Environmental Planning & Agriculture

There are a number of environmental and agricultural policy issues that affect counties, both in their role as regulator and their role as regulated entities.  FAC has consistently fought off preemptions and unfunded mandates in this area of the law.

• CALL TO ACTION!  Fertilizer Application Exemption - Click here.

Issues

Numeric Nutrient Criteria - The State of Florida currently uses a“narrative” standard to guide the management and protection of nutrients in its waters. Chapter 62-302.530, Florida Administrative Code (FAC), states that “in no case shall nutrient concentrations of body of water be altered so as to cause an imbalance in natural populations of flora or fauna.” To learn more click here.

Septic Tanks - As a part of the comprehensive environmental protection legislation passed in 2010, SB 550 established a septic tank evaluation and appraisal program to be implemented by the Department of Health (DOH).   The program requires the evaluation of all septic tanks in Florida once every five years, and provides minimum effluent levels and drainfield separation distances.  Click here for more information.

Fertilizer– In 2007, the Florida Legislature created the Florida Consumer Fertilizer Task Force (the “Task Force”) to develop recommendations for statewide policies and programs regarding consumer fertilizer use. Task Force members were appointed by the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Commissioner of Agriculture, Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties, and comprised a wide range of stakeholder interests and technical qualifications. Staffing and support was provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS).  Click here for more information.

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• Session Week Three