Florida Legislature Passes Comprehensive Water Bill
An Overview:
Florida Legislature Passes Comprehensive Water Bill
Just released January 15, 2016, the Florida House overwhelmingly approved a statewide water policy bill strongly backed by Florida REALTORS® (FloridaRealtors.org) heading into the 2016 legislative session. A day earlier, the Florida Senate unanimously supported the bill. Florida lawmakers have worked to advance the bill for more than two years and it is widely supported by Southwest Florida REALTORS® and other area industry experts. The bill (SB 552) was sent to Governor Rick Scott for signature, which was signed before January, 21, 2016.
Florida REALTORS® (FR) has been consistent in providing a voice for this bill. Carrie O’Rourke, Vice President of FR public policy has stated, “Passage of SB 552 provides a strong foundation for a comprehensive statewide policy that addresses key aspects of water management, water quality and water supply. REALTORS® are passionate about the state’s water resources. We thank members of the House and Senate for passing this great bill.”
What does this newly-passed water policy bill do for Florida and its residents? It protects Florida’s water resources, while protecting property rights as well. It also serves as a blueprint for avoiding a water crisis like the one California is currently experiencing, which would have devastating effects on the Florida economy. Legislation talking points from the session outlined the soon-to-be law’s benefits.
First, management districts and other regional water supply authorities will operate by a set of statewide standards for collecting and analyzing water supplies and water quality. Operating by one set of standards will ensure reliable data.
The bill will also establish water flow levels for the state’s natural springs and shift responsibility for regulating cleanup of Lake Okeechobee from the South Florida Water Management District and Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, whose mission is to promote agriculture. Incidentally, environmentalists have blamed its $4 billion industry for much of the phosphorous and nitrogen dumped into Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.
Additionally, the bill would divvy up polluted water bodies into basins and require an action plan for cleaning water in a specific basin to be developed, implemented and reviewed every five years. In agricultural areas, especially those north of the lake, the agriculture department would urge growers and ranchers to use techniques which use less water and fertilizers. The bill has been backed by business groups, including Associated Industries of Florida and other agricultural industries, such as sugar cane, citrus, and fruits and vegetables. Agricultural industries are one of the largest water consumers in the state.
REALTORS® are also passionate about water issues because no matter where home sellers and buyers live in Florida, there are bodies of water which play vital roles in many residential communities.
Additionally, FR supports several goals of this good legislation:
- In regards to the creation of the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, FR stated,” We applaud the Legislature’s objective to put programs in place that will protect and restore water flow and water quality in the aquifer. These programs will also improve conditions at “outstanding Florida Springs.”
- FR agrees the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in cooperation with water management districts and other regional water supply authorities, should operate by a set of statewide standards when it comes to collecting and analyzing water supplies and water quality. Operating by one set of standards will ensure reliable and valid data and testing results.
- FR also supports establishing water flow levels for the state’s natural springs. FR stated, “We concur that the DEP should oversee pollution control measures for Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee Estuary and the St. Lucie River and Estuary.”
The need for clean and abundant water will only increase as the population increases. According to the DEP, Florida will need an additional two billion gallons of water per day to meet the needs of an ever-growing population. Southwest Florida, as both a destination as well as a growing area of full-time residents, needs statewide regulation of water protection to support continued interest in the area from home buyers, as well as home sellers. Additionally, these policies will help to support stable home values, ensuring the Southwest real estate market experiences a normal growth pattern for years to come.
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