning and leadership will be key for South Florida’s communities to obtain funds to carry out their resiliency efforts.
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