Governor DeSantis signs updates to Florida stormwater regulations

Developers in Florida will now have to comply with more stringent stormwater regulations.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation (SB7040) updating environmental laws with a number of standards recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Many of the new standards do not apply to a number of grandfathered projects for which stormwater management plans have already been approved by the state.

The regulations establish practices by which developers can demonstrate compliance with the law. Applicants for state permits must provide reasonable assurance through modeling, calculations, and supporting documentation that meet the provisions of the revised regulations.

Economists from the Florida House of Representatives estimate that the amended regulations under Clean Waterways Act would increase the cost of treating stormwater in Florida, adding about $2,600 to develop each acre of land. That would mean a cumulative cost increase of $1.2 billion over the next five years, based on current trends. It allows for cheaper regulatory alternatives, according to an. analysis by the Florida House of Representatives.

These regulations establish new minimum performance standards requiring that stormwater treatment systems be designed to achieve at least an 80% reduction in the average annual total suspended solids load upon completion of construction, or a 95% reduction if the proposed project is located in a watershed containing “Unique water in Florida“or one that is upstream.

Projects near already damaged waterways almost have to meet higher standards.

The new regulations allow for alternative management plans developed by state-registered environmental consultants, but such management will be subject to regular reviews.

Any proposals to build new dams must take into account the potential downstream risks in the event of structural or equipment failure.

The bill was sponsored by a senator. Gayle HarrellRepublican Stuart and Republican. Linda ChaneyRepublican from St. Petersburg, in his chambers. The bill never raised any objections in committees.

The bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 37-0 and in the House of Representatives by a vote of 114-0.

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