On Thursday, May 14, 2015, Governor Scott signed into law CS/CS Senate Bill 1216, now Chapter 2015-30, Laws of Florida.  This historic piece of legislation eliminates the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) process requirements of chapter 380.06, Florida Statutes, for new projects.  The DRI program was created by the Florida Environmental Land and Water Management Act of 1972, predating the state's current comprehensive planning process.  The program has been whittled down under recent legislation and the new law essentially marks its end.  New projects that meet the DRI thresholds under chapter 380.06, Florida Statutes, will be instead subject to the state coordinated comprehensive plan review process under section 163.3184 (4), Florida Statutes.  The provisions of chapter 380.06 remain in place for existing DRIs.  The law became effective immediately. 

A number of questions have already begun to surface regarding interpretation of the legislation and it will be important to monitor implementation by local governments and any guidance that may be issued by the state land planning agency. 

Chapter 2015-30 contains numerous other provisions, including significant changes to the boundaries and duties of the Regional Planning Councils.  For additional information on the provisions of this legislation, please click here to see our Practice Update of May 11, 2015,  Major Revision to Development of Regional Impact Review Process Passed by 2015 Florida Legislature; Awaits Action By Governor.