December 12, 2022 –  Two bills, House Bill 3A and Senate Bill 4A both addressing “Disaster Relief,” have been filed for consideration in this week’s Special Session of the Legislature.

Section 1 of each bill amends Section 161.101, Florida Statutes, relating to “State and local participation in authorized projects and studies relating to beach management and erosion control.” It provides that for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is authorized to waive or reduce the match requirements for local governments in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Lucie, Sarasota, and Volusia Counties.

Section 11 of each bill creates a Hurricane Stormwater and Wastewater Assistance Program within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for affected counties, cities and special districts. The bills limit the program to local governments located in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Lucie, Sarasota, and Volusia Counties and impacted by Hurricanes Ian or Nicole. The grant program can award grants up to $10 million to counties, cities and special taxing districts that operate a stormwater or wastewater management system.

The bills are anticipated to pass this week and to take effect immediately. If you have any questions or need additional information, please reach out to LLW attorney and lobbyist Chris Lyon at clyon@llw-law.com or at 850-222-5702.